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Futures Trader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Discretionary Trader

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$36K - $42K/yr

Experienced Discretionary Futures Trader - Chicago Elevate Your Edge with World-Class Technology Are you a professional futures trader whose growth is being throttled by legacy platforms or slow ...

Quantitative Trader - Futures

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$150K - $250K/yr

The individual will partner closely with options traders to integrate futures-based signals, directional overlays, and risk-efficient hedging frameworks into the broader derivatives platform. This ...

Senior Product Manager - Futures

Chicago, IL ยท Hybrid

$130K - $172K/yr

Own the futures trading experience end-to-end: * Lead strategy and execution for the full futures product surface, including the active trader interface, 'pairs' trader, DOM and ladder, chart ...

Senior Product Manager - Futures

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$130K - $172K/yr

Own the futures trading experience end-to-end: * Lead strategy and execution for the full futures product surface, including the active trader interface, 'pairs' trader, DOM and ladder, chart ...

Senior Product Manager - Futures

Chicago, IL ยท Hybrid

$130K - $172K/yr

Own the futures trading experience end-to-end: * Lead strategy and execution for the full futures product surface, including the active trader interface, 'pairs' trader, DOM and ladder, chart ...

Senior Product Manager - Futures

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$130K - $172K/yr

Own the futures trading experience end-to-end: * Lead strategy and execution for the full futures product surface, including the active trader interface, 'pairs' trader, DOM and ladder, chart ...

IMC is looking for experienced quantitative researchers to develop systematic futures trading strategies. Candidates will join a well-resourced effort combining IMC's extensive options trading ...

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Futures Trader information

See salary details

$53K

$101.5K

$196K

How much do futures trader jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for futures trader in the United States is $101,533.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,500.00 and $181,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Do I need $25,000 to trade futures?

Futures traders are typically required to meet a minimum account balance of $25,000 to day trade futures contracts due to regulations like the Pattern Day Trader rule. However, traders can open smaller accounts and trade futures with less capital using margin, but they must be aware of higher risks and margin requirements set by brokers. Having sufficient capital helps manage risk and meet regulatory requirements for active trading.

What is a Futures Trader job?

A Futures Trader buys and sells futures contracts, which are agreements to trade assets at a predetermined price on a future date. They analyze market trends, economic data, and risk factors to make informed trading decisions. Futures Traders can work for financial institutions, hedge funds, or independently. Their goal is to profit from price fluctuations while managing risk through strategic positions.

How much do futures traders make?

Futures traders' earnings vary widely based on experience, trading skill, and market conditions. Successful traders can earn from a few thousand dollars annually to six-figure incomes, with top performers making over $1 million per year. Many traders also face significant risks and potential losses, making consistent profitability challenging.

How to get a job as a futures trader?

To become a futures trader, you typically need a strong understanding of financial markets, trading strategies, and risk management. Many traders start with a bachelor's degree in finance, economics, or a related field, and obtain relevant licenses such as the Series 3 exam. Gaining experience through internships or trading simulations can also improve job prospects in this competitive field.

Is futures trading a good career?

Futures trading as a career involves buying and selling contracts based on the future price of assets, requiring strong analytical skills, risk management, and market knowledge. It can be profitable but also highly risky, with success often dependent on experience, discipline, and access to trading tools. Many traders work independently or for financial firms, and the profession demands continuous learning and emotional resilience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Futures Trader position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Futures Trader, you need strong analytical skills, a solid understanding of financial markets, mathematics, and typically a degree in finance, economics, or a related field. Familiarity with trading platforms such as Bloomberg Terminal or MetaTrader, along with relevant certifications like the Series 3 license, is highly beneficial. Quick decision-making, stress management, and effective communication help set top traders apart. Mastery of these skills is crucial for accurately analyzing market trends, executing timely trades, and minimizing risk in a fast-paced environment.

What are some common challenges faced by Futures Traders in this role?

Futures Traders often encounter challenges such as managing high-pressure decision-making in volatile markets and maintaining discipline to adhere to trading strategies despite emotional swings. Rapid market fluctuations require constant attention and quick responses, which can be mentally demanding. Additionally, traders must continuously adapt to new trading technologies and regulatory changes. Many firms provide ongoing training and support to help traders develop resilience and stay up-to-date with industry developments.

