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Institutional Trading Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tidal Financial Group

AVP of Trading

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

This role requires experience in using Bloomberg or other institutional trading platforms, as well as a background in financial services and back/middle office operations. What you'll do * Execute ...

Tidal Financial Group

AVP of Trading

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$100 - $130/hr

This role requires experience in using Bloomberg or other institutional trading platforms, as well as a background in financial services and back/middle office operations. What you'll do * Execute ...

Tidal Financial Group

AVP of Trading

Chicago, IL · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

This role requires experience in using Bloomberg or other institutional trading platforms, as well as a background in financial services and back/middle office operations. What you'll do * Execute ...

Tidal Financial Group

AVP of Trading

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$100 - $130/hr

This role requires experience in using Bloomberg or other institutional trading platforms, as well as a background in financial services and back/middle office operations. What you'll do * Execute ...

Alpaca

Director of Engineering, Trading

Design and deliver institutional trading capabilities, including but not limited to: * Drive ... architectural decisions across trading APIs, our proprietary order management system, real-time ...

Alpaca

Director of Engineering, Trading

Design and deliver institutional trading capabilities, including but not limited to: * Drive ... architectural decisions across trading APIs, our proprietary order management system, real-time ...

Alpaca

Director of Engineering, Trading

Chicago, IL

Design and deliver institutional trading capabilities, including but not limited to: * Drive ... architectural decisions across trading APIs, our proprietary order management system, real-time ...

Tidal Financial Group

Trading Associate-Leverage

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$16.25 - $22.25/hr

This role requires using Bloomberg and other institutional trading platforms. A background in financial services and back/middle office operations is preferred. What you'll do * Execute and manage ...

Optiver

Institutional Trader

Chicago, IL

Optiver is looking for an Institutional Trader to join our Trading Team. As one of the key faces of ... Interpret large flows to inform trading strategies * Identify new market opportunities in order to ...

Tidal Financial Group

$170 - $230/hr

This role requires experience in using Bloomberg or other institutional trading platforms, as well as a background in financial services and back/middle office operations. What you\'ll do * Execute ...

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 ... Interpret large flows to inform trading strategies * Identify new market opportunities in order to ...

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Institutional Trading information

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$14

$36

$50

How much do institutional trading jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for institutional trading in the United States is $36.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.36 and $46.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is institutional trading?

Institutional trading refers to the buying and selling of large quantities of securities, such as stocks or bonds, by organizations like mutual funds, pension funds, insurance companies, and hedge funds. These trades are typically much larger than those made by individual investors and can significantly impact market prices. Institutional traders often use advanced strategies and sophisticated technology to execute trades efficiently and minimize costs. Their activities play a key role in providing liquidity and stability to the financial markets.

How does an institutional trader typically collaborate with portfolio managers and analysts during the trading process?

Institutional traders work closely with portfolio managers and research analysts to execute large trades that align with the firm's investment strategies. Portfolio managers communicate their investment objectives and trade instructions, while analysts provide market insights and recommendations. Traders use this information to determine the optimal timing, size, and method of execution, aiming to minimize market impact and transaction costs. Effective collaboration ensures that trades are executed efficiently and in accordance with compliance and risk guidelines.

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

To thrive as an Institutional Trader, you need a strong background in finance, analytical skills, and a relevant degree such as finance, economics, or mathematics. Familiarity with trading platforms like Bloomberg Terminal, electronic trading systems, and regulatory certifications (such as FINRA Series 7 or 63) are typically required. Excellent decision-making, attention to detail, and effective communication are standout soft skills for managing high-stakes transactions and client relationships. These capabilities are critical for executing large trades efficiently, mitigating risk, and ensuring profitability in fast-paced financial markets.

What is the difference between Institutional Trading vs Equity Trading?

