Looking for the best stock firms for 2025? Proprietary trading firms offer the fastest path to serious trading careers, with top performers earning $500k-2M+ annually. These 10 firms dominate stock trading, hiring directly from college with no Wall Street experience required.
Best Stock Prop Firms 2025 – Overview Comparison
Profit Split |
Primary Markets |
Salary Expectations |
|
|---|---|---|---|
Jane Street |
70-85% |
Global equities, ETFs, bonds, options |
$200-300k base + profit share |
Citadel Securities |
60-80% |
US equities, options, ETFs |
$175-250k base + massive bonuses |
DRW |
70-85% |
Crypto, energy, futures, options |
$150-200k base + 70-85% splits |
Optiver |
70-80% |
Options, volatility trading |
$180-220k base + profit sharing |
Tower Research |
65-80% |
Equities, futures, FX |
$160-200k base + performance share |
Hudson River Trading |
60-75% |
Global equities, ETFs |
$175-225k base + equity potential |
Quantlab |
65-80% |
Global equities, futures |
$150-180k base + research bonuses |
GTS |
60-75% |
US equities, options |
$140-170k base + profit share |
Headlands Tech |
65-80% |
Global equities, futures |
$155-185k base + growth incentives |
Susquehanna (SIG) |
60-75% |
Options, sports betting, equities |
$130-160k base + profit participation |
What Are Prop Firms?
Proprietary trading firms trade stocks using their own money, not client funds. You get a share of profits (typically 50-90%) while the firm covers all losses. Think of it as getting paid to trade with someone else’s money – but you need to prove you can make money first.
The Simple Math: If you make $100k profit trading, you keep $70-90k. If you lose $50k, the firm pays it. This setup lets new graduates start trading millions without personal risk.
Why Choose Prop Trading Over Banks?
Traditional finance requires 2+ years as an analyst before touching real trading. Prop firms hire you to trade immediately. Jane Street’s employees generated average profits of $2.3 million each in 2024, showing the massive earning potential.
Reality Check: 80-90% of new prop traders fail within their first year. But survivors often out-earn investment bankers by year two. The key difference is merit-based pay versus fixed salaries.
What to Look for in a Stock Prop Firm
Essential Evaluation Criteria:
💰 Compensation Structure
- Profit Split: 50-90% to trader (higher = better)
- Base Salary: $0-150k (varies by firm and experience)
- Capital Allocation: How much trading capital you’ll receive
- Drawdown Limits: Maximum loss before capital reduction
🎯 Trading Strategy & Markets
- Asset Classes: Equities, options, futures, FX, crypto
- Geographic Focus: US, European, Asian markets
- Strategy Type: Market making, arbitrage, directional trading
- Technology: Latency, co-location, algorithm sophistication
📈 Career Development
- Training Program: Length, quality, mentorship availability
- Advancement Path: Trader → Senior Trader → PM → Partner
- Learning Resources: Internal education, conference attendance
- Team Structure: Solo trading vs. collaborative environment
🏢 Firm Stability & Culture
- AUM/Capital: Firm’s financial strength and resources
- Reputation: Industry standing and regulatory compliance
- Work-Life Balance: Hours, vacation policy, office culture
- Location: Office locations and remote work options
10 Best Stock Prop Firms 2025
#1: Jane Street
When evaluating the best stock prop firms in 2025, Jane Street consistently ranks at the top for good reason. This quantitative trading powerhouse generated $14 billion in revenue across 2,631 employees in 2024, making it one of the most profitable proprietary trading firms per capita globally.
Overall Score: 9.5/10
Quick Stats Box:
- HQ: New York, NY
- Typical Profit Split: 70-85%
- Best For: STEM graduates, quantitative focus
- Primary Markets: Global equities, ETFs, bonds
- Size: +3,000 employees
Why #1 for Beginners:
- World-Class Training: 6-month comprehensive program
- Strong Mentorship: Dedicated senior trader guidance
- Diverse Strategies: Options, arbitrage, market making
- Financial Stability: Consistently profitable, well-capitalized
Compensation:
- Base: $200-300k for new hires
- Profit Split: 70-85% after training period
- Total Comp: $500k-2M+ possible in first few years
What Sets Them Apart:
- Academic culture with focus on continuous learning
- Cutting-edge technology and research capabilities
- Strong track record of developing successful traders
- Excellent work-life balance for prop trading
Potential Drawbacks:
- Extremely competitive hiring (1-2% acceptance rate)
- Heavy emphasis on mathematical/programming skills
- Less individual autonomy initially
#2: Citadel Securities
Among stock prop firms in 2025, Citadel Securities stands out as the undisputed market-making giant, handling approximately 30% of all US retail equity volume. This Chicago-based proprietary trading firm has revolutionized electronic trading through billion-dollar technology investments, making it one of the most sought-after prop trading companies for ambitious graduates.
