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Equity Trading Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

LPL Financial

Sr Equity Options Trader

San Diego, CA · On-site +1

$86K - $144K/yr

Provide guidance and assistance in all aspects of equity and option trading resulting in the best possible execution Assist in resolving trade and settlement issues by working with the market centers ...

LPL Financial

Trading Consultant

San Diego, CA · On-site +1

$31.84 - $53.04/hr

Maintains a working knowledge of equity, option, ETF, and mutual fund products, the markets, and the market impact and execution complexities of large trades. In addition, Consultants must maintain ...

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All JobsEquity Trading JobsEquity Trading Jobs in California

Equity Trading information

See California salary details

$49.3K

$104.4K

$148K

How much do equity trading jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for equity trading in California is $104,365.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,800.00 and $118,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is equity trading?

Equity trading involves buying and selling shares of companies on stock exchanges or over-the-counter markets. Equity traders analyze market trends, company performance, and economic indicators to make informed decisions about when to buy or sell stocks. Their goal is to generate profits for themselves or their clients by capitalizing on price movements. Equity trading can be conducted by individuals, institutional investors, or professional traders working for financial firms.

What are equity trading jobs?

Equity trading jobs include roles such as “equity trader” and “securities trader.” The responsibilities of an equity trader include making transactions for clients on behalf of a finance company, buying and selling currencies, commodity futures, and other securitized instruments, creating process option purchases and trading strategies, and communicating market conditions. Securities trader duties include selling or buying stocks, helping clients to invest and manage their portfolio and shares, bidding, gauging and examining the stock market for changes and trends, and networking with other traders to get information about the market to remain updated on its conditions.

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

To thrive as an Equity Trader, you need a deep understanding of financial markets, quantitative analysis, and a relevant degree in finance, economics, or mathematics. Familiarity with trading platforms like Bloomberg Terminal, algorithmic trading systems, and relevant regulatory certifications (such as FINRA Series 7 & 63) is typically required. Strong decision-making, stress management, and effective communication are essential soft skills for excelling in fast-paced, high-pressure environments. These skills and qualifications are vital for making informed trading decisions, managing risk, and maintaining compliance, all of which directly impact profitability and client trust.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals in equity trading, and how can they be addressed?

Equity trading professionals often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing market conditions, high-pressure decision-making, and managing risk exposure. Staying updated on market news, using advanced trading platforms, and collaborating closely with analysts and risk managers are key ways to address these challenges. Additionally, developing strong analytical skills and maintaining discipline under stress can help traders make informed decisions and achieve consistent results.

What is the difference between Equity Trading vs Equity Research Analyst?

AspectEquity TradingEquity Research Analyst
Required CredentialsFinance degree, licensing (e.g., Series 7), strong analytical skillsFinance or economics degree, strong analytical and writing skills
Work EnvironmentFast-paced trading floors or electronic trading platformsResearch departments, offices, or remote work
Employer & Industry UsageInvestment banks, asset management firms, hedge fundsInvestment banks, asset managers, sell-side firms

Equity Trading involves executing buy and sell orders in the stock market, focusing on short-term market movements. Equity Research Analysts analyze companies and industries to provide investment recommendations, often with a longer-term perspective. Both roles require strong financial knowledge but differ in daily tasks and work environment.

How much do equity traders make?

Equity traders typically earn a base salary ranging from $60,000 to $120,000 annually, with total compensation often including bonuses that can significantly increase earnings based on performance. Experienced traders or those working at large firms can make over $200,000 per year. Compensation depends on factors such as experience, skill level, firm size, and trading success.

Is equity trading a hard job?

Equity trading can be challenging due to the fast-paced environment, need for strong analytical skills, and understanding of financial markets. Success often requires continuous learning, risk management, and the ability to make quick decisions under pressure.

What does an equity trading do?

An equity trader buys and sells stocks and other equity securities on behalf of clients or firms, aiming to generate profits from market movements. They analyze market data, use trading platforms, and often work under tight schedules to execute trades quickly and efficiently.
More about Equity Trading jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Equity Trading jobs in California?

The most popular types of Equity Trading jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Equity Trading jobs?

Cities in California with the most Equity Trading job openings:

Equity Trading jobs near you
Infographic showing various Equity Trading job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, and 22% Part Time. Highlights an 78% In-person, 11% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,365 per year, or $50.2 per hour.

Senior Vice President, Equity Trading

Wedbush Securities

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Wedbush Securities is one of the largest securities firms and investment banks in the nation. We provide innovative financial solutions through our Wealth Management, Capital Markets, Futures and Advanced Clearing & Prime Services divisions. Headquartered in Los Angeles, California with over 100 offices and more than 80 correspondent offices, our commitment to providing relentless, customized service is the foundation of our consistent growth.

Our Asian Equity Sales Trading group is seeking an experienced and highly successful Sales Trader. The position is responsible for the management and execution of client equity trades with a focus on delivering a high level of service.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Monitor price movements and order flow on Asian stock exchanges like Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, Taiwan, and Korea during the night shift (Sunday through Thursday 7pm-5am ET)
  • Place buy and sell orders for clients
  • Manage orders based on market analysis and trading strategies
  • Adhere to risk management guidelines
  • Utilize technical indicators and charting patterns to identify trading entry and exit points
  • Communicate with clients regarding market updates, trade execution, and client stock portfolio performance/movements, as well as to generate new orders/revenue
  • Generate post-trade reports, analyze trading performance, and identify areas for improvement
  • Communicate orderbook hand offs to the daytime USA sales trading/trading teams with instructions and any key client dialogue
  • Perform other duties as required and assigned

  • Bachelor's Degree from an accredited University required, preferably in Business or Finance, or other related fields
  • 3-5+ years of successful sell-side experience as an Equity Sales Trader
  • Active Series 7, 63, 57 required
  • Strong understanding of Asian equity markets, including market dynamics, key economic indicators, and regulatory landscape
  • Must have established relationships with US accounts trading Asian equities
  • Expertise in technical analysis and charting tools, as well as with trading platforms and order management systems
  • Excellent analytical and decision-making skills under pressure
  • Strong communication skills to interact with clients and internal stakeholders
  • Ability to work independently and effectively during night shifts, and able to make quick decisions that are time sensitive
  • Highly organized, strong attention to detail, with the ability to multi-task and manage multiple projects and competing priorities without sacrificing accuracy or efficiency

Apply