ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Institutional Trader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Optiver

Institutional Trader

Chicago, IL

Optiver is looking for an Institutional Trader to join our Trading Team. As one of the key faces of our organization, you will translate market intricacies into strategic trades, driving ...

Optiver

Institutional Trader

Chicago, IL · On-site

$200K/yr

Optiver is looking for an Institutional Trader to join our Trading Team. As one of the key faces of our organization, you will translate market intricacies into strategic trades, driving ...

Socket.dev

Derivatives Trader, NYC

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$175 - $215/hr

This role will play a critical role in building and scaling BitGo's institutional derivatives trading capabilities and will be responsible for developing and executing sophisticated trading ...

BitGo

Derivatives Trader, NYC

New York, NY · On-site

This role will play a critical role in building and scaling BitGo's institutional derivatives trading capabilities and will be responsible for developing and executing sophisticated trading ...

Roth Capital Partners

Sales Trader

Manhattan, NY · On-site

The Sales Trader serves as the primary point of contact for the firm's institutional client base, working alongside institutional sales to deliver market commentary and market the firm ...

Roth Capital Partners

Sales Trader

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$180 - $320/hr

The Sales Trader serves as the primary point of contact for the firm's institutional client base, working alongside institutional sales to deliver market commentary and market the firm ...

Roth

Sales Trader

New York, NY · On-site

The Sales Trader serves as the primary point of contact for the firm's institutional client base, working alongside institutional sales to deliver market commentary and market the firm ...

Boutique Recruiting

Equity Sales Trader

Boston, MA · On-site +1

$85K - $120K/yr

Equity Sales Trader We are partnering with a rapidly growing institutional platform that is redefining the traditional equity sales environment through a highly differentiated geopolitical and macro ...

Trillion Digital Assets

Sales Trader

Miami, FL · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Trillion Digital is an institutional trading firm specializing in digital asset market liquidity. We deliver secure, efficient, and compliant execution solutions tailored to the needs of ...

T3 Global

Experienced Trader (Boston)

Boston, MA · On-site

Washington, DC About T3 Global T3 Global Group, LLC is a comprehensive destination for institutional traders and trading teams aiming to optimize their performance in the current financial markets.

Optiver

US Options Sales Trader

New York, NY

Our Institutional Trading teams play a key role in this mission, partnering with over 600+ counterparties globally. As we continue to grow, we're seeking experienced sales traders who are excited to ...

Optiver

US Options Sales Trader

New York, NY · On-site

$200K/yr

Our Institutional Trading teams play a key role in this mission, partnering with over 600+ counterparties globally. As we continue to grow, we're seeking experienced sales traders who are excited to ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsFinance and Insurance JobsBank JobsInvestment Banker JobsInstitutional Trader Jobs

Institutional Trader information

See salary details

$39.5K

$96.8K

$269.5K

How much do institutional trader jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for institutional trader in the United States is $96,774.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,500.00 and $105,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an institutional trader do?

An Institutional Trader executes large-volume trades on behalf of financial institutions such as investment firms, hedge funds, banks, and mutual funds. They analyze market trends, manage risks, and make strategic buy and sell decisions to maximize profits or meet client objectives. Institutional Traders often use advanced trading algorithms and execution strategies to minimize market impact. Their role requires strong analytical skills, deep market knowledge, and the ability to make quick decisions under pressure.

What does a typical day look like for an institutional trader?

A typical day for an Institutional Trader involves monitoring global markets, analyzing financial news, and executing large-scale trades for institutional clients such as banks, hedge funds, or pension funds. The role requires continual communication with portfolio managers, analysts, and other traders to coordinate strategies and ensure the best execution of trades. Institutional Traders often start early to catch market openings and may need to adjust positions based on market movements throughout the day. The environment is fast-paced and requires constant attention to detail, with teamwork and quick decision-making playing a key role in daily success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an institutional trader?

To thrive as an Institutional Trader, you need a solid background in financial markets, quantitative analysis, and a relevant degree such as finance, economics, or mathematics. Expertise with trading platforms (such as Bloomberg Terminal or Reuters Eikon), order management systems, and certifications like the Series 7 or CFA are often required. Exceptional decision-making, stress management, and communication skills are valuable for successful collaboration and performance under pressure. These abilities are crucial for executing large-volume trades, minimizing risk, and achieving institutional investment goals in a fast-paced environment.

How do you become an institutional trader?

To become an institutional trader, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in finance, economics, or a related field, along with strong analytical skills and experience in trading or financial markets. Many institutional traders gain experience through internships or roles at brokerage firms, and some pursue certifications like the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) to enhance their credentials. Proficiency with trading platforms and understanding of market regulations are also important for success in this role.

How much do institutional traders make?

Institutional traders typically earn a base salary ranging from $70,000 to over $150,000 annually, with additional compensation from bonuses and commissions based on trading performance. Experienced traders with strong skills and certifications can earn significantly more, especially in large financial firms or hedge funds.
More about Institutional Trader jobs

What cities are hiring for Institutional Trader jobs?

Cities with the most Institutional Trader job openings:

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

The most popular types of Institutional Trader jobs are:

What states have the most Institutional Trader jobs?

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

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

The top searched job categories for Institutional Trader jobs are:

Institutional Trader jobs near you
Infographic showing various Institutional Trader job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,774 per year, or $46.5 per hour.

Institutional Trader

Chicago, IL

Optiver
See more jobs at Optiverexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Optiver is looking for an Institutional Trader to join our Trading Team. As one of the key faces of our organization, you will translate market intricacies into strategic trades, driving profitability and expanding our trading counterparties utilizing your strong interpersonal skills. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of our institutional business.

What you'll do

Institutional traders often take on the largest and most impactful trades across the landscape. Every day presents them with new interactions, experiences and situations to navigate.

As an Institutional Trader, your key responsibilities include:

  • Represent Optiver by managing current and building new relationships with external counterparties
  • Interpret large flows to inform trading strategies
  • Identify new market opportunities in order to diversify our strategies and maximize team success
  • Collaborate with our internal sales and trading desks to make real-time contributions to trading and pricing decisions

What you'll get

  • The opportunity to work alongside best-in-class professionals from over 40 different countries
  • A highly competitive compensation package
  • Global profit-sharing pool and performance-based bonus structure
  • 401(k) match up to 50%
  • Comprehensive health, mental, dental, vision, disability, and life coverage
  • 25 paid vacation days alongside market holidays
  • Extensive office perks, including breakfast, lunch and snacks, regular social events, clubs, sporting leagues and more

Who you are

  • Hold a bachelor's degree (required)
  • Have 2-5 years of experience trading Index and/or Equity Derivatives at a Bank or Propriety Trading Firm
  • Expertise in trading and position management around market flows
  • Have a deep understanding of the market landscape and industry dynamics, allowing for the identification of innovative growth prospects
  • Excellent communicator with experience building and maintaining external relationships in your prior roles
  • Competitive attitude and dedication to constantly improve in a team environment  
  • Strong mathematical and quantitative background
  • Legal authorization to work in the US 

Who we are

At Optiver, our mission is to improve the market by injecting liquidity, providing accurate pricing, increasing transparency and stabilizing the market no matter the conditions. With a focus on continuous improvement, we prioritize safeguarding the health and efficiency of the markets for all participants. As one of the largest market making institutions, we are a respected partner on 100+ exchanges across the globe.

Our differences are our edge. Optiver does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, or other legally protected characteristics.

Apply