Overall Score: 9.3/10
Quick Stats Box:
- HQ: Chicago, IL
- Typical Profit Split: 60-80%
- Best For: High achievers, fast-paced environment
- Primary Markets: US equities, options, ETFs
- Size: ~1,500 employees
Why Top Choice for Beginners:
- Market Leadership: Largest market maker in US stocks
- Technology Investment: Billions spent on trading infrastructure
- Structured Development: Clear progression from analyst to trader
- Brand Recognition: Opens doors across finance industry
Compensation:
- Base: $175-250k for new graduates
- Bonus: Performance-based, often 2-5x base
- Long-term: Million+ potential within 3-5 years
What Sets Them Apart:
- Unparalleled market share and flow
- State-of-the-art trading technology
- Access to diverse asset classes
- Strong alumni network
Potential Drawbacks:
- Intense work culture and long hours
- High performance expectations
- Less entrepreneurial than smaller firms
#3: DRW
DRW exemplifies why Chicago remains the epicenter of America’s best stock prop firms. This proprietary trading company pioneered electronic trading in the 1990s and continues to lead innovation in cryptocurrency and energy markets alongside traditional equities.
Overall Score: 9.1/10
Quick Stats Box:
- HQ: Chicago, IL
- Typical Profit Split: 70-85%
- Best For: Entrepreneurial traders, tech-focused
- Primary Markets: Futures, options, crypto, energy
- Size: +2,000 employees
Why Excellent for Beginners:
- Entrepreneurial Culture: Encourages innovation and new strategies
- Diverse Asset Classes: Exposure to multiple markets
- Technology Focus: Strong emphasis on systematic trading
- Mentorship Program: Experienced traders guide newcomers
Compensation Highlights:
- Base: $150-200k starting
- Profit Split: 70-85% once proven
- Upside: Significant earning potential with successful strategies
What Sets Them Apart:
- Pioneer in electronic trading and crypto
- Flat organizational structure
- Encourages trader autonomy and strategy development
- Strong technology and research teams
Potential Drawbacks:
- Requires more self-direction than structured programs
- Smaller than top-tier firms
- More volatile P&L expectations
#4: Optiver
Optiver has built its reputation as one of the best prop trading firms by dominating global options markets across three continents. This Amsterdam-founded stock prop firm now operates major trading floors in Chicago, Sydney, and Shanghai, making it truly one of the most international proprietary trading firms in our 2025 rankings.
Overall Score: 8.9/10
Quick Stats Box:
- HQ: Chicago, IL & Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Typical Profit Split: 70-80%
- Best For: Options trading, global markets
- Primary Markets: Options, volatility trading
- Size: ~1,900 employees globally
Why Great for Beginners:
- Options Expertise: World leader in options market making
- Global Presence: Opportunities across multiple continents
- Strong Training: Comprehensive options education program
- Team Environment: Collaborative trading culture
Compensation Highlights:
- Base: $180-220k for new hires
- Performance Bonus: Substantial profit sharing
- International: Competitive packages across all offices
What Sets Them Apart:
- Dominant position in options market making
- Advanced volatility trading strategies
- Strong European and Asian presence
- Excellent work-life balance
Potential Drawbacks:
- Narrower focus on options (less diversification)
- Slower growth than some US-focused competitors
#5: Tower Research Capital
Among prop trading firms 2025, Tower Research stands out for its research-intensive culture that resembles a technology company more than traditional trading firms.
