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Freelance Algorithmic Trading Programmer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

DRW

Algorithmic Trader

Chicago, IL · On-site

$125K/yr

DRW is a diversified trading firm with over 3 decades of experience bringing sophisticated ... You will work closely with experienced traders, software engineers, and quantitative researchers to ...

Hyphen Connect Limited

$109K - $149K/yr

Join our innovative proprietary trading firm dedicated to developing cutting-edge algorithmic ... Expert-level proficiency in C++ or Rust programming. * Strong background in high-frequency trading ...

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How much do freelance algorithmic trading programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance algorithmic trading programmer in the United States is $80,664.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,000.00 and $92,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges freelance algorithmic trading programmers face when working with clients?

Freelance algorithmic trading programmers often encounter challenges such as aligning with clients' diverse strategies, accommodating rapid changes in trading requirements, and ensuring robust backtesting for different market conditions. Effective communication is key, as clients may have varying levels of technical understanding and expectations regarding performance and risk management. Additionally, freelancers must stay updated on compliance standards and platform-specific APIs, which can differ significantly between projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Freelance Algorithmic Trading Programmer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Algorithmic Trading Programmer, you need strong programming skills (often in Python, C++, or Java), a solid understanding of financial markets, and experience with quantitative analysis. Familiarity with trading platforms (like MetaTrader, NinjaTrader, or Interactive Brokers API), backtesting frameworks, and relevant certifications such as CFA or CQF can be highly valuable. Outstanding problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication with clients set top performers apart. These skills are crucial for building reliable, profitable trading algorithms and translating complex financial requirements into robust, real-world solutions.

What is the difference between Freelance Algorithmic Trading Programmer vs Quantitative Analyst?

AspectFreelance Algorithmic Trading ProgrammerQuantitative Analyst
CredentialsProgramming skills, trading platform knowledge, sometimes certifications like CQFAdvanced degrees in finance, mathematics, or statistics, certifications like CFA or FRM
Work EnvironmentIndependent, remote, project-basedIn-house or consulting, often office-based
Industry UsageDevelops trading algorithms for clients or personal tradingAnalyzes financial data to inform trading strategies and risk management

While both roles involve quantitative skills and financial markets, Freelance Algorithmic Trading Programmers focus on coding and developing trading algorithms independently, whereas Quantitative Analysts analyze data to support trading decisions within organizations.

What is a Freelance Algorithmic Trading Programmer?

A Freelance Algorithmic Trading Programmer is a professional who designs, develops, and implements trading algorithms for financial markets on a contract or project basis. They use programming languages like Python, C++, or Java to create automated systems that can execute trades based on predefined strategies without human intervention. These programmers often collaborate with traders, investment firms, or hedge funds to build, backtest, and optimize trading algorithms that aim to maximize profits and minimize risks. Working independently, they may also advise clients on best practices, maintain trading infrastructure, and ensure compliance with relevant financial regulations.
More about Freelance Algorithmic Trading Programmer jobs
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Freelance Algorithmic Trading Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Algorithmic Trading Programmer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,664 per year, or $38.8 per hour.
Algorithmic Trader

Algorithmic Trader

DRW

Chicago, IL • On-site

$125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 19 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.
As an Algorithmic Trader, you will combine risk management, research, and technology to operate trading and investment strategies across multiple asset classes. You will work closely with experienced traders, software engineers, and quantitative researchers to optimize system performance in a highly collaborative environment.
Our algorithmic trading group offers broad exposure to diverse strategies, markets, and domain experts, creating exceptional opportunities for learning and professional growth beyond those typically found in traditional trading roles.
Work Environment
  • Collaborate with experienced traders, with an average team tenure of 10+ years, in a large and highly collaborative setting
  • Partner closely with research, software, and hardware specialists who support every aspect of a sophisticated trading operation
  • Gain exposure to multiple complex strategies across global markets within a team backed by a proven two-decade track record of success
Responsibilities
  • Operate complex, automated, latency-sensitive trading systems developed collaboratively within the group
  • Monitor system execution and open positions
  • Adjust system parameters in response to changing market conditions
  • Trade manually when necessary to reduce risk
  • Identify opportunities for automation and system improvement
  • Communicate relevant news, market events, and system behavior to team members
  • Maintain a strong understanding of system functionality
  • Contribute to all aspects of trading desk activity, including position management, risk management, capital deployment, and post-trade analysis
  • Use AI tools for post-trade analysis and/or dashboard development (preferred)
Schedule
This role is primarily aligned with U.S. trading hours, with occasional rotation into APAC and European hours.
  • U.S. hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.
  • APAC hours: 4:30 p.m. - 12:30 a.m.
  • European hours: 12:30 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.
Qualifications
  • Trading or market experience preferred
  • Ability to understand and troubleshoot high-frequency trading strategies and systems
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Sound judgment under pressure
  • Motivated, dependable, and responsible

The annual base salary for this position is $125,000 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, and 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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