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Remote Trading Jobs

Written By

James Barra

Written By

James Barra

James is an investment writer with a background in financial services. As a former management consultant, he has worked on major operational transformation programmes at prominent European banks. James authors, edits and fact-checks content for a series of investing websites.

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Edited By

William Berg

Edited By

William Berg

William contributes to several investment websites, leveraging his experience as a consultant for IPOs in the Nordic market and background providing localization for forex trading software. William has worked as a writer and fact-checker for a long row of financial publications.

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Fact Checked By

Jemma Grist

Fact Checked By

Jemma Grist

Jemma is a writer, editor and fact-checker focused on retail trading and investing. Jemma brings a unique perspective to the forex, stock, and cryptocurrency markets and works across several investment websites as a researcher and broker analyst.

» Jemma Grist Profile Page

Updated

Jul 10, 2024

Today, there is more opportunity than ever to trade forex, stocks, and crypto from home, and some firms employ traders with the relevant qualifications and experience in remote trading jobs. For some, these jobs are a part-time supplement to their main income, but others have established themselves in full-time remote trading jobs from the comfort of their homes.

This article will cover how to work as a trader from home, with details on the hiring process, average analyst salaries, the pros and cons of remote trading jobs, and more.

An increasingly popular way to work as a trader from home is through funded trading accounts, whereby individual traders invest a firm’s capital and share in the profits.

What Are Remote Trading Jobs?

Traders actively buy and sell securities, often opening and closing multiple trades per day. Thanks to the availability of online brokers, you no longer need to be present on the trading floor to get started as a trader – all you need is a laptop and access to an internet connection.

While many individuals use online brokers to make casual trades on their own behalf, digital trading platforms have also made it possible for firms to employ traders remotely, allowing keen traders to work from home.

Remote trading jobs typically involve multitasking and require traders that can deal with fast-paced and high-pressure situations while keeping their emotions in check. You may need to work long hours, both during the open hours of the market you trade and during market downtime when you conduct analysis and plan strategies.

Importantly, remote jobs in trading can be a pathway to a lucrative career. Successful traders hired by large financial firms will have access to the same tools as those working within an office environment and also benefit from access to a community of colleagues and mentors. Alternatively, you may consider becoming a self-employed professional trader, building your own client base and offering your services on an ad-hoc basis.

How To Get A Remote Trading Job

The easiest way for someone with trading experience or a relevant degree to get a remote trading job is to apply to an investment firm, hedge fund or financial trading firm. Entry-level positions as a trading assistant or analyst will involve supervision and support from senior traders, making these a good way to build experience.

Note that while remote entry-level jobs are available, many of these positions require you to work from the office part of the time. Even full-time remote trading jobs sometimes require occasional trips to the office for training or meetings.

Alternatively, you could set yourself up as a self-employed trader and operate solo from your home. Experienced traders may find work managing clients’ funds or providing trading advice, as well as any money they earn from trading their own capital.

Depending on your country of residence, licensing may be required before you can trade on behalf of others. For example, traders in the US must pass an examination before they can provide their services to the public. This is called the Securities Trader Representative Examination and covers topics such as suitable trade reporting and how to maintain legal activity records.

There is no right or wrong entry into remote trading jobs, though working for a financial firm is recommended for new traders as it will help them build their trading skills through mentorship and supervision while also building industry connections.

Hiring Process

The hiring process for remote trading jobs varies among companies, but typically you will need to fill out an application form, attend one or more interviews, and complete a trading task to demonstrate your abilities. You will also need to provide evidence of relevant qualifications, education history and previous trading experience. Be prepared to travel for in-person interviews regardless of the remote status of the role.

Spend some time updating your CV with your latest experience and trading knowledge. You should also be prepared to demonstrate your trading skills in demo accounts.

Average Salaries

Work-from-home trading jobs have varying salaries depending on the role and hiring firm. According to Indeed, the average trader’s salary is $98,000 per year plus commissions of up to $25,000 for a US forex trader. There is typically no difference in salary earnings whether you work from home as a forex trader or in an office environment.

If you work for an organization such as a brokerage, hedge fund, or investment bank, you will often be paid an annual salary, with a discretionary commission fee based on your performance. Alternatively, if you are an independent investor working from home, you will pay yourself based on a profit split from the trades you make for clients.

