We surveyed 1,956 stock traders to better understand the work environment and required skills of a typical stock trader. Here are the results.

How much intelligence is required as a stock trader?

Low

High

Working as a stock trader typically doesn’t require the use of high levels of intelligence in daily tasks.

Can I learn to become a stock trader?

Intrinsic Talent

Acquired Talent

A career as a stock trader typically depends predominantly on qualities you can gain through experience, with a small aspect of skills you are born with.

Is it easy to get a job as a stock trader?

Easy

Hard

It’s typically difficult to find a job as a stock trader. If you’re curious about the numbers, check out the job market for stock traders.

Info

Do stock traders work full-time or part-time?

83% of stock traders work in full-time roles while 17% work part-time.

Is being a stock trader stressful?

Low

High

Stress is very commonplace for stock traders, contributing negatively towards career satisfaction.

Is being organized important as a stock trader?

Low

High

Some level of organization is generally required to be a stock trader.

How competitive is the workplace for stock traders?

Low

High

Stock traders tend to see lots of competition in the workplace, with desire to get ahead of co-workers being common.

Does being a stock trader require frequent time pressure to complete tasks?

Low

High

Stock traders will have to sometimes face time pressure on the job.

Are stock traders allowed to express themselves creatively?

Low

High

Stock traders rarely get a chance to express themselves creatively.

Do stock traders have control over the direction of their work?

Low

High

While sometimes the direction is set, occasionally stock traders will have some flexibility over the direction of their work.

Is being a stock trader physically demanding?

Low

High

Work as a stock traders is not the most physically demanding of careers, falling in the bottom half of all careers.

Are stock traders exposed to a wide variety of work?

Low

High

Stock traders tend to have a monotonous work routine, with little variety in their day-to-day tasks.

Does being a stock trader require attention to detail?

Low

High

As in many careers, attention to detail is quite helpful for stock traders.

Does being a good stock trader require compassion and empathy?

Low

High

The ability to be compassion and empathetic isn't considered fundamental to success as a stock trader.