Energy Trader

Buy and sell electricity, gas and carbon allowances on wholesale markets - fast, numerate work.

This UK energy trader career guide covers what the role involves day to day, typical salary at each stage, the usual entry route, the skills employers expect, and related careers worth comparing.

Quick facts

Starting salary
£45,000 - £60,000
Mid-career salary
£75,000 - £110,000
Senior salary
£130,000 - £250,000+ (with bonus)
Work environment
Trading floor, office
Time to entry
2 - 5 years
Degree required
Preferred - STEM / finance
Category
Green Energy and Sustainability

What a Energy Trader does

Buy and sell electricity, gas and carbon allowances on wholesale markets - fast, numerate work.

How to become a Energy Trader

  1. Look up Energy Trader roles on LinkedIn or Indeed and read 5 real job ads
  2. Talk to someone already working as a Energy Trader - even a 15-minute call helps
  3. Find one beginner course or qualification used by people in this role
  4. Build one small piece of evidence you've explored this (project, shadowing, short course)
  5. Apply to one entry-level role or related opportunity within the next month

Key skills

  • Market analysis
  • Risk management
  • Python / VBA
  • Pressure tolerance