Benefits Of Remote Trading Jobs

• Flexibility – Remote stock trading jobs provide flexibility, meaning you can work from home with all the tools and features needed to execute investments on behalf of clients. No commute, long hours in the office, and limited interaction with colleagues suit some people.
• Opportunities – Traders have access to far more work opportunities thanks to remote working. You can apply for jobs all over the country and self-employed traders may even look internationally to find new clients.
• Technology – Modern tech advancements mean that traders who work remotely have all the tools needed to execute positions on behalf of others.

Drawbacks Of Remote Trading Jobs

• Less personal development – You may not have access to the same level of training and guidance if you work a remote trading job. Entry-level commodity traders, for example, may find more support in an office environment.
• Costs – You will need to spend time and money setting up your remote trading office, and your employer will not necessarily cover the costs. A powerful computer device and internet access are vital. Old computer systems may not be able to keep up with the demands of trading in a volatile market, particularly if you need to rapidly open and close positions for clients.
• Discipline – Distractions at home can sap your attention and hurt your performance. It is important to maintain discipline and control your emotions when working a remote trading job, and often it is easier to keep yourself in check while working in an office.

Alternatives To Remote Trading Jobs

Funded Trading

Funded trading accounts involve a trader investing a company’s resources to speculate on a selection of assets. Organizations such as SuperFunded or Earn2Trade, for example, will ‘hire’ investors to trade their capital for them. This can be a good way for individual traders to get institutional backing without having to go down the traditional pathway to a remote trading job. This form of trading is sometimes also known as prop trading.

Individuals chosen to trade on behalf of a firm are often skilled and experienced, with a track record of successful and profitable investments. A challenge is usually involved to prove the trader’s skills, but once this is complete, the firm will provide the capital as well as any other resources needed by traders to execute positions including access to a stable trading platform and educational material.

Top Funded Trading Accounts

Review

FundedNext is a top-rated prop trading firm with competitive accounts, profit targets & scaling plans.

FundedNext is a top-rated prop trading firm with competitive accounts, profit targets & scaling plans.

Review

Earn2Trade is a US-based futures prop trading firm that offers education packages alongside funded accounts. 80/20 profit splits are available.

Earn2Trade is a US-based futures prop trading firm that offers education packages alongside funded accounts. 80/20 profit splits are available.

Review

OneUp Trader is a prop trading firm with funded accounts available up to $250,000. Get fully funded with a one-step evaluation program and up to a 90% profit split.

OneUp Trader is a prop trading firm with funded accounts available up to $250,000. Get fully funded with a one-step evaluation program and up to a 90% profit split.

Day Trading

If you have sufficient time and capital that you can afford to risk, you can try building day trading skills from home to see if it could become viable as a main source of income. This can be very risky and takes time and time and effort, but if successful you will have the freedom to work remotely and enjoy the benefits of your hard work without having to split your proceeds with anyone else.

Solo day trading may become your remote trading job in its own right, or it may become your pathway to institutional backing through a proprietary trading firm or a remote trading job at an investment firm.

Should You Consider Remote Trading Jobs?

Remote trading jobs provide the flexibility to trade on behalf of others from the comfort of your own home. You can still earn a decent salary, without needing to be on a trading floor or in an office environment. Work-from-home trading jobs are becoming increasingly popular, since all you need are a laptop, a stable internet connection and a suitable workspace to get started.

However, the lack of face-to-face support from mentors or like-minded traders can be isolating, and new traders may wish to get an entry-level job in an office to give their early career a boost. Some individuals also prefer to go down the route of funded trading accounts to try and earn a salary while trading from home.

FAQ

Can Traders Work From Home?

Yes, traders can work from home, and in recent years, many have shifted to work remotely at least part of the time. Being employed remotely to trade for a larger company is one way to trade for a living.

Are Remote Trading Jobs Good?

For some, being a remote trader is ideal due to the flexibility and convenience of working from home. However, it can be isolating and it may also be challenging to get started without mentorship and sponsorship.

Can I Become A Trader From Home?

The easiest way to become a trader from home is to apply for remote trading jobs offered by a broker, hedge fund, or investment firm. Many big companies today integrate a mixture of office working with work-from-home options. Alternatively, some traders apply for funded trading accounts or start day trading.

How Do I Become A Successful Trader From Home?

To be a successful trader at home, you will need to have a comfortable working space with a suitable computer device to execute trades. Education, a stable trading plan, access to a powerful platform, and discipline are a few other key ingredients for success.

What Are The Downsides Of Trading Jobs At Home?

Traders may face the upfront costs of setting up a remote office, as they will need to invest in a powerful computer to keep up with the fast-changing financial markets. Additionally, remote trading jobs are isolating and remote traders may miss out on the educational and mentoring opportunities present in an office.