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
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.
Most common floor trader degrees
Bachelor's
81.2
%
Master's
9.1
%
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.
Skills Percentages Futures Markets 31.33% CME 7.47% Equity Options 6.87% NYSE 6.12% Futures Contracts 5.79% Show more
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.
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.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:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
Are you a Floor Trader?
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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 do floor traders rate their job?
Updated March 14, 2024
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.
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Updated March 14, 2024