Overall Score: 8.8/10
Quick Stats Box:
- HQ: New York, NY
- Typical Profit Split: 65-80%
- Best For: Quantitative traders, algorithm development
- Primary Markets: Equities, futures, FX
- Size: +1,100 employees
Why Strong for Beginners:
- Quantitative Focus: Systematic approach to trading
- Technology-Driven: Heavy emphasis on algorithmic strategies
- Research Culture: Encourages continuous strategy improvement
- Multiple Strategies: Exposure to various trading approaches
Compensation Highlights:
- Base: $160-200k starting
- Profit Share: 65-80% split on successful strategies
- Growth: Rapid progression for successful quantitative traders
What Sets Them Apart:
- Leading HFT and systematic trading
- Strong focus on research and development
- Excellent technology infrastructure
- Collaborative strategy development
Potential Drawbacks:
- Requires strong technical/programming skills
- Less suitable for discretionary traders
- Highly competitive internal environment
#6: Hudson River Trading (HRT)
Hudson River Trading bridges the gap between Silicon Valley technology and Wall Street trading, making it unique among stock prop firms 2025. This proprietary trading company operates more like a tech startup than traditional prop trading firms, hiring extensively from Google, Microsoft, and other technology giants.
Overall Score: 8.7/10
Quick Stats Box:
- HQ: New York, NY
- Typical Profit Split: 60-75%
- Best For: Tech-focused traders, algorithm developers
- Primary Markets: Global equities, ETFs
- Size: +900 employees
Why Good for Beginners:
- Tech-First Culture: Strong emphasis on technology and data
- Research Environment: Academic-style approach to trading
- Diverse Background: Welcomes non-finance STEM graduates
- Innovation Focus: Encourages new strategy development
Compensation Highlights:
- Base: $175-225k for technology roles
- Bonus: Performance and profit-based incentives
- Equity: Potential for firm equity participation
What Sets Them Apart:
- Cutting-edge technology and infrastructure
- Research-oriented culture
- Strong focus on data science and machine learning
- Excellent technology team integration
Potential Drawbacks:
- More technology-focused than pure trading
- Smaller scale than top-tier competitors
- Limited geographic presence
#7: Quantlab
Quantlab’s Houston headquarters provides a unique geographic advantage among top stock prop firms, combining lower living costs with competitive compensation packages. This proprietary trading firm has built a PhD-heavy culture focused on quantitative research and systematic trading strategies across global markets.
Overall Score: 8.5/10
Quick Stats Box:
- HQ: Houston, TX
- Typical Profit Split: 65-80%
- Best For: Quantitative researchers, systematic trading
- Primary Markets: Global equities, futures
- Size: ~400 employees
Why Solid for Beginners:
- Research Focus: Strong emphasis on quantitative research
- Smaller Size: More personalized attention and mentoring
- Geographic Advantage: Lower cost of living in Houston
- Academic Culture: PhD-friendly environment
Compensation Highlights:
- Base: $150-180k starting
- Research Bonus: Substantial rewards for successful strategies
- Cost of Living: Higher purchasing power in Houston market
What Sets Them Apart:
- Strong quantitative research capabilities
- Collaborative academic environment
- Focus on long-term strategy development
- Lower cost base allows for competitive compensation
Potential Drawbacks:
- Smaller firm with less market presence
- Limited geographic locations
- Fewer exit opportunities
#8: GTS (Global Trading Systems)
Global Trading Systems has carved out a specialized niche among the best stock prop firms through focused electronic market making in US equities and options.
Overall Score: 8.4/10
Quick Stats Box:
- HQ: New York, NY
- Typical Profit Split: 60-75%
- Best For: Market making, electronic trading
- Primary Markets: US equities, options
- Size: ~300 employees
Why Good for Beginners:
- Market Making Focus: Clear, defined trading strategies
- Electronic Trading: Modern, technology-driven approach
- Training Program: Structured development for new traders
- Team Environment: Collaborative trading floor culture
Compensation Highlights:
- Base: $140-170k for new hires
- Profit Share: 60-75% on successful trading
- Progression: Clear path to senior trader roles
What Sets Them Apart:
- Specialized in electronic market making
- Strong presence in US equity markets
- Focus on systematic trading approaches
- Good work-life balance
Potential Drawbacks:
- Smaller scale than industry leaders
- Limited international presence
- Narrower strategy focus
#9: Headlands Technologies
Headlands’ entrepreneurial culture encourages strategy development and innovation, making it appealing among top stock prop trading firms for ambitious graduates willing to take calculated risks for higher potential rewards.
