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Trading Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Trade Operations

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$60K - $120K/yr

Wilshire is looking for an Associate/Sr. Associate to join our Trade Operations team. This is a central group that supports the trading needs of multiple business platforms. You will focus on all ...

Trade Operations

Santa Monica, CA · Hybrid

$60K - $120K/yr

Wilshire is looking for an Associate/Sr. Associate to join our Trade Operations team. This is a central group that supports the trading needs of multiple business platforms. You will focus on all ...

Trade Operations

Santa Monica, CA · Hybrid

$60K - $120K/yr

Wilshire is looking for an Associate/Sr. Associate to join our Trade Operations team. This is a central group that supports the trading needs of multiple business platforms. You will focus on all ...

Fixed Income Rates Trader

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$150K - $250K/yr

We believe that belonging leads to better outcomes and a stronger community of associates united by ... The successful candidate will have proven success in trading, a collaborative nature, and excellent ...

Trade Settlement Support, Associate I

Carmel, CA · Hybrid

$18.75 - $24.25/hr

... business and trading counterparties * Support the settlement process of loan syndications ... Associate or bachelor's degree in a business-related field or relevant work experience * Knowledge ...

Fixed Income Rates Trader

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$150K - $250K/yr

We believe that belonging leads to better outcomes and a stronger community of associates united by ... The successful candidate will have proven success in trading, a collaborativenature,and excellent ...

Trade Settlement Support, Associate I

Carmel, CA · On-site

$18.75 - $24.25/hr

... business and trading counterparties * Support the settlement process of loan syndications ... Associate or bachelor's degree in a business-related field or relevant work experience * Knowledge ...

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Trading Associate information

See California salary details

$10

$15

$18

How much do trading associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for trading associate in California is $15.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $15.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Trading Associate, you need strong analytical abilities, quantitative skills, and a solid understanding of financial markets, usually backed by a degree in finance, economics, or a related field. Familiarity with trading platforms such as Bloomberg, Excel, and order management systems, as well as relevant certifications like the Series 7 or CFA, is highly beneficial. Exceptional attention to detail, quick decision-making, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for this fast-paced environment. These skills ensure accurate trade execution, risk management, and successful collaboration with clients and team members.

How do Trading Associates typically collaborate with portfolio managers and analysts during the trading process?

Trading Associates work closely with portfolio managers and analysts to ensure that trades are executed efficiently and in line with the firm's investment strategies. They often receive trade instructions from portfolio managers, verify necessary details with analysts, and communicate quickly to resolve any discrepancies. Effective collaboration involves real-time communication, quick decision-making, and a thorough understanding of both market conditions and portfolio objectives. This teamwork helps minimize errors, optimize trade execution, and maintain compliance with regulatory requirements.

What are 5 examples of trade jobs?

Trade jobs include electricians, plumbers, carpenters, HVAC technicians, and welders. These roles typically require specialized skills, technical training, and often certification or apprenticeships. They are essential in construction, maintenance, and manufacturing industries.

What is the difference between Trading Associate vs Investment Analyst?

AspectTrading AssociateInvestment Analyst
Required CredentialsTypically a bachelor's degree in finance, economics, or related field; certifications like Series 7 or 63 may be preferredUsually a bachelor's degree in finance, economics, or related; often pursue CFA or similar certifications
Work EnvironmentFast-paced trading floors or financial firms, focusing on executing trades and supporting tradersOffice setting, analyzing market data, preparing reports, and making investment recommendations
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by investment banks, hedge funds, asset management firmsCommon in asset management, investment firms, and research institutions

While both roles require finance knowledge and similar educational backgrounds, Trading Associates focus on executing trades and supporting trading activities in fast-paced environments. Investment Analysts primarily analyze data and provide investment insights. The roles complement each other within financial firms but differ in daily responsibilities and focus areas.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Trading associates in financial trading roles can earn $2,000 or more per day through commissions, bonuses, and profit sharing, especially in high-volume or hedge fund environments. Such positions typically require strong analytical skills, experience, and often involve high-risk, high-reward strategies. Other high-paying jobs may include specialized consulting or executive roles, but these are less common and often require significant expertise or credentials.

What jobs pay 10,000 a month without a degree?

A Trading Associate can potentially earn $10,000 or more per month through commissions and performance bonuses, especially in high-volume trading environments or proprietary trading firms. Success in such roles often depends on strong analytical skills, market knowledge, and experience, rather than formal education, but high earnings are typically associated with significant risk and performance-based pay.

