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Volatility Trader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Systematic Options Trader

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Trading Employment Type: Full Time Location: Chicago, IL Description Wolverine has an opportunity ... pricing volatility signals. You have experience defining research priorities and deriving ...

Systematic Equity Options Trader

Chicago, IL ยท On-site +1

$170K - $250K/yr

Build and maintain quantitative models for options pricing, volatility forecasting, and risk ... Conduct post-trade analysis to evaluate strategy performance and identify areas for improvement ...

Systematic Equity Options Trader

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$170K - $250K/yr

Build and maintain quantitative models for options pricing, volatility forecasting, and risk ... Conduct post-trade analysis to evaluate strategy performance and identify areas for improvement ...

Systematic Options Trader

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

... pricing volatility signals. You have experience defining research priorities and deriving ... Grow firm profitability by influencing the development of trading algorithms and researching ...

... pricing volatility signals. You have experience defining research priorities and deriving ... Grow firm profitability by influencing the development of trading algorithms and researching ...

Executing trades and managing risk by hedging against market volatility. * Maintaining relationships with existing accounts, and prospecting for new accounts. Requirements EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

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Volatility Trader information

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$5

$43

$56

How much do volatility trader jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for volatility trader in the United States is $43.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32.93 and $54.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Volatility Traders face when managing risk in dynamic markets?

Volatility Traders often contend with rapidly changing market conditions, which can make accurate pricing and hedging of options particularly challenging. Managing risk requires constant monitoring of market volatility, adjusting positions quickly, and using sophisticated models to predict price movements. Additionally, traders must stay informed about macroeconomic events and news that can cause sudden spikes in volatility. Effective communication with risk managers and other trading team members is essential to manage exposures and ensure compliance with firm-wide risk limits.

What is the difference between Volatility Trader vs Options Trader?

AspectVolatility TraderOptions Trader
Required CredentialsFinance degree, CFA or FRM often preferredFinance degree, CFA, options trading certifications
Work EnvironmentTrading desks, quantitative teams, financial firmsTrading floors, financial institutions, hedge funds
Industry UsageSpecializes in volatility products and strategiesHandles a broad range of options and derivatives

While both roles involve trading financial instruments, a Volatility Trader focuses specifically on volatility-related products and strategies, often using quantitative models. An Options Trader handles a wider array of options and derivatives, including strategies beyond volatility. The roles overlap in skills and environment but differ in scope and focus.

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

To thrive as a Volatility Trader, you need strong quantitative analysis skills, a deep understanding of financial markets and derivatives, and typically a degree in finance, mathematics, or a related field. Familiarity with trading platforms, programming languages like Python or R, and risk management systems is essential. Exceptional decision-making under pressure, attention to detail, and effective communication are standout soft skills. These abilities are critical for accurately assessing market risk, executing complex strategies, and ensuring profitability in highly dynamic trading environments.

What are Volatility Traders?

Volatility traders are financial professionals who specialize in trading instruments that profit from changes in market volatility rather than the direction of price movements. They often use derivatives like options, futures, or volatility indices to take positions based on their forecasts of how much an asset's price will fluctuate. Their strategies may involve complex mathematical models and risk management techniques to hedge or exploit changing market conditions. Volatility traders are commonly found in investment banks, hedge funds, and proprietary trading firms.
More about Volatility Trader jobs
What cities are hiring for Volatility Trader jobs? Cities with the most Volatility Trader job openings:
What states have the most Volatility Trader jobs? States with the most job openings for Volatility Trader jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Volatility Trader jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Volatility Trader jobs are:
Index and Cross Asset ETF Volatility Trader, Director or Vice President

Index and Cross Asset ETF Volatility Trader, Director or Vice President

Citigroup, Inc.

New York, NY โ€ข On-site

$200K - $300K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 hours ago


Job description

The Index and Cross Asset ETF Volatility Trader is a senior level position responsible for overseeing a trading book and managing book risk, in coordination with the Trading team. The overall objective of this role is to trade the U.S. ETF on the International ETF and Cross Asset ETF markets, ensure book trades deliver on budgeted revenues, and to coordinate with key stakeholders to develop the trading franchise.
Responsibilities:
  • Oversee a trading book as an experienced trader and generate revenues and manage risk for the respective business
  • Build and maintain a franchise and connect with key clients
  • Coordinate with Sales, Research, CM and other organizations across Markets and Securities Services and the broader business
  • Trade a book and deliver on budgeted revenues and manage book risk
  • Establish and maintain key relationships to deliver trades to the desk
  • Anticipate client demand in each respective product/market and facilitate large client trades
  • Coordinate with desk analysts as needed and with sales to develop the franchise and manage and mentor junior traders as needed
  • Leading strong governance and controls:
  • Work in close partnership with control functions such as Legal, Compliance, Market and Credit Risk, Audit, Finance in order to ensure appropriate governance and control infrastructure
  • Build a culture of responsible finance, good governance and supervision, expense discipline and ethics
  • Appropriately assess risk/reward of transactions when making business decisions; demonstrating proper consideration for the firm's reputation.
  • Be familiar with and adhere to Citi's Code of Conduct and the Plan of Supervision for Global Markets and Securities Services
  • Adhere to all policies and procedures as defined by your role which will be communicated to you
  • Obtain and maintain all registrations/licenses which are required for your role, within the appropriate timeframe
  • Appropriately assess risk when business decisions are made, demonstrating particular consideration for the firm's reputation and safeguarding Citigroup, its clients and assets, by driving compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations, adhering to Policy, applying sound ethical judgment regarding personal behavior, conduct and business practices, and escalating, managing and reporting control issues with transparency.

Qualifications:
  • 12+ years of experience in a related role for Director level consideration (6+ years of experience in a related role for Vice President level consideration)
  • In-depth knowledge of respective products and clients
  • Knowledge or Rates, Credit, Metals and/or Equity Volatility required
  • Knowledge of Options Trading required
  • Proven history of successful trading book management
  • Required licensing and registrations as applicable
  • Advance analytical and numerical competency
  • Consistently demonstrates clear and concise written and verbal communication
  • Effective interpersonal skills to develop and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders
  • Ability to analyze and pitch situations and determine suitable counterparties
  • Knowledge of Bloomberg, booking systems, trading protocol, closing technicalities.
  • Interest and knowledge for AI implementation in trading strongly preferred.

Education:
  • Bachelor's degree/University degree or equivalent experience
  • Master's degree preferred.

This role's advertised salary range is associated with Director level. Citi is open to considering VP level talent for VP level placement which will be in line with VP level salary.
Job Family Group:
Institutional Trading
Job Family:
Trading
Time Type:
Full time
Primary Location:
New York New York United States
Primary Location Full Time Salary Range:
$200,000.00 - $300,000.00
In addition to salary, Citi's offerings may also include, for eligible employees, discretionary and formulaic incentive and retention awards. Citi offers competitive employee benefits, including: medical, dental & vision coverage; 401(k); life, accident, and disability insurance; and wellness programs. Citi also offers paid time off packages, including planned time off (vacation), unplanned time off (sick leave), and paid holidays. For additional information regarding Citi employee benefits, please visit citibenefits.com. Available offerings may vary by jurisdiction, job level, and date of hire.
Most Relevant Skills
Please see the requirements listed above.
Other Relevant Skills
For complementary skills, please see above and/or contact the recruiter.
Anticipated Posting Close Date:
Jun 03, 2026
Citi is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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