Arranging trades in physical commodities or commodity futures — grains, metals, energy, livestock — between producers, hedgers, and speculators. Pay is commission on the spread, and your value is being the person clients call first when the market moves.
Commodities Broker pay typically runs $52K–$129K at this level, and jobs in this field are projected to grow 3% through 2034.
Your days involve executing commodity trades on behalf of clients — futures, options, sometimes physical deliveries — across markets like agriculture, energy, and metals. Most mornings start early with market prep and client calls, and the trading day is a mix of order execution, position monitoring, and advising clients on hedging strategies.
The workflow blends market analysis with client relationship management — you're tracking crop reports, weather patterns, geopolitical developments, and supply chain disruptions while also translating those views into actionable recommendations for producers, consumers, and speculators. The strongest brokers develop deep expertise in one or two commodity complexes rather than trying to cover everything.
The key challenge is managing client expectations during volatile markets. Commodity prices can move hard on a single weather event or policy announcement, and your job is helping clients stay disciplined when fear or greed is loudest. Commission structures reward activity, which can create tension with giving advice that sometimes means doing nothing.
An honest look at who tends to thrive in this role — and who might find it challenging.
Still figuring out what you want to become
when you grow up?
Where this role sits in the broader career landscape — and where it can take you.
Don't do Truest if you aren't ready
to invest in yourself and your career.
Roles like this one sit within a broader occupational category. The numbers below reflect that full landscape — helpful for context, but your specific experience will depend on level, specialty, and where you work.
Arranging trades in physical commodities or commodity futures — grains, metals, energy, livestock — between producers, hedgers, and speculators. Pay is commission on the spread, and your value is being the person clients call first when the market moves.
Median pay for a Commodities Broker is about $78K nationally, with the field ranging roughly from $47K to $215K depending on experience, employer, and metro (BLS).
Core skills for this role include Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Judgment and Decision Making, Monitoring, and Reading Comprehension.
Most people in this role hold a bachelor's degree.
Employment in this field is projected to grow about 3.3% through 2034, with roughly 472,300 people working in it today (BLS).
Closely related roles include Junior Commodities Broker, Prime Broker, and Support Broker.
Do one small thing to grow in your career this week. Pick one of these; each comes with the words to use.
More career advice
We believe careers grow through small steps taken often, more than big leaps. So we’ve collected hundreds of them for you to try.
Browse career adviceDon't do Truest if you aren't ready
to invest in yourself and your career.