What are Trading Associates?

Trading Associates are professionals who support traders and portfolio managers in the execution of trades, managing financial transactions, and conducting market research. They often assist with trade reconciliation, data analysis, and maintaining relationships with clients or counterparties. Trading Associates play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of trading desks in financial institutions, such as investment banks, asset management firms, or hedge funds. Their responsibilities may also include monitoring market trends, preparing reports, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

How much does a trading associate make?

A trading associate typically earns between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the employer. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced associates or those in financial hubs can earn higher salaries, often supplemented with bonuses and incentives.
What are the most commonly searched types of Trading jobs in California? The most popular types of Trading jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Trading Associate jobs in California? For Trading Associate jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Trading Associate jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Trading Associate jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Trading Associate jobs? Cities in California with the most Trading Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Trading Associate job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 59% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 8% Temporary. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $31,651 per year, or $15.2 per hour.

Trade Operations

Wilshire Advisors LLC

Santa Monica, CA • On-site

$60K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Company Description
As part of the Wilshire family, you can rest assured that every day you are contributing to an organization that is helping investors improve their financial outcomes. For more than 50 years, Wilshire has been dedicated to providing customized portfolio solutions grounded in research and powered by next generation technologies.
Wilshire advises on over $1 trillion in assets for some of the world's largest and most sophisticated institutional investors and is headquartered in the United States with offices worldwide.
Job Description
Wilshire is looking for an Associate/Sr. Associate to join our Trade Operations team. This is a central group that supports the trading needs of multiple business platforms. You will focus on all parts of the trade life cycle including order set up, execution, settlement, pre and post check compliance, and reconciliation. You will be tasked with the operation, maintenance and development of our trading technologies including the order management system, proprietary trading models, and third-party systems. This is a highly visible team that contributes to important, time-sensitive work while valuing collaboration, communication, and mutual support.
What you'll do:
  • Trade set up, settlement, confirmation support, reconciliation and reporting
  • Trading systems maintenance and support
  • Model maintenance and support
  • Trade compliance reporting
  • Onboarding new brokers, custodians and administrators
  • Maintain policy and procedures

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in business, finance, accounting, or relevant field of study
  • 4-6 years of industry experience; trading or trade operations capacity highly preferred
  • Familiarity with trade order management or fund accounting systems preferred
  • Familiarity with Bloomberg, Eze OMS, Morning Star and industry relevant systems preferred
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office with strong Excel skills; ability to write macros preferred
  • Knowledge of cash, equity and fixed income asset classes; derivatives preferred
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Strong quantitative and analytical skills; experience with security valuation modeling preferred
  • Positive attitude and motivation, good organization, punctuality and attention to detail
  • Team player with the ability to thrive in a dynamic and fast paced environment
  • Entrepreneurial spirit

Additional Information
  • This position will work on a hybrid model out of our Santa Monica or Pittsburgh office.
  • We offer a comprehensive benefits package including a collaborative work environment, generous PTO, 401(k) match, affordable & comprehensive medical/dental/vision insurance, CFA and other professional membership reimbursement, and more.

The pay range for this position is $60,000 - $120,000. However, base pay will be determined on an individual basis considering various factors, including location, qualifications, skills, and experience. The total compensation package includes eligibility for an annual discretionary bonus and a full range of health and financial benefit offerings, which will be provided in conjunction with an offer of employment.
Visit www.wilshire.com for additional company information.
Wilshire is an SEC registered investment adviser and required to track certain political contributions under Rule 206(4)-5. As such, you may be required to disclose your prior political contributions.
We are an equal opportunity employer, which means we afford equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of race/ethnicity, creed, color, religion, sex (including gender and gender identity), national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, veteran status, citizenship status, disability, medical condition (as defined by California Government Code section 12926), or sexual orientation. Our employees, as well as applicants and others with whom we do business, will not be subjected to sexual, racial, religious, ethnic, or any other form of unlawful harassment. In addition, Wilshire adheres to the equal employment opportunity requirements of all states and localities in which it does business. We are completely committed to these principles not only because of the various laws which address these subjects, but because it is the right thing to do for our employees and clients to thrive.
If you have a disability, and require reasonable accommodations in the application process, contact Human Resources at ApplicantAccessibility@wilshire.com or 310-584-6011.