A Brisbane man's casual revelation about earning up to $25,000 a month in this unusual job has sparked heated debate on social media, with some dismissing his claims while others defended his success.
But here's the surprising truth: his earnings might actually be on the conservative side for his profession.
The unnamed young professional told jobs platform Getahead that he makes between $10,000 and $25,000 monthly working as a quantitative trader—a role that uses mathematical models and computer algorithms to make lightning-fast financial market decisions.
His motivation? Simple: 'I was willfully obsessed with making more money than my parents combined.'
While some social media users were quick to downplay his achievements, calling the income 'not that much' or suggesting he 'lives at home with mum and dad,' the reality of quantitative trading salaries in Australia tells a rather different story.
What exactly is quantitative trading?
Quantitative trading uses mathematical models and statistical techniques to identify and execute profitable opportunities in financial markets. Think of it as using sophisticated computer programs to spot patterns in stock prices, currency movements, and commodity trading that human traders might miss.
Rather than relying on gut feelings or traditional analysis, quantitative traders use computers to buy and sell financial assets automatically, without human intervention. These systems might identify, for example, that a particular index has a 60 per cent probability of moving upward at 11.15am, then automatically place profitable trades based on that pattern.
The field encompasses everything from stocks, bonds, commodities, currencies, and derivatives, with some trades happening in milliseconds through high-frequency trading systems, as market opportunities may only exist for fractions of a second.
The three key components of quantitative trading
Data collection: Gathering vast amounts of market information, from traditional price data to unconventional sources like satellite imagery
Mathematical modelling: Creating algorithms that can predict market movements and identify profitable opportunities
Automated execution: Using computer systems to place trades at superhuman speeds without emotional interference
The salary reality check
Here's where the story gets interesting: the average salary for quantitative traders in Australia is $272,500 per year, with typical earnings ranging between $176,250 and $450,000 annually. Top earners in the field report making up to $1,187,500.
The Brisbane trader's claim of earning $10,000 to $25,000 monthly translates to $120,000 to $300,000 annually—placing him squarely within the expected range for his profession, and potentially on the modest side for experienced practitioners.
To put this in perspective, the median weekly earnings for all Australian employees was $1,396 in August 2024, equating to roughly $65,000 annually. This means successful quantitative traders can earn four to five times the national median salary.
'Top earners have reported making up to $1,187,500'
The skills and pathway challenge
The young trader mentioned that 'maths and statistics' are the biggest challenges, noting the need for expertise spanning mathematics, finance, and programming, with most professionals holding degrees in quantitative disciplines like mathematics, statistics, physics, computer science, or financial engineering.
The field requires significant time investment to gain necessary knowledge, along with extensive programming expertise in languages like MATLAB, R, Python, and increasingly C/C++ for high-frequency strategies.
However, the trader's suggestion that people can be self-taught isn't entirely unrealistic. Contrary to popular belief, profitable strategies can be found through public sources, with academics regularly publishing theoretical trading results and quantitative finance blogs discussing strategies in detail.
His advice to 'network with people who have already done it because it's a bit of a black box industry' proves particularly astute. The best way to learn quantitative trading is often to join a trading firm or find a mentor.
Australia's growing financial sector
The opportunity in Australia's financial sector is real and expanding. There are currently 116 quantitative trader positions advertised on LinkedIn in Australia, suggesting healthy demand for skilled professionals.
Major international firms like Jane Street are actively recruiting, offering base salaries of $300,000 for quantitative traders, while established firms like Optiver offer graduate programs that can lead to full-time quantitative trading roles.
What the numbers really show
- Quantitative trader salaries in Australia: $176K-$444K typical range
- Australian median salary: $72,592 annually
- The Brisbane trader's claims: Well within industry standards
- Career opportunities: 116+ positions currently advertised in Australia
The generational divide in the comments
The social media reaction to the young trader's success reveals interesting generational perspectives. While some dismissed his achievements, others recognised what one commenter called 'small poppy syndrome' - the Australian tendency to cut down those who achieve success.
The criticism that '$10,000 a month is not that much' particularly missed the mark. For context, even managers—Australia's highest-paid occupation group—earn a median of $2,100 per week, while professionals earn $1,827 weekly. At $10,000 monthly, this young trader is earning more than most senior professionals.
The suggestion that high earners automatically 'live at home with mum and dad' reflects outdated assumptions about young people's financial circumstances. Quantitative trading systems, when created successfully, can be highly profitable precisely because they eliminate emotional bias from trading decisions.
What this means for different generations
For those nearing retirement: Understanding emerging financial careers helps when advising adult children or grandchildren. The finance sector increasingly values mathematical and technical skills over traditional business backgrounds.
For career changers: The field now attracts talent from computer science and data science, with quantitative analysts joining trading desks at investment banks, hedge funds, and proprietary trading firms. It's not exclusively for finance graduates.
For the curious: AI is reshaping quantitative trading, with dynamic systems that process vast amounts of data including news and social media posts to identify subtle market trends. The field continues evolving rapidly.
What This Means For You
The young Brisbane trader's story isn't just about one person's success—it's a window into Australia's evolving economy where technical skills command premium salaries, and traditional career paths are being rewritten by those bold enough to embrace emerging fields.
Rather than dismissing his achievements, perhaps we should be asking: what does this tell us about the opportunities available to those willing to invest in learning cutting-edge skills? In a world where machine learning and AI continue making significant impacts on quantitative trading, the biggest risk might not be aiming too high, but thinking too small.
