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Prop Trading Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Steve Hay Sole Prop

commercial plumber

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$29.75 - $38.50/hr

Steve Hay Sole Prop is looking for a skilled Commercial Plumber to join our team in Santa Clara, CA ... Coordinate with general contractors, project managers, and other trades on job sites * Maintain ...

SpaceX

Propulsion Technician (Starship)

Hawthorne, CA

$31 - $38/hr

You will partner with engineers on the floor to develop booster prop subs production systems ... trade school PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: * 3+ years of aerospace component testing experience

SpaceX

Propulsion Technician (Starship)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$31 - $38/hr

You will partner with engineers on the floor to develop booster prop subs production systems ... trade school PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: * 3+ years of aerospace component testing experience

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All JobsProp Trading JobsProp Trading Jobs in California

Prop Trading information

See California salary details

$49.3K

$104.4K

$148K

How much do prop trading jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for prop trading in California is $104,365.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,800.00 and $118,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do you become a prop trader?

To become a prop trader, individuals typically need a strong understanding of financial markets, trading strategies, and risk management. Many firms require relevant experience, a proven track record, or passing specific assessments, and some may prefer candidates with a background in finance, economics, or related fields. Developing skills with trading platforms and maintaining discipline are also important for success in proprietary trading roles.

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

To thrive as a Prop Trader, you need a solid understanding of financial markets, quantitative analysis, and risk management, often supported by a degree in finance, mathematics, or a related field. Familiarity with trading platforms, algorithmic trading systems, and certifications like CFA or Series 7 can be highly advantageous. Strong decision-making, discipline, and the ability to manage stress set top performers apart in this high-pressure environment. These skills and qualities are essential for maximizing profitability while effectively controlling risk and adapting to rapidly changing market conditions.

What are some common challenges faced by prop traders and how can new hires effectively overcome them?

Prop traders often face high-pressure environments due to the fast-paced nature of financial markets and the need to quickly adapt to changing conditions. Managing risk while pursuing profitability is a constant challenge, especially for those new to the role. New hires can overcome these challenges by leveraging mentorship from experienced traders, rigorously backtesting their strategies, and maintaining disciplined risk management practices. Collaboration within the team and continuous learning are also key to developing the resilience and adaptability needed for long-term success.

What is prop trading?

Prop trading, short for proprietary trading, refers to when a financial firm or commercial bank invests for its own direct gain instead of earning commission by trading on behalf of clients. In prop trading, firms use their own capital to buy and sell financial instruments, such as stocks, bonds, derivatives, or currencies, with the goal of generating profits. This type of trading allows firms to benefit directly from market movements and their own trading strategies, but it also involves significant risks. Prop traders are typically highly skilled professionals who use sophisticated strategies and technology to gain an edge in the markets.

How much do prop traders make?

Prop traders, or proprietary traders, typically earn a base salary plus a performance-based bonus that can significantly increase total compensation. On average, prop traders can make from $50,000 to over $500,000 annually, depending on their skill, experience, trading capital, and profitability. Successful traders often use advanced trading platforms and risk management strategies to maximize earnings.

What is the difference between Prop Trading vs Quant Trader?

AspectProp TradingQuant Trader
CredentialsTypically requires a finance or related degree, sometimes certifications like CFAOften requires a degree in mathematics, computer science, or engineering; advanced degrees common
Work EnvironmentFast-paced trading floors or offices, high-pressureResearch-focused, analytical environment, often with programming and data analysis
Employer & Industry UsageHedge funds, proprietary trading firms, investment banksHedge funds, quant funds, proprietary trading firms

Prop Trading involves traders using firm capital to execute trades based on market intuition and experience, while Quant Traders develop algorithms and models to execute trades based on data analysis. Both roles are integral to trading firms but differ in approach and skill set.

What are the most commonly searched types of Prop Trading jobs in California? The most popular types of Prop Trading jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Prop Trading jobs in California? For Prop Trading jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Prop Trading jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Prop Trading jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Prop Trading jobs? Cities in California with the most Prop Trading job openings:
Prop Trading jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prop Trading job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,365 per year, or $50.2 per hour.

Entry Level Proprietary Trader Positions

T3 Trading Group LLC

San Jose, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

NOW Accepting Applications for Prop Trading Professionals
Considering an exciting new career as a professional trader?
T3 Trading Group, LLC (www.t3trading.com) is a Registered SEC Broker-Dealer & Member of FINRA/SIPC. We are recruiting hardworking, entrepreneurial entry level-traders for remote positions in our nationwide Trading Group.
Trading with T3TG
Our goal is to help every trader maximize their potential through:
  • In-depth education in technical analysis, tape reading, money management, market psychology, and other essential topics
  • Cutting edge technology including access to multiple trading platforms, 'dark' and 'lit' execution venues, plus black box/algorithmic systems
  • Daily trading reviews with experienced traders for individualized help
  • An open and friendly team environment
  • A competitive payout structures

Required Qualifications
  • College degree with a competitive GPA
  • Passion for financial markets
  • Strong analytical skills
  • Team-oriented mentality
  • A focused, entrepreneurial personality
  • Experience in sports or other competitive endeavors like gaming preferred but not required
  • Prior trading experience is not required

Professional Trading Benefits
As a professional trader with T3TG you get:
  • Access to firm capital for superior leverage to traditional retail brokerage accounts.
  • A community of like-minded seasoned professionals to trade alongside.
  • Avoidance of traditional retail restrictions such as the Pattern Day Trader (PDR) rule and short sale restrictions.
  • Access additional capital and potential full-backing based on your performance.

Regulatory Requirements
To trade the firm's capital, equities and options traders must pass the Securities
Industry Essentials (SIE) and Series 57 top off exams to obtain the Securities Trader Representative registration. We are happy to sponsor all qualified candidates to take the exams.
Additionally, all traders must complete FINRA Registration paperwork and applicable background checks.
About T3TG
T3 Trading Group, LLC, a unit of T3 companies, is a Registered SEC Broker-Dealer and Member of FINRA/SIPC. Established in 2007 and registered in 2010, it holds licenses in 53 U.S. States and Territories. T3's office headquarters is located at 88 Pine Street in the heart of New York City's famed financial district.
Please Note:
Proprietary trading is not for everyone. However, it can be a great fit for entrepreneurial spirits with superior work ethic and discipline. Historically, we have sponsored H1B visas on a case-by-case basis and generally require 12 months remaining on any OPT Visa.
How to Apply
If interested, please contact Paolo Fontana at 917-548-4492 or Paolo.Fontana@t3trading.com

Apply