1

Grain Trader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Grains Trader

Overland Park, KS ยท On-site

$70 - $90/hr

This role develops and executes trading strategies across cash and futures markets, manages grain procurement and sales activity, and optimizes rail and truck logistics to maximize value. Success in ...

Trades major product line commodities for the company rail as a profit/loss center. * Monitors ... Coordinates grain shipments with elevator managers, other merchants and customers. * Projects ...

Establish plan with measurable goals to increase market share in designated trade area * Be part of the origination team to establish grain programs and policies * Communicate grain programs and ...

Position Summary The Grains Trader is responsible for managing and growing a hard red winter wheat ... Originate, negotiate, and execute grain purchase and sales contracts, including pricing, quality ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Grain Trader information

See salary details

$5

$16

$22

How much do grain trader jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for grain trader in the United States is $16.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a grain trader?

Grain traders are professionals who buy and sell grain commodities such as wheat, corn, soybeans, and rice. They act as intermediaries between producers (like farmers) and buyers (such as food processors, exporters, and governments). Grain traders monitor market trends, analyze supply and demand, and negotiate contracts to secure the best prices. Their role is crucial in ensuring a steady supply of grain to meet global food demands while managing price risks for both sellers and buyers.

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

To thrive as a Grain Trader, you need strong analytical skills, market knowledge, and a background in finance, agriculture, or business, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with trading platforms, commodity risk management software, and market analysis tools is essential. Strong negotiation, relationship-building, and quick decision-making skills help you stand out in this fast-paced environment. These competencies are critical for maximizing profit, managing risk, and building trust with clients and counterparties in the global commodities market.

What are some common challenges faced by grain traders in managing price volatility, and how do they address them?

Grain traders often face significant challenges due to price volatility caused by factors such as weather events, global supply and demand shifts, and geopolitical issues. To manage these risks, traders use tools like futures contracts, options, and hedging strategies to lock in prices and minimize potential losses. Additionally, they closely monitor market trends and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, buyers, and logistics partners to stay agile in a rapidly changing environment. Effective communication and analytical skills are crucial for anticipating market movements and making informed decisions.

What is the difference between Grain Trader vs Commodity Broker?

AspectGrain TraderCommodity Broker
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in agriculture, finance, or economics; licenses may be needed for tradingRequires similar degrees; licenses like Series 3 are often necessary for commodities trading
Work EnvironmentTrading firms, grain elevators, or agricultural companiesBrokerage firms, trading houses, or financial institutions
Industry UsagePrimarily in agriculture and grain marketsAcross various commodities including grains, metals, and energy

While both roles involve trading commodities, Grain Traders focus specifically on agricultural grains and work within the agricultural sector, whereas Commodity Brokers handle a broader range of commodities across different markets. Both require similar credentials and licenses, but their industry focus and work environments differ.

More about Grain Trader jobs

What cities are hiring for Grain Trader jobs?

Cities with the most Grain Trader job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Grain Trader jobs?

The most popular types of Grain Trader jobs are:

What states have the most Grain Trader jobs?

States with the most job openings for Grain Trader jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Grain Trader jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Grain Trader jobs are:

Infographic showing various Grain Trader job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,919 per year, or $16.8 per hour.

Grain Trader / Merchandiser

POSCO INTERNATIONAL AMERICA CORP

Schaumburg, IL โ€ข On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

POSCO International America Corp. (PIAC) is the North American subsidiary of POSCO International, a global business company with extensive expertise in steel, energy, industrial materials, food & agri-business, and logistics. With headquarters in New Jersey and operations across the United States and Canada, PIAC connects global suppliers and customers through integrated sourcing, trading, logistics, and supply chain solutions.

Our Agribusiness Division plays a critical role in expanding POSCO International's global food and feed ingredient business by sourcing, marketing, and distributing agricultural commodities throughout North and Latin America. Leveraging a global network, strong industry relationships, and market intelligence, we provide reliable supply chain solutions for grain, feed ingredients, and related agricultural products.

At PIAC, employees have the opportunity to work in a dynamic international environment where entrepreneurial thinking, commercial excellence, and cross-border collaboration drive business growth. We are committed to developing long-term partnerships with our customers while creating opportunities for talented professionals to make a meaningful impact in global trade and agribusiness.


Job Summary

The ideal candidate will possess a strong, active commercial network across both the U.S processing and logistics industry and Latin American feed ingredient markets. This role is responsible for originating Soybean Meal (SBM), DDGS, and grains within the United States, managing domestic inland logistics, and expanding export sales throughout Latin America. The candidate must be capable of executing end-to-end physical trading, from sourcing and freight management to international sales and P&L ownership.


Key Responsibilities

  1. U.S Origination & Domestic Logistics
    1. Domestic Sourcing: Procure SBM and DDGS by leveraging established relationships with U.S soybean crushers and ethanol production plants.
    2. Inland Freight Management: Direct and optimize railcar, truck, and barge movements from processing plants to port terminals.
    3. Port Terminal Operations: Negotiate and manage elevation, throughput, and storage agreements at major U.S export ports (US Gulf, PNW).
    4. Basis & Spread Analysis: Monitor U.S crush margins, production schedules, and domestic basis trends to support optimal buying strategies
  2. Latin America Export Sales
    1. Export Sales Expansion: Grow export volumes of SBM, DDGS, and grains by selling to feed mills, integrators, and distributors across Latin America.
    2. Relationship Management: Maintain and strengthen relationships with key buyers, purchasing managers, and major buying groups in target countries (e.g., Mexico, Columbia, Peru).
    3. Market Intelligence: Analyze regional demand, competitor activity, crop deficits, and import regulations to identify profitable trade flows.
  3. Trade Execution & P&L Management
    1. Contract Execution: Oversee international contract negotiation (Incoterms), L&C compliance, and ocean freight booking.
    2. Risk & Profitability: Manage destination sales margins, customer credit exposure, and overall trading book profitability for the region.

Qualification

  • Education: Bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness, International Trade, Economics, Supply Chain, Logistics, or a related field
  • Experience: 5+ years in grain/co-product merchandising, U.S domestic origination, or feed ingredient export sales – preferably with experience in Latin American markets.
  • Commercial network
  • Active sourcing relationship with U.S soybean crushers and ethanol producers
  • Strong sales network with feed mills, importers, and agricultural buyers in Latin America
    • Logistics & Trade Expertise
  • Deep understanding of U.S rail freight tariff, barge logistics, and port elevator operations
  • Strong knowledge of international trade finance, ocean freight, and import/phytosanitary protocols


Preferred Experience

  • Experience working with multinational trading houses, exporters, or global agribusiness firms
  • Knowledge of Korean business culture and/or bilingual ability (English and Korean) highly advantageous


Benefits

  • Competitive 401k with employer match
  • Generous PTO and Sick Leave
  • Gym reimbursement
  • Lunch/Cellphone Stipend
  • Health Insurance (Medical, Dental, Vision, Life) 100% covered by the employer