More about Futures Trader jobs
What cities are hiring for Futures Trader jobs? Cities with the most Futures Trader job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Futures Trader jobs? The most popular types of Futures Trader jobs are:
What states have the most Futures Trader jobs? States with the most job openings for Futures Trader jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Futures Trader jobs? For Futures Trader jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Futures 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 $101,533 per year, or $48.8 per hour.
Experienced Brazil B3 Futures Trader

Experienced Brazil B3 Futures Trader

Gelber Group

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

$72K - $120K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

We are Gelber Group -- Passion for Trading. Powered by Technology.

Headquartered in Chicago with offices across the United States and Europe, for more than 40 years we have set the bar as one of the industry's most innovative and enduring proprietary trading firms. Our success stems from a relentless pursuit of new trading ideas and careful attention to technology. We believe in a culture of entrepreneurship, innovation, and collaboration and we empower every member of our team to have a meaningful impact from the very start of their career with Gelber. We invest in our future through our technology and talent, strategically committing resources to move our firm forward and help our people succeed. We trade many different asset classes and are always looking to seize new opportunities. Our flat organizational structure and meritocratic values attract individuals with edge and that contributes to our consistent success.

As an Experienced Brazil B3 Futures Trader, you will have a real opportunity to make an impact. In a new market for Gelber, you will have the ability to build and grow a new business for the firm. As an Experienced Brazil B3 Futures Trader, you will expand and strengthen our participation in Brazilian derivatives markets. This role is designed for an experienced trader with a demonstrable track record of generating consistent, risk-adjusted returns trading futures listed on B3 (Brasil Bolsa Balcao). The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in Brazilian macro dynamics, market microstructure, and risk management, along with the ability to scale capital responsibly within a proprietary trading environment. You will work side by side with other successful and talented individuals to capitalize on market opportunities. This role is for someone who flourishes in a fast-paced environment, has a strong work ethic, a competitive attitude, and a proven record of profitability in a trading position for at least 3 years.

The role can be worked hybrid/in-person in Chicago, New York or Boston. Remote work may be considered for top candidates.

What you'll do:

  • Trade B3-listed futures products at a highly profitable trading firm, including:
    • DI (Interest Rate) Futures across the curve
    • Ibovespa Index Futures
    • USD/BRL Futures
    • Select commodity futures listed on B3
  • Analyze Brazilian macroeconomic developments, monetary policy (COPOM), inflation trends, fiscal policy, and capital flows
  • Consistently generate strong, risk-adjusted returns across varying macro and volatility regimes
  • Manage your own portfolio of active strategies and drive trading decisions
  • Collaborate across your trading desk to execute teams' goals while ensuring core risk and compliance standards are met

What we'd like to see:

  • Proven track record of 3-5 years of profitable trading in B3-listed futures products
  • Deep understanding of:ย 
    • Brazilian interest rate cycles and DI curve mechanics
    • Local and offshore flow dynamics
    • B3 contract specifications, clearing, and margin framework
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work autonomously and as a team player
  • Proven self-starter with exceptional product knowledge, trading methodology, and market insight

The approximate annual base compensation range for this position is $72,000 to $120,000. The actual offer, reflecting the total compensation package plus benefits, will be determined by a number of factors which include but are not limited to the applicant's experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities; geographic location; and internal equity. In addition to your salary, our total rewards package includes health benefits, a 401(k) plan, PTO, parental leave, professional development, tuition reimbursement and discretionary bonus, enhancing your overall total rewards package.

Benefits Highlights

Gelber offers a wide range of benefits to full-time employees in order to meet you and your covered dependents needs.ย  Our comprehensive benefits offering includes:

  • Traditional and Roth 401(k) retirement program
  • Comprehensive health benefits including medical coverage provided by Blue Cross and Blue Shield (PPO and HDHP/HSA) and dental coverage
  • Tuition reimbursement for Graduate courses (taken after employment begins)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts for health care and dependent care; pre-tax commuter benefits for parking and transit expenses
  • Life insurance and long-term disability coverage
  • Health club membership with on-site facilities (and reciprocal memberships)
  • Generous vacation time, paid holidays, and paid parental leave
  • Social events including sponsored 5k races and annual company party in Chicago
  • Enjoyable collaborative and open work environment
  • Employee referral bonus program
  • Charitable giving and company matching opportunities
  • Casual, relaxed dress code

Chicago Benefits Also Include:ย 

  • Brand new office in the heart of Chicago's River North neighborhood, attached to the Merchandise Mart and "EL" stop and a short walk from both Ogilvie and Union Train Stations
  • Enjoyable collaborative and open work environment including a golf simulator and pool table
  • Catered lunch provided Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursdays and stocked pantry daily and monthly continental breakfasts