How To Become A Floor Trader: What It Is and Career Path - Zippia (2024)

Updated March 14, 2024

2 min read

A floor trader is a professional who works on the floor of an exchange, such as the Chicago Board of Trade, to buy and sell financial instruments. They use their knowledge of financial markets and their ability to analyze market trends to make profit by buying and selling during the trading day. They also use their skills in risk management to minimize losses and increase profits for their clients. Floor traders work closely with other traders, analysts, and market makers to execute trades and manage risk. They often use electronic trading platforms to execute trades, monitor market data, and manage customer relationships. They also serve on committees to ensure orderly trading and maintain fairness in the exchange. As a result of their skills and knowledge, floor traders play a crucial role in the financial markets, helping to shape the direction of the market and create opportunities for investors.

How long does it takes to become a floor trader?

It takes about 4 to 6 years to become a floor trader. The timeline includes earning a Bachelor's degree, which typically takes 4 years, followed by gaining 1 to 2 years of experience in a related field or position.

Year 1-4:Earn a Bachelor's degree in finance, economics, or a related field.

Year 5-6:Gain experience through entry-level positions in finance or trading. Obtain necessary licenses, such as the Series 57, to trade on the floor.

  • Salary$102,024
  • Growth Rate10%
  • Jobs Number33,369
  • Most Common SkillFutures Markets
  • Most Common DegreeBachelor's degree
  • Best StateRhode Island

Floor Trader career paths

Floor traders can move into various roles, such as traders, account managers, and finance advisors. They can also transition into management roles like senior sales executives or regional sales managers. Some may even pursue a career in consulting or become business development officers. Some may also specialize in specific areas like investments or energy derivatives trading.

Key steps to become a floor trader

  1. Explore floor trader education requirements

    If you're interested in becoming a floor trader, you must consider how much education you need. Based on real floor trader resumes, 81.2% of floor traders have a bachelor's degree. Regarding higher education levels, 9.1% of floor traders have master's degrees. Even though most floor traders have a college degree, it's impossible to become one with only a high school degree or GED.

  2. Start to develop specific floor trader skills

    Floor traders need a range of skills to be successful. They must have experience in trading strategies based on fundamental and technical analysis. They also need to be able to make markets electronically and form opinions on global commodity futures markets. Floor traders also need to be able to communicate effectively with both sell side and buy side analysts. They must have the ability to manage risk and monitor economic data to make informed trading decisions. Additionally, they need to be able to trade futures and options, monitor trading accounts, and create spread charts.

    SkillsPercentages
    Futures Markets31.33%
    CME7.47%
    Equity Options6.87%
    NYSE6.12%
    Futures Contracts5.79%

    Show more

  3. Research floor trader duties and responsibilities

    A floor trader's responsibilities include serving on arbitration committees, trading proprietary money, making markets electronically, and maintaining dialogues with analysts. They also develop trading strategies, trade options and futures, and form opinions on global commodity futures markets. Floor traders make fair and open markets for brokers and local traders, manage and maintain order books, and operate computer systems connected to financial markets. They monitor and execute trades using electronic platforms, manage structured commodity trading books, and maintain client satisfaction. Additionally, they analyze market trends and indicators, facilitate trades, and manage risk.

    • Manage business, sales, marketing, international negotiation and communication for a commodities business.
    • Lead arbitrage trader with the highest return on investment.
    • Demonstrate outstanding performance and become recognized as one of the top producing firms on the NYSE.
    • Facilitate trades, generate commission dollars, and reduce risk for clients by reflecting liquidity on the NYSE to senior traders.
  4. Prepare your floor trader resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your floor trader resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a floor trader resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Floor Trader Resume templates

    Build a professional

    Floor Trader

    resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume.

    Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Floor Trader resume.

    How To Become A Floor Trader: What It Is and Career Path - Zippia (1)

    How To Become A Floor Trader: What It Is and Career Path - Zippia (2)

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    How To Become A Floor Trader: What It Is and Career Path - Zippia (6)

    How To Become A Floor Trader: What It Is and Career Path - Zippia (7)

    How To Become A Floor Trader: What It Is and Career Path - Zippia (8)

    How To Become A Floor Trader: What It Is and Career Path - Zippia (9)

  5. Apply for floor trader jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a floor trader job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How To Become A Floor Trader: What It Is and Career Path - Zippia (10)

Are you a Floor Trader?

Share your story for a free salary report.

Average floor trader salary

The average Floor Trader salary in the United States is $102,024 per year or $49 per hour. Floor trader salaries range between $59,000 and $174,000 per year.

Average

Floor Trader

Salary

$102,024Yearly

$49.05

hourly

What Am I Worth?

How To Become A Floor Trader: What It Is and Career Path - Zippia (11)

How do floor traders rate their job?

