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Equity Derivatives Trader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Junior Equity Derivatives Trader

New York, NY · On-site

$29 - $38.75/hr

Trading and making markets (or assisting with) on various equity derivatives on ETF and single stocks in all US markets for various client types, including hedge funds, retail, private banks, asset ...

$19.50 - $26.25/hr

Trading and making markets (or assisting with) on various equity derivatives on ETF and single stocks in all US markets for various client types, including hedge funds, retail, private banks, asset ...

Structure, price, and manage listed equity derivative trades (single stock, ETF, index options) on behalf of institutional clients. * Provide clients with trade ideas, hedging strategies, and market ...

Certain roles within the Institutional Equity Division require a more technical skillset. Derivatives and Trading is responsible for the generation and facilitation of liquidity, as well as ...

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Equity Derivatives Trader information

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$50K

$105.8K

$150K

How much do equity derivatives trader jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for equity derivatives trader in the United States is $105,750.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,000.00 and $120,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an equity derivatives trader do?

An Equity Derivatives Trader is responsible for buying and selling financial contracts, such as options and futures, that derive their value from underlying equities like stocks. They use market analysis, risk assessment, and trading strategies to profit from price movements or to hedge risk for their clients or firms. These professionals work in fast-paced environments, often for investment banks, hedge funds, or proprietary trading firms, and must stay updated on market trends, economic news, and company performance. Success in this role requires strong analytical skills, quick decision-making, and an understanding of both equity markets and derivative instruments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an equity derivatives trader, and why are they important?

To excel as an Equity Derivatives Trader, you need a strong background in finance, mathematics, and market analysis, often supported by a relevant degree and experience in trading or financial markets. Proficiency with trading platforms, risk management systems, and programming languages like Python or VBA is commonly required, along with certifications such as CFA or FRM being advantageous. Exceptional decision-making, analytical thinking, and the ability to perform under pressure are vital soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications are essential for assessing market opportunities, managing risk, and executing complex trades efficiently in rapidly changing market conditions.

What are some common challenges faced by equity derivatives traders, and how can they be addressed?

Equity Derivatives Traders often face the challenge of managing market volatility and rapidly changing conditions, which can impact pricing and risk exposure. Staying updated with market news and utilizing advanced risk management tools are essential strategies to mitigate these risks. Effective communication with sales, research, and technology teams is also vital to ensure timely information flow and execution. Adapting quickly to new regulations and leveraging innovative trading technologies can further support success in this fast-paced environment.

What is the difference between Equity Derivatives Trader vs Equity Sales Trader?

AspectEquity Derivatives TraderEquity Sales Trader
Primary RoleExecutes and manages derivatives trading strategies related to equitiesProvides equity investment solutions and sells equity products to clients
Skills & CertificationsFinancial modeling, derivatives knowledge, trading platformsClient relationship management, sales skills, market knowledge
Work EnvironmentTrading desks, financial institutions, fast-pacedClient-facing, sales meetings, market analysis
Industry UsageInvestment banks, hedge funds, trading firmsAsset managers, brokerage firms, investment banks

In summary, Equity Derivatives Traders focus on executing and managing derivatives strategies, while Equity Sales Traders primarily build client relationships and sell equity products. Both roles require financial market knowledge but differ in daily activities and skill sets.

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Cities with the most Equity Derivatives Trader job openings:

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For Equity Derivatives Trader jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Equity Derivatives Trader job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,750 per year, or $50.8 per hour.

Equity Derivatives Trader - Associate / Vice President

Manhattan, NY • On-site

Jefferies
Investment Banking and Securities Dealing • 10K+ employees

$150K - $235K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

We are seeking an Equity Derivatives Trader at the Associate or Vice President level with a focus on single stock equity derivatives. The ideal candidate will have 2-7 years of experience in a flow-facing trading seat, with strong exposure to pricing, market making, and risk-managing single-name options and related equity derivative products.

This role is suited to a trader with a deep understanding of option Greeks, volatility, and real-time risk management, particularly as they relate to single stock exposures rather than index-based products.

Key Responsibilities

  • Price, trade, and risk-manage equity derivative products with a focus on single stock / single-name options.
  • Provide liquidity and competitive pricing to institutional clients in a flow-facing trading environment.
  • Manage live trading risk across key option Greeks, including delta, gamma, vega, theta, and skew.
  • Monitor single-name volatility, earnings events, corporate actions, borrow, dividends, liquidity, and idiosyncratic stock risk.
  • Support market-making activity across single stock equity derivatives and related products.
  • Work closely with sales teams to understand client flow, respond to pricing requests, and manage client-driven risk.
  • Collaborate with quant, technology, operations, and control teams to enhance pricing tools, risk systems, and execution processes.
  • Maintain disciplined hedging, inventory management, P&L attribution, and adherence to risk limits.
  • Ensure all trading activity complies with internal policies, regulatory requirements, and market conduct standards.

Required Qualifications

  • 2-7 years of experience in equity derivatives trading.
  • Current or prior experience in a flow-facing trading seat.
  • Strong preference for candidates with experience focused on single stock / single-name equity derivatives, rather than primarily index products.
  • Extensive understanding of option Greeks and practical application in trading and risk management.
  • Demonstrated experience with market making, client pricing, hedging, and real-time risk management.
  • Strong analytical, quantitative, and decision-making skills.
  • Ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced trading floor environment.
  • Strong communication skills and ability to partner with sales and other internal stakeholders.
  • High attention to detail and strong understanding of trading controls and risk governance.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience trading listed single stock options, OTC single-name options, or related equity derivative products.
  • Familiarity with single-stock specific risks, including earnings, corporate actions, dividends, borrow, liquidity, and event-driven volatility.
  • Knowledge of volatility surfaces, skew, term structure, and single-name options market structure.
  • Programming or data analysis skills in Python, VBA, SQL, or similar tools.
  • Experience contributing to pricing models, risk tools, trading analytics, or execution workflows.

New York, NY Full Time Base Salary Range of $150,000-235,000. 

#LI-DNI

Jefferies is a leading global, full-service investment banking and capital markets firm that provides advisory, sales and trading, research, and wealth and asset management services. With more than 40 offices around the world, we offer insights and expertise to investors, companies, and governments.

At Jefferies, we are committed to building a culture that provides opportunities for all employees regardless of our differences and supports a workforce that is reflective of the communities where we work and live. As a result, we are able to pool our collective insights and intelligence to provide fresh and innovative thinking for our clients.

Jefferies is committed to creating and sustaining a workforce that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds to apply. Our employment decisions are made without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, pregnancy, age, medical condition, physical or mental disability, marital status, domestic partner status, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, genetic information, reproductive health decisions, or any other factor protected by applicable law. We are committed to hiring the most qualified applicants and complying with all federal, state, and local equal employment opportunity laws. As part of this commitment, Jefferies will extend reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities, as required by applicable law.

The salary offered will take into consideration an individual's experience level and qualifications. In addition to salary, Jefferies Financial Group is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package to eligible, full-time employees or part-time employees, who are scheduled to work at least 30 hours or more per week, including an annual discretionary incentive and retention bonus, competitive employee benefits, including: medical, dental & vision coverage; 401(k); life, accident, and disability insurance; and wellness programs. Jefferies also offers paid time off packages that include planned time off (e.g., vacation), unplanned time off (e.g., sick leave), and paid holidays, and for full-time employees, paid parental leave.