AspectInstitutional TradingEquity Trading
CredentialsDegree in finance, economics, or related field; certifications like CFA often preferredSimilar credentials; CFA and finance degrees common
Work EnvironmentLarge financial institutions, hedge funds, asset managersBrokerages, investment banks, trading firms
Industry UsageUsed across institutional investors, asset managers, pension fundsUsed by individual and institutional traders
Search & ComparisonOften compared for scope, scale, and client baseFocuses more on individual or retail trading activities

Institutional Trading involves executing large-scale trades for institutions like pension funds and asset managers, often requiring specialized skills and certifications. Equity Trading generally refers to buying and selling stocks, which can be done by both individual and institutional traders. While both roles involve trading securities, Institutional Trading typically deals with larger volumes and more complex strategies within large organizations.

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 entry-level roles at financial firms and may pursue certifications like the Series 7 or Series 63 to enhance their credentials.

How much do institutional traders make?

Institutional traders typically earn a base salary ranging from $70,000 to $150,000 annually, with total compensation often including bonuses that can significantly increase earnings based on performance. Experienced traders with strong analytical skills and risk management expertise can earn well over $200,000 per year. Compensation varies by firm, location, and individual performance.

What does an institutional trading do?

An institutional trader executes large-scale buy and sell orders on behalf of organizations such as mutual funds, pension funds, and hedge funds. They analyze market conditions, use trading platforms, and often work under strict compliance standards to manage significant investment portfolios efficiently.
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Institutional Trading jobs near you
Infographic showing various Institutional Trading job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,005 per year, or $36.5 per hour.

AVP of Trading

Tidal Financial Group

Oak Brook, IL • On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

The Tidal Financial Group is a leading ETF investment technology platform dedicated to creating, operating, and growing ETFs. We combine expertise and innovative partnership approaches to offer comprehensive, value-generating ETF solutions.
Our platform offers best-in-class strategic guidance, product planning, trust and fund services, legal support, operations support, marketing and research, and sales and distribution services.
About the role
Tidal is seeking a highly skilled ETF Portfolio Manager responsible for the implementation and management of various Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF) portfolios. This role requires a deep understanding of financial markets, strong analytical skills, and a proven track record in managing portfolios within relevant risk -reward frameworks. The ETF Portfolio Management team provides portfolio management and execution services for ETF issuers. The firm manages both active and index -based portfolios and covers most major global asset classes. This position will closely be involved with day -to-day portfolio management functions of exchange traded products. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in trading equities, options, and fixed income. This role requires experience in using Bloomberg or other institutional trading platforms, as well as a background in financial services and back/middle office operations.
What you'll do
  • Execute and manage trades across equities, options, and fixed income.
  • Execute day-to-day duties in the Trading Operations Team, including but not limited to trade allocation, position settlement, and reconciliation of all trading.
  • Utilize Bloomberg or other institutional trading platforms for efficient trade execution.
  • Working closely with Prime Brokers and Market Makers to ensure trading best execution and fund efficiencies.
  • Stay updated with market trends, economic developments, and trading strategies.
  • Accountable for performance and adherence to fund objectives and delivering superior returns against direct competitors.
  • Strong familiarity with Microsoft Excel and other Office applications.
  • Partner with Investment/Portfolio Management team to continually improve and enhance the trading process and procedures.
  • Work closely with our Operations Team to understand their needs and to build solutions that enable them to execute transactions and other operational processes effectively.
  • A relentless focus on quality and ability to produce accurate information independently without extensive support/QA from others.
  • Continually analyzing, reviewing and improving our operations and service as the trading business evolves.
  • The individual will be expected to interact and build strong relationships with stakeholders.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree, preferably business or quantitative discipline related, or relevant experience
  • 3-5 years of experience (or more) in trading equities, options, and fixed income, with a strong emphasis on option trading
  • Institutional/RIA trading experience
  • Proficiency with Bloomberg or similar institutional trading platforms
  • Strong understanding of financial markets and trading strategies
  • Excellent communication and customer service skills
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment
  • Demonstrated history of solving complex problems
  • Proficient with MS Office Suite
  • Very high level of competency in Excel

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with trading platforms, order management systems (OMS), and post-trade processing
  • Experience working for a firm that manages 40 Act products
  • Familiarity with regulatory requirements related to trading activities
  • Experience working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment

The pay range for this role is:
100,000 - 130,000 USD per year (Chicago Office)
100,000 - 130,000 USD per year (Omaha Office)

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