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Trading Assistant Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Trade Support Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$145K - $177K/yr

... * Assist with risk and compliance reporting. * Occasional handling of datacenter and trading desk hardware. * Write scripts to automate repetitive workflows and accelerate your own troubleshooting.

Trade Support Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$145K - $177K/yr

... * Assist with risk and compliance reporting. * Occasional handling of datacenter and trading desk hardware. * Write scripts to automate repetitive workflows and accelerate your own troubleshooting.

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Trading Assistant information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$14

$37

$51

How much do trading assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for trading assistant in Chicago, IL is $37.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.03 and $47.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Trading Assistant, you need strong analytical abilities, attention to detail, and a background in finance, mathematics, or economics, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with trading platforms, market data systems (like Bloomberg or Reuters), and proficiency in Excel or programming languages such as Python is highly valued. Exceptional communication skills, adaptability, and the ability to work well under pressure help individuals excel in this fast-paced role. These skills and qualities are crucial for supporting traders effectively, ensuring accurate trade execution, and minimizing operational risks in dynamic financial markets.

What does a trading assistant do?

A trading assistant is similar to an apprentice. Their primary duties include working closely with a certified trader to learn how to sell financial products on behalf of their clients, manage risks, and provide general assistance to the trader. Trading assistants also run errands for traders, such as getting lunch or coffee. Typically, a trading assistant works for a period of up to two years with a trader to amass the knowledge and skills necessary to become a full-time trader. Once they are ready to become a full-time trader, they need to take the Series 7 and Series 63 exams to become licensed.

What is a trading assistant?

Trading Assistants are professionals who support traders in financial firms by handling administrative tasks, monitoring market data, executing trades as directed, and ensuring that transactions are properly recorded. They often serve as the link between traders, clients, and back-office teams to facilitate smooth trading operations. Their work is crucial for maintaining efficient workflow, managing risk, and ensuring regulatory compliance in fast-paced trading environments.

What are some common challenges trading assistants face when supporting traders, and how can these be managed effectively?

Trading Assistants often need to manage high-pressure situations, such as rapidly changing market conditions and urgent requests from traders. Balancing multiple tasks—like trade booking, reconciliations, and data entry—requires excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Effective communication with traders, compliance teams, and operations is key to preventing errors and ensuring smooth trade execution. Proactively learning trading systems and keeping up-to-date with market protocols can help Trading Assistants navigate challenges more efficiently.

Is it worth being a trading assistant?

A trading assistant supports traders by managing orders, analyzing market data, and handling administrative tasks, often requiring knowledge of trading platforms and financial markets. The role can provide valuable industry experience and skills but may involve long hours and high-pressure situations. Its worth depends on career goals and interest in finance and trading environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Trading jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Trading jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What job categories do people searching Trading Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Trading Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Trading Assistant jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Trading Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Trading Assistant job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $78,358 per year, or $37.7 per hour.

Trading, Portfolio Support

Next Step Systems

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Trading, Portfolio Support, Chicago, IL
We are seeking a motivated team player with technical aptitude and market awareness to support the operation of an automated trading system in Chicago. The qualified Trading, Portfolio Support candidate will be supporting U.S. trading hours. This is a 100% onsite position. Company Will Sponsor Visas!
Responsibilities:
-Perform daily procedures relevant to the trading system for equity and futures markets.
-Monitor and evaluate system status continuously to ensure smooth operations.
-Monitor and spot-check trades and displayed system values in real time.
-Step in and manage the trading system when limited staffing requires it.
-Deal with trading exceptions, such as unacknowledged orders or broken trades.
-Facilitate change management and ensure that new software and hardware function as intended.
-Identify and respond to system incidents, perform troubleshooting procedures, and escalate as necessary.
-Participate in follow-on investigation for root cause analysis of identified issues.
-Adjust for and respond to corporate action related events.
-Work with colleagues to identify and develop opportunities to enhance and improve trading system procedures.
-Add, maintain, and ensure integrity of trading system parameterization data.
-Enhance and further automate existing processes by writing scripts with accompanying reports.
-Create and maintain documentation of trading-related procedures.
-Should know how a portfolio is organized and hedged.
-Should possess an understanding of investment portfolio management and monitoring exposure.
-Should know what a Corporate Action is and be able to adjust for and respond to Corporate Action related events.
Qualifications:
-Bachelor's degree at minimum.
-At least 2 years relevant work experience.
-Knowledge of markets and trading.
-Want someone who is operationally-focused with a technical background; maybe someone who wants to be a Trader but doesn't have the right focus to make that work.
-Must know how to manage a portfolio, understand level of risk when taking on portfolios, know what hedging is.
-Proficient with UNIX/Linux and Windows.
-Demonstrated experience with Perl, Python, or Ruby scripting and SQL preferred.
-Detail-oriented and well-organized.
-Able to multi-task and work under pressure.
-Able to exercise sound judgment when solving or escalating problems.
-Able to work independently.
-You will be reporting to the Trade Desk Operations Manager.
-Be responsible for assisting with the opening processes relative to the U.S. market open. Verify the system is in a normal state and turn on strategies for trading.
-You will be expected to be aware of market behavior.
-You should know how a portfolio is organized and hedged.
-You should be able to address issues (e.g., writing scripts) to avoid losing opportunities in the market.
-Decipher differences between complex and non-issues.
-After the system is on, there will be opportunities for pro-active work (e.g., advancing scripting skills, etc.).
-You will be required to pass the Series 57, if you do not already have it. (The company will provide training materials, as needed).
-Looking for a particular individual who is multi-faceted; interest in both technology and trading.
-Have proprietary black box system (high volume of trades at a high speed).
Top things we're looking for:
-Cultural fit
-Good judgment (e.g., someone we can trust with the Firm's strategy, disciplined, know when to call/escalate issues)
-Good technology foundation (SQL, and a scripting language)
-Market knowledge (EQ or Futures knowledge preferred)
-Experience in investments/markets
Benefits include medical insurance, retirement plan, PTO, etc. Salary: 80K+ DOE. Keywords: Chicago IL Jobs, Trading, Portfolio Support, UNIX, Linux, SQL, Windows, Trading, Perl, Python, Ruby, Scripting, Series 57, Trading, Financial, Chicago Recruiters, IT Jobs, Chicago Recruiting
Looking to hire for similar positions in Chicago IL or in other cities? Our IT recruiting agencies and staffing companies can help.
We help companies that are looking to hire Trading, Portfolio Support candidates for jobs in Chicago IL and in other cities too. Please contact our IT recruiting agencies and IT staffing companies today! Phone 630-428-0600 ext. 11 or email us at jobs@nextstepsystems.com. Click here to submit your resume for this job and others.
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