Mid-Level

Commodities Broker

The futures market intermediary — executing trades in commodity markets for institutional and commercial clients.

Career Level
Junior
Mid
Senior
Director
VP
Executive
Work Personality
E
C
S
I
A
R
Enterprisingleading, persuading
Conventionalorganizing, detail-oriented
Based on Holland Code framework
Job markets for Commodities Brokers
Employment concentration · ~367 areas
Based on employment in related occupations
Mapped SOC categories:
BLS Occupational Employment Statistics
What it's like

What it's like to be a Commodities Broker

As a Commodities Broker, you execute trades in commodity futures and options markets for clients — farmers hedging crops, food companies locking in prices, energy companies managing risk, or speculators seeking returns. You understand commodity markets and help clients execute their strategies.

Your day follows market hours with intense activity. You're monitoring markets, talking with clients about positions and strategies, executing trades, and keeping clients informed. Commodity markets can be volatile, requiring quick decisions and clear communication.

The challenge is the specialized knowledge required and the volatility of commodity markets. You need to understand specific commodities, the factors that drive prices, and how different clients use the markets. When markets move sharply, clients need guidance and execution. Building a client base requires demonstrating expertise and reliability.

AchievementAbove avg
Working ConditionsAbove avg
IndependenceAbove avg
RelationshipsModerate
RecognitionModerate
SupportModerate
O*NET Work Values survey
StrategyExecution
StructuredAdaptable
ManagingContributing
CollaborativeIndependent
Commodity focusClient typeFirm typeMarket accessRegulatory requirements
Commodity brokering varies by market and client focus. Agricultural brokers work with farmers and food companies. Energy brokers serve oil and gas interests. Metals brokers have their own market dynamics. Client sophistication ranges from hedgers to professional traders.
✦ Editorial — written by Truest from industry research and career patterns
Career Paths

Where this role sits in the broader career landscape — and where it can take you.

$239K$179K$119K$60K$0KLower paying387 metro areas, sorted by salary level
All experience levels1
This level's estimated range
INDUSTRIES PAYING ABOVE AVERAGE
1 BLS OEWS May 2024 covers all Commodities Brokers (SOC 41-3031.00), not just this title · BEA RPP 2023
* Top salaries exceed this figure. BLS caps reported wages at ~$240K to protect individual privacy in high-earning roles.
Exploring the Commodities Broker career path? Truest helps you figure out if it's the right fit — and plan your path forward.
Explore career tools
1
Market expertise
Deep understanding of your commodity markets
2
Client relationship building
Developing trusted advisor status
3
Risk understanding
Helping clients manage their exposures
What commodity markets does this firm focus on?
What client types are served?
What licensing is required?
How is compensation structured?
What technology and market access is provided?
✦ Editorial — career progression and interview guidance based on industry patterns
The Broader Landscape

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.

$47K–$215K
Salary Range
10th – 90th percentile
472K
U.S. Employment
+3.3%
10yr Growth
38K
Annual Openings

How this category is changing

$64K$61K$58K$55K$52K201920202021202220232024$52K$64K
BLS OEWS May 2024 · BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034

Skills & Requirements

Active ListeningCritical ThinkingJudgment and Decision MakingMonitoringReading ComprehensionSpeakingPersuasionActive LearningComplex Problem SolvingWriting
O*NET OnLine · Bureau of Labor Statistics
41-3031.00

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Federal data: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics (May 2024) · BLS Employment Projections · O*NET OnLine
Truest editorial: Fit check, role profile, things that vary, advancement analysis, lateral moves, interview questions.