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Volatility Trader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

MIO Partners

Execution Trader

New York, NY · On-site

Hands-on experience trading financial instruments across various asset classes (Commodities, Volatility, and FX; futures experience preferred) * Strong attention to detail and operational accuracy

Optiver

Quantitative Researcher - SVT

Chicago, IL

Optiver is growing our Systematic Volatility Trading team and looking for an exceptional Quantitative Researcher to join us in the early stages. This is a rare opportunity to help define the ...

Gelber Group

Experienced DI Trader

Chicago, IL

$72K - $120K/yr

Consistently generate strong , risk-adjusted returns across varying macro and volatility regimes * Manage your own portfolio of active strategies and drive trading decisions * Collaborate across your ...

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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 Jul 16, 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.

Is volatility trading profitable?

Volatility trading can be profitable for traders who have strong analytical skills, risk management strategies, and access to advanced trading tools. However, it involves significant risk due to market unpredictability and requires a deep understanding of derivatives and market behavior. Success depends on skill, experience, and disciplined execution.

What does a volatility trader do?

A volatility trader analyzes and trades financial instruments based on expected changes in market volatility, often using options and derivatives. They develop strategies to profit from fluctuations in market prices and may use quantitative models and trading platforms to execute their trades.

Which broker can I trade volatility with?

Volatility traders typically use brokers that offer access to options and derivatives markets, such as Interactive Brokers, TD Ameritrade, or Thinkorswim. These brokers provide advanced trading platforms, margin accounts, and tools necessary for executing volatility strategies. It's important to verify that the broker is regulated and offers the specific products you need for volatility trading.

Why do traders love volatility?

Volatility traders, including those in roles like volatility trader, thrive on market fluctuations because they can profit from price swings through strategies such as options trading and derivatives. High volatility creates more trading opportunities and potential for significant gains, making it attractive for traders skilled in risk management and technical analysis.

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.
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What cities are hiring for Volatility Trader jobs? Cities with the most Volatility Trader job openings:
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What job categories do people searching Volatility Trader jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Volatility Trader jobs are:
Volatility Trader jobs near you
Infographic showing various Volatility Trader job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 69% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 29% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,263 per year, or $43.4 per hour.

Quantitative Analyst - Expression of Interest

Eclipse Trading

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Quantitative Analyst (Chicago)

Eclipse Trading is a leading proprietary trading firm. Founded in 2007, we have over 110 employees across 4 office locations – Hong Kong (our HQ), Sydney, Shanghai and Chicago. Our trading expertise and strategies are deployed across several markets globally, focusing on various products including equity derivatives, delta one, ETFs, commodity derivatives, and cryptocurrency. Technology is inextricably linked to our trading strategies, creating an environment powered by intellectual curiosity, problem solving, and innovation.
We are looking for a talented individual to be part of a close-knit team based in our Chicago office that values innovation, creativity, and professional growth. This is an on-site role and this position is part of our global Quant and Integration team and will report to both the US Trading Team Lead and the Senior Trading Analyst of Quant and Integration. The successful candidate will get the opportunity to work in a collaborative environment where their contributions directly impact the success of the desk, as well as gain exposure to cutting-edge trading strategies and technologies in the volatility space.
Responsibilities and Duties

  • Perform quantitative analysis to improve existing trading strategies and develop new ones
  • Work with traders and quants to identify technical trading problems, conduct detailed research and deliver mathematical solutions
  • Build and maintain analytical tools and libraries

What you offer

Must have

  • Proven 2+ years of experience working on or with a mid-to-high frequency trading desk specializing in volatility trading in the US market
  • Expertise in options portfolio optimization and strategy back testing
  • Excellent proficiency in Python for scripting, data analysis, and model development
  • A relevant tertiary degree with a strong academic record, ideally in Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, Financial Engineering, or a related quantitative field
  • A collaborative mindset with a desire to work in a small, close-knit team and contribute to the growth of the desk
  • Excellent command of spoken and written English, with the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively
  • Authorization to work in the United States

Desirable

  • Experience with relative value and/or dispersion based volatility strategies
  • Experience with short-dated options and modelling short-term realized volatility measures
  • Research experience in event-driven volatility pricing (e.g., earnings announcements, macroeconomic events, M&A activity)

What we offer

  • The opportunity to work in a collaborative environment where your contributions directly impact the success of the desk
  • A close-knit team that values innovation, creativity, and professional growth
  • Exposure to cutting-edge trading strategies and technologies in the volatility space
  • A flat management structure, where everyone's voice is valued
  • Work life balance within a multi-cultural environment

Eclipse Trading is an equal opportunity employer and we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential pillars of our success as a company. We are dedicated to embrace a culture reflecting a variety of perspectives, insights and backgrounds to drive innovation. We build talented and diverse teams to drive business results and encourage our people to develop to their full potential.

All information provided will be treated in strict confidence and used solely for recruitment purposes.

Due to the high number of responses that we receive, we are only able to respond to successful applicants.