This article covers sports traders' roles, salary, career progression, qualifications, and tips to get hired. It also points to the latest job openings.
Key Takeaways:
- Sports traders are an integral part of the betting ecosystem
- $97k average wage (Median US)
- You do not require a degree
- Sports knowledge is a must
- ParlayJobs can help you find your first job
What Is a Sports Trader?
A sports trader sets and manages betting odds in sportsbooks. They analyze sports data, monitor live events, and adjust betting lines in real time.
Using mathematical models and market trends, they work to boost profitability while engaging customers.
Check out all our sports trading jobs.
Duties of a Sports Trader
Sports traders often specialize in a specific sport or focus on pre-match or in-play trading. Their responsibilities include:
- Odds Compilation: Setting betting odds using statistical models and market insights.
- In-Play Trading: Adjusting odds during live events based on game developments.
- Competitor Analysis: Monitoring industry trends and competitor sportsbooks.
- Risk Management: Identifying betting patterns and reducing financial exposure.
- Data Analysis & Management: Analyzing sports and betting data for better trading decisions.
- Collaboration: Working with teams to refine trading models and optimize performance.
Attention to detail and quick decisions are key for success.
How Much Do Sports Traders Earn?
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Salaries vary by experience, location, and company. Glassdoor data shows:
- Entry-Level: $55K - $73K per year
- Mid-Level: $97K per year (median total pay)
- Senior-Level: $102K - $136K per year
In the UK, base pay ranges from £27K - £40K per year with an average of £33K. Bonuses can boost total pay.
Career Progression for Sports Traders
Sports trading offers clear advancement opportunities. Common steps include:
- Junior Sports Trader – Focus on odds compilation and market monitoring.
- Senior Sports Trader – Take on more risk management and strategic decisions.
- Trading Manager – Lead teams and oversee trading strategy.
- Head of Trading – Manage overall trading operations and profitability.
Growth depends on performance, experience, and market expertise.
How to Land Your First Sports Trader Job
To enter sports trading, develop key skills and gain experience. Consider these steps:
- Develop Analytical Skills: Build strong math and statistical abilities.
- Gain Betting Knowledge: Understand sportsbook operations and betting markets.
- Get Relevant Experience: Seek internships or roles in data analysis or smaller betting firms.
- Learn Trading Software: Get comfortable with trading platforms and odds tools.
- Apply for Entry-Level Roles: Look for positions like Junior Trader or Trading Assistant.
Employers look for detail, adaptability, and sports passion.
Qualifications Needed for Sports Trading
You do not need a college degree to break in—many successful traders start with hands‑on skills and prove themselves on the job.
However, analytical‑based degrees (math, statistics, finance, economics) remain a strong plus and are often preferred by firms.
Proficiency with trading platforms and data tools is essential. You should be comfortable managing large datasets in Excel and specialized odds‑setting software.
Experience in other risk‑management environments—whether in banking, crypto, or fintech—can give you an edge, since many of the same principles apply to setting and balancing betting markets.
Soft Skills Needed for Sports Trading
Deep sports knowledge, either broad across multiple leagues or specialized in a few, is non-negotiable. Your insights into team form, player stats, and game flow directly inform market prices.
Trading is high‑tempo and ever‑changing. Strong stress‑management skills and adaptability are key when odds shift on every play or injury report.
Be prepared for nonstandard hours: sports trading runs evenings, weekends, and holidays to cover every live event.
Clear communication and teamwork matter. You’ll work alongside risk managers, data scientists, and other traders—so articulating market moves quickly and accurately is critical.
Tips for Breaking Into the Industry
Gain practical betting experience by working onsite at a retail sportsbook or as a ticket writer. That real‑world exposure to odds making and customer behavior is highly valued by trading desks.
Entry‑level and part‑time trading assistant roles, often focused on settlement, compliance, or data entry, are common and make excellent stepping stones into full trader positions.
Finally, network within the industry: engage on LinkedIn, attend conferences like SBC Summit, and contribute to betting forums. Personal referrals and demonstrated passion can open doors faster than any job ad.
How to Use ParlayJobs to Land Your First Job
The sports betting industry evolves quickly. ParlayJobs lists the latest sports trading roles in the US, UK, and Europe with new postings daily.
Here's how we can help you land your first sports trading role.
Research Current Openings
Browse the sports trading listings on ParlayJobs to see exactly what top firms across the US, UK, and Europe are looking for.
Note required skills, tools, and experience.
Optimize Your CV
Tailor your resume to match those requirements. Highlight your proficiency with Excel and trading platforms, any risk‑management background, and clear knowledge of betting markets.
Use industry keywords and clean formatting to avoid getting filtered out by AI.
Target Local Employers
Visit our location pages to identify companies hiring near you. Follow those firms on LinkedIn and Twitter so you can apply the moment new roles appear.
You can see our specific location pages in the footer below.
Expand Your Search
Include entry‑level roles—Trading Assistant, Ticket Writer, Settlement Clerk—in your applications.
Hands‑on industry experience is invaluable and can quickly lead to a full trader position.
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Sign up for ParlayJobs’ weekly newsletter to receive every new sports betting role in your inbox. You’ll never miss a posting.
With the right mix of technical chops, sports insight, and hands‑on experience, you’ll be well on your way to your first sports trading role. Good luck!