As of March 01, 2026, the average annual salary for option trader in the US is $79,644, equivalent to $38 per hour, $1,532 weekly, or $6,637 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for option trader in cities like Santa Clara, San Jose, and Fremont.

Annually Salaries for option trader in the US vary widely, spanning from $61,427 to $96,406. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($70,109) and 75th percentile ($88,418), while top earners (90th percentile) make $96,406 per year. This $18,309 pay gap underscores opportunities for salary growth through certifications, specialized skills like Analysis or Capital Market, or targeting high-paying regions like District of Columbia or California.

Location and experience significantly influence earnings. For example, District of Columbia option trader often earn 10.7% above national averages due to demand from Fortune 21 companies and industry startups. Professionals are advised to focus on high-growth sectors like Financial Services to offset market challenges.

Based on HR-reported data: a national average with a geographic differential
option trader Salaries by Percentile
Percentile Salary Location Last Updated
10th Percentile option trader Salary $61,427 US March 01, 2026
25th Percentile option trader Salary $70,109 US March 01, 2026
50th Percentile option trader Salary $79,644 US March 01, 2026
75th Percentile option trader Salary $88,418 US March 01, 2026
90th Percentile option trader Salary $96,406 US March 01, 2026
25% $70,109 10% $61,427 90% $96,406 75% $88,418 $79,644 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click
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What is An option trader ?

An options trader is responsible for buying and selling options contracts to capitalize on market movements. This role involves analyzing market trends, evaluating risk, and developing trading strategies to maximize profits. Options traders must possess strong analytical skills, a deep understanding of financial markets, and the ability to make quick decisions under pressure. They often work in fast-paced environments, collaborating with other traders and financial analysts. The salary for options traders can vary significantly based on experience, location, and the size of the firm, with entr...

Source: (as of 06/04/2025). Read more from

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Job Openings for option trader

Career Path for this job

  1. This Job:

    option trader

    2 - 4 years experience
    Bachelor's Degree

  2. Up a level:

    Trader (Options), Sr.

    4 - 7 years experience
    Bachelor's Degree

Understand the total compensation opportunity for An option trader, base salary plus other pay elements

Average Base Salary

Core compensation

 
 
 
70109
88418
79644

Average Total Cash Compensation

Includes base and annual incentives

 
 
 
87340
124722
107214
These charts show the average base salary (core compensation), as well as the average total cash compensation for the job of option trader in the United States. The base salary for option trader ranges from $70,109 to $88,418 with the average base salary of $79,644. The total cash compensation, which includes base, and annual incentives, can vary anywhere from $87,340 to $124,722 with the average total cash compensation of $107,214.

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70109
88418

 

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Jobs with a similar salary range to option trader : Options Trader