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Futures Trader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

IMC

Quantitative Researcher - Futures

Chicago, IL · On-site

$250K - $300K/yr

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 ...

Fionics

Gas Trader (15% - 40% Payout)

Chicago, IL · On-site

Provides options for K1 status, allowing you to pay long-term capital gains on 60% of your futures trading profits, optimizing your earnings. Overview : Opportunity to run a standalone trade, or ...

Fionics

Energy Trader (15% - 40% Payout)

Chicago, IL · On-site

Provides options for K1 status, allowing you to pay long-term capital gains on 60% of your futures trading profits, optimizing your earnings. Overview : Opportunity to run a standalone trade, or ...

Fionics

Gas Trader (15% - 40% Payout)

Manhattan, NY · On-site

Provides options for K1 status, allowing you to pay long-term capital gains on 60% of your futures trading profits, optimizing your earnings. Overview : Opportunity to run a standalone trade, or ...

Fionics

Energy Trader (15% - 40% Payout)

Manhattan, NY · On-site

Provides options for K1 status, allowing you to pay long-term capital gains on 60% of your futures trading profits, optimizing your earnings. Overview : Opportunity to run a standalone trade, or ...

Webull

Director of Futures Operations

Saint Petersburg, FL · On-site

$165K - $205K/yr

From low-fee trading and robust market data to advanced analytical tools, we are committed to providing a seamless, top-tier trading experience. About The Role & Team We're expanding our Futures ...

Phaxis

Head of Futures Compliance

Chicago, IL · On-site

$225K - $310K/yr

Ensure compliance with National Futures Association (NFA), Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), and applicable exchange rules. * Manage regulatory inquiries, examinations, BCACs, policies ...

Prop Firm Match Global - FZCO

Head of Futures

We help traders make confident, informed decisions through side-by-side comparisons, verified reviews, and data-backed insights. The futures category has grown to represent ~50% of company revenue ...

DV Trading

Trader

New York, NY

$160K/yr

Identify, execute, and grow opportunities across options, volatility, equities, and related futures ... Leverage DV Trading's trading technology and infrastructure to expand your trading business

DV Trading

Trader

Chicago, IL

$160K/yr

Identify, execute, and grow opportunities across options, volatility, equities, and related futures ... Leverage DV Trading's trading technology and infrastructure to expand your trading business

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Futures Trader information

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$53K

$101.5K

$196K

How much do futures trader jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 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:
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What states have the most Futures Trader jobs? States with the most job openings for Futures Trader jobs include:
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What are popular job titles related to Futures Trader jobs? For Futures Trader jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Futures Trader jobs near you
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.
Quantitative Researcher - Futures

Quantitative Researcher - Futures

IMC

Chicago, IL • On-site

$250K - $300K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

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 expertise with systematic strategies in the underlying futures market. Candidates will be responsible for performing large scale data analysis, utilizing modern machine learning techniques to derive forecasts that will be combined with IMC's best-in-class technology platform for execution in futures markets.
Once on board, candidates will join a growing team that will be essential to all aspects of IMC's trading. They will contribute not only to signal generation but also work w/ developers in design and implementation of a robust research framework that allows for new ideas to be researched, tested, and put into production in a timely manner.
Your Core Responsibilities:
  • Conduct alpha / signal / feature research targeted at intraday futures trading strategies - from hypothesis generation through rigorous data analysis.
  • Quickly prototype, backtest, and evaluate new trading ideas, using large-scale and high-frequency market data.
  • Collaborate with developers, traders, and fellow researchers to design and implement a robust research-to-production pipeline. Once validated, see ideas through to full-scale deployment.
  • Monitor and refine existing strategies, continuously evaluating performance, risk, and edge decay - and iterating to maintain or improve profitability.
  • Explore and integrate new data sources, alternative data sets, and market microstructure signals to expand the research toolbox.
  • Contribute to defining the strategic direction of research initiatives, including tooling, data infrastructure, and methodology improvements.

Your Skills & Experience
  • Advanced degree (MSc, PhD, or equivalent) in a quantitative or technical discipline (Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Computer Science, Financial Engineering, or similar).
  • Several years (5+ Years) of quantitative research experience, preferably in systematic trading, futures, HFT, or related high-frequency / high-throughput environments.
  • Demonstrable track record of generating predictive signals in futures / derivatives / systematic trading.
  • Excellent programming skills (e.g., Python, C++, or other relevant languages), and comfort working with large datasets and real-time data feeds.
  • Strong statistical background, with experience in statistical modeling, time-series analysis, machine learning / ML-based approaches, and understanding of overfitting risk.
  • Deep interest in market dynamics, high-frequency trading, and understanding of microstructure, order flow, and volatility - with an ability to translate that into actionable research.
  • Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a practical "business orientation": able to assess strategy viability, robustness, and real-world performance.
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills - able to work effectively across teams (developers, traders, researchers).

The Base Salary range for the role is included below. Base salary is only one component of total compensation; all full-time, permanent positions are eligible for a discretionary bonus and benefits, including paid leave and insurance. Please visit Benefits - US | IMC Trading for more comprehensive information.
Salary Range
$250,000-$300,000 USD
About Us
IMC is a global trading firm powered by a cutting-edge research environment and a world-class technology backbone. Since 1989, we've been a stabilizing force in financial markets, providing essential liquidity upon which market participants depend. Across our offices in the US, Europe, Asia Pacific, and India, our talented quant researchers, engineers, traders, and business operations professionals are united by our uniquely collaborative, high-performance culture, and our commitment to giving back. From entering dynamic new markets to embracing disruptive technologies, and from developing an innovative research environment to diversifying our trading strategies, we dare to continuously innovate and collaborate to succeed.

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