Overall Score: 8.3/10
Quick Stats Box:
- HQ: Chicago, IL
- Typical Profit Split: 65-80%
- Best For: Technology-driven trading, innovation
- Primary Markets: Global equities, futures
- Size: ~250 employees
Why Appealing for Beginners:
- Innovation Culture: Encourages new ideas and approaches
- Technology Integration: Strong focus on trading technology
- Growth Firm: Expanding opportunities and strategies
- Mentorship: Close guidance from senior traders
Compensation Highlights:
- Base: $155-185k starting
- Performance Incentives: Merit-based progression
- Growth Potential: Opportunities in expanding firm
What Sets Them Apart:
- Rapid growth and expansion
- Strong technology and research focus
- Entrepreneurial trading environment
- Focus on developing new strategies
Potential Drawbacks:
- Smaller, less established than competitors
- Higher risk due to growth phase
- Limited track record compared to industry veterans
#10: Susquehanna International Group (SIG)
Susquehanna International Group brings a unique perspective to stock prop trading through its origins in poker and sports betting, creating a risk-management culture unmatched among traditional proprietary trading firms.
Overall Score: 8.2/10
Quick Stats Box:
- HQ: Bala Cynwyd, PA (Philadelphia area)
- Typical Profit Split: 60-75%
- Best For: Options trading, sports betting background
- Primary Markets: Options, equities, sports betting
- Size: ~2,500 employees globally
Why Notable for Beginners:
- Diverse Strategies: Options, sports betting, traditional trading
- Strong Training: Comprehensive trader development program
- Established Firm: Long track record and financial stability
- Unique Culture: Poker and sports betting heritage
Compensation Highlights:
- Base: $130-160k starting
- Profit Participation: 60-75% split structure
- Diverse Income: Multiple revenue streams
What Sets Them Apart:
- Pioneer in options market making
- Unique sports betting and gaming expertise
- Strong risk management culture
- Diverse business lines provide stability
Potential Drawbacks:
- Geographic location less central than NYC/Chicago
- More traditional culture than cutting-edge firms
- Lower starting compensation than top-tier firms
4 More Stock Prop Firms
IMC Trading – Score: 8.6/10
IMC Trading demonstrates why Amsterdam remains a global hub for elite stock prop firms, operating one of Europe’s most sophisticated proprietary trading operations while maintaining significant Chicago market presence. Their systematic approach to options trading and cross-continental operations position IMC among the best stock prop firms for internationally-minded traders.
Starting compensation: $170-200k with 70-80% profit splits.
Flow Traders – Score: 8.4/10
Flow Traders stands apart among stock prop firms in 2025 as the only publicly-traded proprietary trading company in our rankings, providing unprecedented transparency into the profitability of systematic trading strategies. This Amsterdam-based prop trading firm dominates European ETF trading while expanding into US markets, creating a specialized niche unavailable at broader stock prop trading firms.
Starting compensation: $160-190k.
Jump Trading – Score: 8.3/10
Jump Trading represents the cutting edge of technological innovation among prop trading firms 2025, combining high-frequency trading expertise with significant cryptocurrency market presence. This Chicago-based proprietary trading firm has invested heavily in latency reduction and algorithm development, making it one of the most technologically advanced stock prop trading companies in our list.
Their reputation for hiring top-tier engineering talent and pushing technological boundaries makes Jump Trading one of the most selective best prop trading firms for graduates with exceptional programming skills.
Starting compensation: $180-220k.
CTC/Maverick Trading – Score: 8.1/10
Chicago Trading Company (CTC) and its Maverick Trading division offer a more accessible entry point into stock prop trading compared to elite proprietary trading firms requiring extensive technical backgrounds. Their focus on trader development and geographic flexibility makes CTC/Maverick one of the most accessible and best stock prop firms for motivated individuals who cannot relocate to major financial centers.
Starting compensation: $120-150k with growth potential.
How to Get Hired: 2025 Application Guide
Timeline: When to Apply
September-October: Applications open for following year’s positions. Top firms hire 12-18 months in advance.
November-February: Interview season peaks. Most firms complete hiring by spring.
March-August: Limited openings, mostly for experienced hires or specific roles.
Key Insight: Top firms like Jane Street and Citadel recruit heavily from target schools, but they’re increasingly open to strong candidates from any school with the right skills.
