How much do day traders make?

LearnApr 30, 2026
Timothy Cahill
How much do day traders make?

Day traders' earnings range widely, between $40,000 and $120,000 per year on average in the U.S., with top performers exceeding $200,000, though most lose money.

Professional traders at big companies might make over $200,000 a year, plus bonuses.

Independent traders might make between $30,000 and $100,000 a year. But many traders actually lose money, so it's hard for new traders to earn a steady profit.

A mere 13% managed to maintain consistent profitability over six months, and only 1% sustain profits over five years. What drives the gap is starting capital, strict risk control, and years of refinement.

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