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Equity Options Trader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Optiver

US Options Sales Trader

New York, NY · On-site

$200K/yr

Our Institutional Trading teams play a key role in this mission, partnering with over 600 ... Deep understanding of the equity options market and key participants across exchanges. * Leverage ...

DRW

Equity Index Voice Trader

Chicago, IL · On-site

$150K - $250K/yr

DRW is seeking an experienced Equity Index Options Voice Trader to join one of our established trading teams. In this role, you will leverage your market expertise and quantitative insight to price ...

New

U.S. Bank

Fixed Income Trader

Harrisburg, PA · On-site

$75K - $89K/yr

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS - Six months to two years of trading experience in investment and securities ... Bank offers a comprehensive benefits package, including incentive and recognition programs, equity ...

Northern Trust

Fixed Income Trader

Chicago, IL · On-site

Fixed Income Trader The Fixed Income Trader is responsible for executing fixed income transactions ... Northern Trust also provides a discretionary bonus program that may include an equity component.

Phillips 66

Trader, Wholesale Asphalt

Houston, TX · On-site

$175K - $214K/yr

Phillips 66 & YOU - Together we can fuel the future The Trader, Wholesale Asphalt (Trader V ... Offers are made to ensure internal equity and market competitiveness. Our compensation programs are ...

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Equity Options Trader information

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$50K

$105.8K

$150K

How much do equity options trader jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for equity options 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 are Equity Options Traders?

Equity Options Traders are financial professionals who buy and sell options contracts on stocks (equities) in financial markets. They analyze market trends, assess risk, and develop trading strategies to profit from price movements in the underlying stocks. These traders may work independently or for financial institutions, and their work often involves quick decision-making, risk management, and staying updated on market news that can impact stock prices and volatility.

What are some common challenges faced by Equity Options Traders in a fast-paced trading environment?

Equity Options Traders often face challenges such as managing risk in volatile markets, making quick decisions under pressure, and staying updated with rapidly changing market news and regulations. Balancing multiple positions and strategies simultaneously requires strong analytical skills and a high level of attention to detail. Additionally, effective communication with other team members, including risk managers and analysts, is crucial for coordinating strategies and ensuring compliance with trading limits.

What is the difference between Equity Options Trader vs Equity Trader?

AspectEquity Options TraderEquity Trader
CredentialsFinance degree, options trading certifications (e.g., Series 7, 63)Finance degree, Series 7, 63
Work EnvironmentTrading desks, financial firms, hedge fundsTrading floors, investment banks, asset management firms
Primary FocusTrading equity options contracts, managing options strategiesTrading stocks and equity securities
Industry UsageInvestment banks, hedge funds, proprietary trading firmsBrokerages, asset managers, investment firms

While both roles involve trading equities, Equity Options Traders specialize in options contracts, requiring specific options trading certifications and strategies. Equity Traders focus on buying and selling stocks directly. The roles often overlap in work environment and credentials but differ in the financial instruments traded and strategic complexity.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Equity Options Trader, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Equity Options Trader, you need a strong understanding of financial markets, derivatives pricing, and risk management, typically supported by a degree in finance, mathematics, or economics. Proficiency in trading platforms, data analysis tools like Bloomberg or Excel, and knowledge of regulatory requirements are essential. Strong analytical thinking, decisiveness under pressure, and effective communication set top performers apart in this role. These skills ensure accurate trade execution, risk mitigation, and the ability to capitalize on market opportunities in a dynamic environment.
More about Equity Options Trader jobs
What cities are hiring for Equity Options Trader jobs? Cities with the most Equity Options Trader job openings:
What states have the most Equity Options Trader jobs? States with the most job openings for Equity Options Trader jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Equity Options Trader jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Equity Options Trader jobs are:
Equity Options Trader jobs near you
Infographic showing various Equity Options Trader job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $105,750 per year, or $50.8 per hour.

US Options Sales Trader

Optiver

New York, NY • On-site

$200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

As one of the world's leading market making firms, Optiver is committed to improving the market by providing liquidity across all market conditions. Our Institutional Trading teams play a key role in this mission, partnering with over 600+ counterparties globally.
As we continue to grow, we're seeking experienced sales traders who are excited to contribute within a collaborative, high-impact environment. We value initiative, thoughtful problem-solving, and diverse perspectives - your contributions will help shape trading strategies and strengthen our relationships across the market.
What you'll do
As an Institutional Sales Trader, your key responsibilities include:
  • Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with institutional counterparties in the listed US Options space.
  • Partner closely with traders to understand Optiver's trading strategies and liquidity offering.
  • Develop participant profiles, reports, and insights to support engagement with counterparties.
  • Actively manage and update our CRM system to ensure accurate relationship tracking.
  • Represent Optiver at industry conferences and seminar.

What you'll get
  • The opportunity to work alongside best-in-class professionals from over 40 different countries.
  • A highly competitive compensation package
  • Global profit-sharing pool and performance-based bonus structure
  • 401 (k) match up to 50%
  • Comprehensive health, mental, dental, vision, disability, and life coverage
  • 25 paid vacation days alongside market holidays
  • Extensive office perks, including breakfast, lunch and snacks, regular social event, clubs, sporting leagues and more

Who you are
  • 5+ years of experience in a sales trading role covering buy-side firms, with a focus on US index/equity options.
  • Deep understanding of the equity options market and key participants across exchanges.
  • Leverage existing network within index and equity options buy-side community, with the ability to foster new connections.
  • Skilled at organization and participating in events, and comfortable presenting information to diverse audiences.
  • Open to travel and in-person meetings with current and potential counterparties.
  • Strong communicator with a collaborative mindset and a drive to continuously learn and grow.
  • Comfortable working in a dynamic, team-oriented environment.
  • Deep understanding of rules and regulations governing the equity options markets
  • Bachelor's degree required.
  • Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required; we will not sponsor individuals for employment authorization for this job opening.

Who we are
Optiver is a tech-driven trading firm and leading global market maker. As one of the oldest market making institutions, we are a trusted partner of 100+ exchanges across the globe. Our mission is to constantly improve the market by injecting liquidity, providing accurate pricing, increasing transparency, and acting as a stabilizing force no matter the market conditions. With a focus on continuous improvement, we participate in the safeguarding of healthy and efficient markets for everyone who participates.
Our differences are our edge. Optiver does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, or other legally protected characteristics.
Below is the expected base salary for this position. This is a good-faith estimate of the base pay scale for this position and offers will ultimately be determined based on experience, education, skill set, and performance in the interview process. This position will also be eligible for a discretionary bonus (if determined by Optiver) and Optiver's benefits package with the benefits listed above.
Base Salary Range
$200,000-$200,000 USD

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