Essential Skills You Need
Programming (Critical):
- Python for data analysis and strategy development
- Basic SQL for database queries
- Understanding of algorithms and data structures
Math Skills:
- Mental arithmetic speed and accuracy
- Probability and statistics fundamentals
- Basic derivatives and options knowledge
Market Knowledge:
- How stock exchanges work
- Order types (market, limit, stop)
- Basic understanding of market making and arbitrage
The Interview Process
Round 1: Online Application Submit resume, transcript, and cover letter. GPA cutoff typically 3.5+ for top firms, though exceptional skills can compensate.
Round 2: Phone Screen (30 minutes) Basic market questions, mental math problems, and behavioral fit. Example: “What’s 17 × 23?” or “Explain how market makers profit.”
Round 3: Technical Assessment Programming challenges in Python, trading simulations, and probability puzzles. Usually 2-3 hours online or on-site.
Round 4: Final Interview Multiple rounds with traders and managers. Trading games, case studies, and culture fit discussions. Can last a full day.
Interview Preparation Strategy
3 Months Before:
- Master Python basics and complete coding challenges
- Read “Trading and Exchanges” by Larry Harris
- Practice mental math 15 minutes daily
1 Month Before:
- Complete practice interviews with career services
- Study each target firm’s specific strategies
- Practice explaining complex concepts simply
1 Week Before:
- Review probability puzzles and brain teasers
- Prepare specific questions about each firm
- Practice trading simulations online
Takeaway
For College Juniors: Start building programming skills now. Take statistics and computer science courses. Attend career fairs to meet recruiters.
For Seniors: Applications open in September. Focus intensive preparation on technical skills and interview practice.
For Recent Graduates: Some firms hire experienced professionals. Consider smaller prop firms or trading-adjacent roles to build relevant experience.
Remember: Prop trading demands exceptional analytical ability and stress tolerance. But for those who succeed, it offers unmatched earning potential and intellectual challenge in financial markets.
The firms ranked here represent the best opportunities in 2025, but your success depends more on preparation, persistence, and performance than the specific firm you choose.
Related ↓
3 Best Options Prop Firms 2025
10 Best Futures Prop Firms 2025
Stock Prop Firms FAQ: What Beginners Need to Know
Getting Started
- Do I need a finance degree?
No. Top firms prefer math, physics, computer science, and engineering majors. Analytical thinking matters more than finance knowledge.
- Can I get hired from a non-target school?
Yes, but it’s harder. Focus on building exceptional programming and quantitative skills to stand out. Strong GPA (3.7+) becomes more important.
- How much programming do I need to know?
Python is essential for data analysis. You should handle basic algorithms, work with financial data, and build simple trading strategies before applying.
Compensation Reality
- What can I actually expect to earn?
First Year: $150-400k depending on firm and performance Years 2-3: $300-800k for successful traders Top Performers: $1M+ by year 3-5. These numbers assume you survive the initial learning period and become profitable.
- What if I lose money trading?
The firm covers losses, but consistent losing typically leads to termination. Most firms give new traders 6-12 months to prove profitability.
Work Reality
- What are the actual working hours?
Market Hours: 9:30am-4:00pm EST for US stocks Prep Time: 7:00am-9:30am for market analysis Strategy Work: 4:00pm-6:00pm for research and development Total: 50-60 hours weekly, better than investment banking
- How stressful is it really?
Very stressful. Your profit/loss is tracked minute-by-minute. Poor performance can lead to reduced capital or termination. Mental resilience is crucial.
- What percentage of people actually succeed?
Only 10-20% of new hires become consistently profitable long-term. However, those who succeed often build decade-long careers with exceptional compensation.
Career Development
- What if prop trading doesn’t work out?
Strong exit opportunities include:
- Hedge funds (buy-side trading roles)
- Tech companies (fintech, trading systems)
- Consulting (financial services focus)
- Corporate roles (risk management, quantitative analysis)
- How do I choose between firms?
Consider your priorities:
- Maximum earnings: Citadel Securities or Jane Street
- Best training: Jane Street or Optiver
- Innovation/entrepreneurship: DRW or Headlands
- Work-life balance: Optiver or HRT
- International opportunities: IMC or Flow Traders
Application Tips
- When should I start preparing?
Begin 12-18 months before graduation. Programming skills take time to develop, and top firms recruit early.
- What’s the biggest mistake applicants make?
Underestimating the technical requirements. Many students apply without basic Python skills or market knowledge, leading to quick rejections.
- Should I apply to multiple firms?
Absolutely. Apply to 8-12 firms across different tiers. Even strong candidates face rejection rates of 80-90% due to limited spots.