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Equity Options Trader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

US Equity Index Options Trader

Chicago, IL · On-site

$250 - $300/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Actively trade US index and equity options, managing positions and risk. * Analyze market flows, volatility, and microstructure to identify and capture trading opportunities * Refine pricing ...

US Equity Index Options Trader

Chicago, IL · On-site

$250 - $300/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Actively trade US index and equity options, managing positions and risk. * Analyze market flows, volatility, and microstructure to identify and capture trading opportunities * Refine pricing ...

Experienced equity options trader with at least 2 years' experience * Entrepreneurial mindset with a healthy risk appetite, are competitive by nature, and are a fast decision maker * Ability to ...

$175 - $250/hr

  • PTO

Experienced equity options trader with at least 2 years' experience * Entrepreneurial mindset with a healthy risk appetite, are competitive by nature, and are a fast decision maker * Ability to ...

New

Experienced equity options trader with at least 2 years' experience * Entrepreneurial mindset with a healthy risk appetite, are competitive by nature, and are a fast decision maker * Ability to ...

Digital Assets Trader

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$80 - $120/hr

About the Position We are looking to hire an experienced Options Trader who can help us price and ... About You * 4+ years of market‑making experience in ETF/index/equity options * Highly analytical ...

The team includes top talent, with many ex-Optiver, ex-IMC, and ex-Citadel traders and quants. Overview : Exciting opportunity to build a Commodity Options Desk within a highly successful Equity ...

US Options Sales Trader

New York, NY

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Equity Options Trader information

See salary details

$50K

$105.8K

$150K

How much do equity options trader jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 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 is an equity options trader?

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 skills and qualifications are needed to be an equity options trader?

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.

What are 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.

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:

Infographic showing various Equity Options Trader job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 74% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 25% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,750 per year, or $50.8 per hour.

US Equity Index Options Trader

P2P

Chicago, IL • On-site

$250 - $300/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

DRW is a diversified trading firm with over 3 decades of experience bringing sophisticated technology and exceptional people together to operate in markets around the world. We value autonomy and the ability to quickly pivot to capture opportunities, so we operate using our own capital and trading at our own risk.

Headquartered in Chicago with offices throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Asia, we trade a variety of asset classes including Fixed Income, ETFs, Equities, FX, Commodities and Energy across all major global markets. We have also leveraged our expertise and technology to expand into three non-traditional strategies: real estate, venture capital and cryptoassets.

We operate with respect, curiosity and open minds. The people who thrive here share our belief that it’s not just what we do that matters–it's how we do it. DRW is a place of high expectations, integrity, innovation and a willingness to challenge consensus

We are seeking a US Equity Index Trader to join our US Options Trading team.How you will make an impact
  • Actively trade US index and equity options, managing positions and risk.
  • Analyze market flows, volatility, and microstructure to identify and capture trading opportunities
  • Refine pricing, execution, and risk management approaches to improve trading performance
  • Conduct post-trade analysis to evaluate decisions, optimize strategies, and drive systematic improvements
  • Contribute to the development of tools, monitoring, and processes that enhance trading stability and scalability
  • Partner closely with risk management, researchers and developers during live trading and high-pressure situations
You will be right at home if you have
  • Proven experience as an Index Options Trader, with exposure to US markets or similar equity derivatives
  • Strong track record of trading performance and disciplined risk management
  • Deep understanding of options theory, volatility, and market microstructure
  • Comfortable trading both systematic and discretionary when required
  • Calm under pressure, with the ability to quickly diagnose and act on trading problems
  • Strong analytics, detail-oriented, and proactive in identifying improvements
  • Strong communicator who thrives in a collaborative, team-based environment
  • Passionate about markets, with a continuous drive to learn and improve

The annual base salary range for this position is $250,000 to $300,000 depending on the candidate’s experience, qualifications, and relevant skill set. The position is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus.

In addition, DRW offers a comprehensive suite of employee benefits including:

  • group medical
  • pharmacy
  • dental and vision insurance
  • 401k (with discretionary employer match)
  • short and long-term disability
  • life and AD&D insurance
  • health savings accounts
  • flexible spending accounts

For more information about DRW's processing activities and our use of job applicants' data, please view our Privacy Notice at https://drw.com/privacy-notice.

California residents, please review the California Privacy Notice for information about certain legal rights at https://drw.com/california-privacy-notice.

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