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Graduate Trader Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Maven

Graduate Trader Program Chicago 2027

Chicago, IL

$150K - $200K/yr

Graduate Trader Program Chicago 2027 Maven Securities is a leading proprietary trading firm that leverages sophisticated technology and quantitative analysis to trade in global financial markets. We ...

Maven

Graduate Trader Program Chicago 2027

Chicago, IL · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Graduate Trader Program Chicago 2027 Maven Securities is a leading proprietary trading firm that leverages sophisticated technology and quantitative analysis to trade in global financial markets. We ...

Maven

Trader Summer Internship Chicago 2027

Chicago, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $19.75/hr

Successful interns may be considered for a place on our Graduate Trader Program the following year. What you will be doing * Learn the foundations of options market making; we don't assume prior ...

Maven

Trader Summer Internship Chicago 2027

Chicago, IL

$15.50 - $19.75/hr

Successful interns may be considered for a place on our Graduate Trader Program the following year. What you will be doing * Learn the foundations of options market making; we don't assume prior ...

IMC

Quantitative Trader Intern - Summer 2027

Chicago, IL · On-site

$250K/yr

The bar for talent at IMC is high and interns who meet our performance expectations will have the opportunity to secure a full-time Graduate Trader position at the end of the program. Where you go ...

Trading Interview

Graduate Quantitative Trader

Chicago, IL · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

As a Quant Trader, you will be part of highly motivated team facing the daily challenge of managing the execution and risk of complex trading portfolios. In this role you will work closely with IMC ...

XR Trading LLC

EXPERIENCED TRADER

Chicago, IL · On-site

$135K - $185K/yr

Job Type Full-time Description XR Trading is a proprietary trading firm with employees in the ... Tuition Reimbursement for relevant Undergraduate and Graduate School * 100% reimbursement for ...

XR Trading LLC

EXPERIENCED TRADER

Chicago, IL · On-site

$135K - $185K/yr

XR Trading is a proprietary trading firm with employees in the Netherlands, Singapore, UK and US ... Tuition Reimbursement for relevant Undergraduate and Graduate School * 100% reimbursement for ...

XR Trading LLC

EXPERIENCED TRADER

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$135K - $185K/yr

Description XR Trading is a proprietary trading firm with employees in the Netherlands, Singapore ... Tuition Reimbursement for relevant Undergraduate and Graduate School * 100% reimbursement for ...

IMC

Graduate Quantitative Trader

Chicago, IL · On-site

$250K/yr

As a Quant Trader, you will be part of highly motivated team facing the daily challenge of managing the execution and risk of complex trading portfolios. In this role you will work closely with IMC ...

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All JobsGraduate Trader JobsGraduate Trader Jobs in Illinois

Graduate Trader information

See Illinois salary details

$38.3K

$93.8K

$261.2K

How much do graduate trader jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate trader in Illinois is $93,776.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,700.00 and $102,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a graduate trader?

Graduate Traders are entry-level finance professionals who work at trading firms or banks, typically right after completing their university degree. They are responsible for buying and selling financial instruments, such as stocks, bonds, or derivatives, often under the guidance of more experienced traders. Their role involves analyzing market trends, managing risk, and executing trades to generate profits for their firm. Graduate Traders receive extensive training and are expected to develop strong analytical, quantitative, and decision-making skills. This position often serves as a stepping stone to more senior trading or investment roles.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a graduate trader?

To thrive as a Graduate Trader, you need strong quantitative and analytical skills, a solid understanding of financial markets, and typically a degree in finance, mathematics, economics, or related fields. Familiarity with trading platforms, financial modeling tools like Excel, and programming languages such as Python or R is often required. Exceptional problem-solving, resilience under pressure, and effective communication set top performers apart in this competitive field. These skills and qualities are essential for making informed trading decisions and succeeding in the fast-paced, high-stakes environment of financial markets.

What are common challenges faced by graduate traders during their first year?

Graduate Traders often find the steep learning curve to be one of the biggest challenges in their first year. Adapting quickly to fast-paced market conditions, mastering new trading platforms, and making decisions under pressure are all part of the daily environment. Additionally, balancing risk management with the drive to achieve strong performance can be demanding. Close collaboration with experienced traders and analysts is essential for learning and growth, and many firms provide structured mentorship programs to support new hires.