Updated March 14, 2024

How To Become A Floor Trader: What It Is and Career Path - Zippia (12)

Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Floor Trader Related Careers

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How To Become A Floor Trader: What It Is and Career Path - Zippia (2024)

FAQs

What is the career path of a floor trader? ›

It takes about 4 to 6 years to become a floor trader. The timeline includes earning a Bachelor's degree, which typically takes 4 years, followed by gaining 1 to 2 years of experience in a related field or position. Year 1-4: Earn a Bachelor's degree in finance, economics, or a related field.

What is the career path for a trader? ›

In any career in trading, one begins as an intern in any financial organization and then moves up to the level of an assistant trader and then subsequently to the position of a senior trader. It is observed that many experienced traders start their own companies after gaining considerable experience.

How do you get into the trading floor? ›

Immerse yourself in the financial markets. Follow business news and headlines that move markets. Secure a summer internship. Ideally, an office role related to finance that shows your interest in a career in sales and trading.

What do you need to become a trader? ›

How to become a stock trader
  1. Earn a degree.
  2. Complete an internship.
  3. Decide what you want to do.
  4. Take the appropriate exams for your path.
  5. Create a resume.
  6. Search for open positions.
  7. Prepare for your interview.
  8. Gain additional experience and licenses as a stock trader.
Jan 26, 2023

Is trading a good career path? ›

Key Takeaways

Trading is often viewed as a high barrier-to-entry profession, but as long as you have both ambition and patience, you can trade for a living (even with little to no money). Trading can become a full-time career opportunity, a part-time opportunity, or just a way to generate supplemental income.

How does floor trader make money? ›

Most floor traders were able to generate a profit via market making. This meant they used to buy on the bid price and sell on the asking price. The spread became the profit. To ensure they made a sufficient profit, floor traders used to ensure they had an adequate amount of trades happening within a single day.

Do traders get paid? ›

As of Apr 5, 2024, the average monthly pay for a Trader in the United States is $8,064 a month. While ZipRecruiter is seeing monthly salaries as high as $22,458 and as low as $3,292, the majority of Trader salaries currently range between $4,708 (25th percentile) to $8,791 (75th percentile) across the United States.

Why become a trader? ›

Being a successful trader not only means that you can make a lot of money, but much more importantly, it means you have freedom. You have freedom to essentially do what you want when you want, and you really can't put a price on that.

Do traders make money? ›

Day traders' earnings vary widely based on experience, skill level, trading strategy, and market conditions. Some may earn a substantial income, while others may not be as successful. It's important to note that day trading involves significant risk and is not suitable for everyone.

Can anyone be a floor trader? ›

The stock exchange trading floor is extremely competitive and fast-paced; hence, one should have as much knowledge and experience as possible before actually trading and standing on the trading floor. Before a floor trader can start trading on any exchange, he/she is required to pass a screening process.

Do floor traders still exist? ›

Yes, floor traders still exist, but they are a dying breed. With the advent of online trading, the need for traditional floor brokers has vanished. Most floor brokers now trade online for their clients at a trading desk.

How do I become a trader with no experience? ›

  1. Conduct a Self-Assessment.
  2. Arrange Sufficient Capital.
  3. Understand the Markets.
  4. Understand Securities.
  5. Set up a Trading Strategy.
  6. Integrate Strategy and Plan.
  7. Practice Money Management.
  8. Research Brokerage Charges.
Mar 26, 2023

How do I become a beginner trader? ›

Here is a day trading guide for beginners
  1. Learn the basics of the stock market. Before you start day trading, it is important to have a good understanding of how the stock market works. ...
  2. Choose a broker. ...
  3. Set up a demo account. ...
  4. Develop a trading strategy. ...
  5. Start small. ...
  6. Be patient. ...
  7. Manage your risk. ...
  8. Take breaks.
Aug 10, 2023

What should I learn first to become a trader? ›

Learn how to become a trader
  1. Step one: research the markets. Build a strong foundation of knowledge about financial markets, as the level of risk and strategy required can vary between them. ...
  2. Step two: build a trading strategy. ...
  3. Step three: gain trading experience.

Do you need a degree to be a floor trader? ›

A college degree is not a requirement for becoming a floor trader, but it is highly recommended. Most successful floor traders have at least a bachelor's degree in finance, economics, or a related field.

What is the career path of a quantitative trader? ›

A more typical career path is starting out as a data research analyst and becoming a quant after a few years. Education like a master's degree in financial engineering, a diploma in quantitative financial modeling, or electives in quantitative streams during the regular MBA may give candidates a head start.

What is the highest paying job in the trades? ›

9 Highest Paying Trade Jobs
  • #1. Construction Manager. There are several methods of getting your first job as a construction manager. ...
  • #2. Elevator Mechanic. ...
  • #3. Dental Hygienist. ...
  • #4. Ultrasonographer. ...
  • #5. Boilermaker. ...
  • #6. Electrician. ...
  • #7. Plumber. ...
  • #8. HVAC Technician.
Feb 5, 2024

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