There are currently an estimated 375,700 stock traders in the United States. The stock trader job market is expected to grow by 6.2% between 2016 and 2026.

How employable are stock traders?

CareerExplorer rates stock traders with a B employability rating, meaning this career should provide good employment opportunities for the foreseeable future. Over the next 10 years, it is expected the US will need 29,800 stock traders. That number is based on 23,200 additional stock traders, and the retirement of 6,600 existing stock traders.

Are stock traders in demand?

Although the U.S. financial sector has undergone significant consolidation and noteworthy crises in the last decade, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that growth is resuming. General demand for investment banking and commodities trading advisory services and increased opportunities for people of average means to invest in mutual funds and trade stocks could accelerate the availability of trader positions. Some of this projected growth may be countered by individuals trading stocks online, without professional assistance. In general, competition for jobs will continue to be strong as the profession’s potential for high pay attracts many applicants.

What’s the supply of stock traders?

The stock trader industry is concentrated in New York, California, Texas

Stock Trader job market by state

State Name Employed Stock Traders
New York 61,270
California 49,230
Texas 40,790
Florida 27,910
Illinois 19,870
New Jersey 14,500
Pennsylvania 12,290
Colorado 11,920
Massachusetts 11,500
Ohio 10,580
North Carolina 9,510
Minnesota 8,740
Michigan 7,970
Georgia 7,770
Arizona 7,670
Connecticut 6,560
Washington 6,440
Missouri 6,430
Virginia 6,320
Wisconsin 4,490
Maryland 4,460
Indiana 4,420
Utah 3,960
Oregon 3,890
Tennessee 3,760
Kentucky 2,980
South Carolina 2,600
Iowa 2,600
Nevada 2,500
Louisiana 2,290
Delaware 2,140
Kansas 2,070
Nebraska 2,030
Alabama 2,020
Rhode Island 1,890
New Hampshire 1,770
Oklahoma 1,650
District of Columbia 1,560
Arkansas 1,510
Idaho 1,190
New Mexico 1,120
Maine 900
Montana 690
Hawaii 690
Mississippi 580
North Dakota 560
West Virginia 550
South Dakota 520
Vermont 510
Wyoming 250
Puerto Rico 240
Alaska 190