What is the difference between Graduate Trader vs Junior Trader?

AspectGraduate TraderJunior Trader
Required CredentialsTypically a recent degree in finance, economics, or related fieldSimilar, often with some internship or entry-level experience
Work EnvironmentTraining-focused, entry-level trading floor or deskHands-on trading with supervision, more responsibility
Employer & Industry UsageInvestment banks, trading firms, asset managersSame as Graduate Trader, often progression role
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level trading rolesClarifying career progression from entry-level

The main difference between a Graduate Trader and a Junior Trader lies in experience and responsibility. A Graduate Trader is typically an entry-level position for recent graduates, focusing on training and learning the basics of trading. A Junior Trader usually has some experience and begins to take on more active trading responsibilities under supervision. Both roles are common in investment firms and serve as stepping stones to more senior trading positions.

How much do graduate traders make?

Graduate traders typically earn starting salaries ranging from $50,000 to $70,000 annually, with potential bonuses based on performance. Compensation can increase significantly with experience, skills in financial analysis, and trading platforms proficiency.

What is the best degree to become a graduate trader?

A degree in finance, economics, mathematics, or business is typically preferred for a graduate trader role, as these programs develop relevant analytical and quantitative skills. Strong understanding of financial markets, data analysis, and proficiency with trading tools are also important for success in this field.

What are popular job titles related to Graduate Trader jobs in Illinois?

For Graduate Trader jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Graduate Trader jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Graduate Trader jobs in Illinois are:

Graduate Trader jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Trader job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,776 per year, or $45.1 per hour.

Graduate Trader (2027 Incoming Graduate, Full-Time)

3Red Partners

Chicago, IL • On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

3Red Partners, a proprietary trading firm headquartered in Chicago, is seeking a Graduate Trader (2027 Incoming Graduate) to join the team. 3Red Partners is committed to leveraging technology and math to implement competitive trading strategies. Our team has extensive, global experience in a wide variety of asset classes, risk management, and leading trading technologies. We focus our efforts on hiring extremely talented and motivated individuals to collaborate with each other and compete in the world's financial markets.
The Graduate Trader will have the opportunity to work in our Chicago or Amsterdam offices alongside senior traders and developers getting exposure to trading, quantitative research, and technology. This opportunity is great for anyone who has a keen interest in competitive activity and strategic gaming who is seeking an opportunity to work alongside the team to reinforce those skills and for someone who is seeking to make a real impact, deliver value, and work within an experienced team.
Your impact:
  • Work directly with traders and developers to monitor open positions and executions on latency sensitive automated trading systems
  • Review trading system performance and adjust trades based on market conditions which could result in manually trading to reduce risk when needed
  • Generate feedback on performance and communicate post trade analysis and market events and behaviors to team as part of contributing to all aspect of the trading desk activities
  • Help to develop improvements to the trading systems; ensure market data and research issues are tracked; bugs are fixed and deployed appropriately

Your background & skills:
  • A student completing a bachelor's, master's, or PhD degree in a STEM-related field (e.g. Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Computer Science, Data Science, etc.), graduating in 2027 by August 2027
  • Proven track record in strategic games or activities such as poker, chess, esports, or comparable pursuits
  • Demonstrated interest in trading through internships or projects
  • Demonstrated ability to maintain focus under pressure and thrive in a fast-paced environment
  • Experience with writing code in Python and reviewing data sets
  • Exceptional problem solving, written, and verbal communication skills

Our perks:
3Red offers a competitive compensation and benefits package. In addition to a base salary, we offer performance-based bonuses, reflecting our commitment to rewarding excellence. We also provide comprehensive health benefits, a 401k plan, commuter and wellness reimbursements, as well as several learning and development perks. Our casual dress code, weekly lunches, and team events foster a welcoming and collaborative workplace culture. At our Chicago headquarters, we enhance the workday with fully stocked pantries offering snacks and drinks, a Zen Room for relaxation, and an environment designed to support productivity and well-being.
The expected base salary range for this position is $100,000 to $150,000, depending on qualifications, experience, and skills.
3Red Partners does not accept unsolicited resumes from 3rd party vendors. Any unsolicited resumes will become property of our team.

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