What's your take on this salary revelation—impressive achievement or just another sign of our changing economy? Have you encountered similar 'unusual' careers that turned out to be more mainstream than expected?
Original Article
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/ar...tml?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490
What Is Quant Trading—CQF Blog
Cited text: Quantitative trading is an area of finance where investment professionals use mathematical models and automated trading strategies to seek profitable ...
Excerpt: Quantitative trading uses mathematical models and statistical techniques to identify and execute profitable opportunities in financial markets
https://www.cqf.com/blog/what-quantitative-trading
Quantitative Trading: Everything You Need to Know | IG International
Cited text: Quantitative trading is a type of market strategy that relies on mathematical and statistical models to identify—and often execute—opportunities.
Excerpt: Quantitative trading uses mathematical models and statistical techniques to identify and execute profitable opportunities in financial markets
https://www.ig.com/en/trading-strategies/a-traders-guide-to-quantitative-trading-200420
What is Quantitative Trading and How Do I Learn It?
Cited text: Quantitative trading is the buying and selling financial assets using computers, without human intervention.
Excerpt: Rather than relying on gut feelings or traditional analysis, quantitative traders use computers to buy and sell financial assets automatically, without human intervention
https://www.interactivebrokers.com/...s-quantitative-trading-and-how-do-i-learn-it/
Quantitative Trading: Everything You Need to Know | IG International
Cited text: If the model finds a pattern—say, that the index has a 60 per cent probability of making an upward move at 11.15 am—then you can use that information to o...
Excerpt: These systems might identify, for example, that a particular index has a 60 per cent probability of moving upward at 11.15am, then automatically place profitable trades based on that pattern
https://www.ig.com/en/trading-strategies/a-traders-guide-to-quantitative-trading-200420
What Is Quant Trading—CQF Blog
Cited text: They are active across a wide range of asset classes, including equities, bonds, commodities, currencies, and derivatives.
Excerpt: stocks, bonds, commodities, currencies, and derivatives
https://www.cqf.com/blog/what-quantitative-trading
Quantitative Trading Firms Explained | Hunter Bond
Cited text: In many cases, these trades happen in milliseconds, thanks to the use of high-frequency trading (HFT) systems. Speed is crucial in quantitative tradin...
Excerpt: some trades happening in milliseconds through high-frequency trading systems, as market opportunities may only exist for fractions of a second
https://www.hunterbond.com/resources/blog/quantitative-trading-firms-explained/
Salary: Quantitative Trader in Australia 2025 | Glassdoor
Cited text: The average salary for a Quantitative Trader is $272,500 per year in Australia.
Excerpt: the average salary for quantitative traders in Australia is $272,500 per year
https://www.glassdoor.com.au/Salaries/quantitative-trader-salary-SRCH_KO0,19.htm
Salary: Quantitative Trader in Australia 2025 | Glassdoor
Cited text: The average salary for a Quantitative Trader is $272,500 per year or $131 per hour in Australia, which is in line with the national average.
Excerpt: the average salary for quantitative traders in Australia is $272,500 per year
https://www.glassdoor.com.au/Salaries/quantitative-trader-salary-SRCH_KO0,19.htm
Salary: Quantitative Trader in Australia 2025 | Glassdoor
Cited text: However, the typical pay range in Australia is between $176,250 (25th percentile) and $450,000 (75th percentile) annually.
Excerpt: typical earnings ranging between $176,250 and $450,000 annually
https://www.glassdoor.com.au/Salaries/quantitative-trader-salary-SRCH_KO0,19.htm
Salary: Quantitative Trader in Australia 2025 | Glassdoor
Cited text: Top earners have reported making up to $1,187,500 (90th percentile).
Excerpt: Top earners in the field report making up to $1,187,500
https://www.glassdoor.com.au/Salaries/quantitative-trader-salary-SRCH_KO0,19.htm
Salary: Quantitative Trader in Sydney 2025 | Glassdoor
Cited text: Top earners have reported making up to $1,190,000 (90th percentile).
Excerpt: Top earners in the field report making up to $1,187,500
https://www.glassdoor.com.au/Salaries/sydney-quantitative-trader-salary-SRCH_IL.0,6_IM962_KO7,26.htm
Employee earnings, August 2024 | Australian Bureau of Statistics
Cited text: · In August 2024, median weekly earnings for employees was $1,396, up $96 from $1,300 in August 2023.
Excerpt: the median weekly earnings for all Australian employees was $1,396 in August 2024
https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/l...g-conditions/employee-earnings/latest-release
Average Salary in Australia: A Comprehensive Guide [2025]
Cited text: In 2024, the Australian median salary hovered around A$65,000 a year, which is roughly US$44,000 a year.
Excerpt: $65,000 annually
https://relocate.me/salaries/australia-average-salary
What Is Quant Trading—CQF Blog
Cited text: This means that the journey to become a quant trader covers several fields simultaneously: mathematics, finance, and programming. In terms of skills a...
Excerpt: 'maths and statistics' are the biggest challenges, noting the need for expertise spanning mathematics, finance, and programming, with most professionals holding degrees in quantitative disciplines like mathematics, statistics, physics,…
https://www.cqf.com/blog/what-quantitative-trading
Beginner's Guide to Quantitative Trading | QuantStart
Cited text: It can take a significant amount of time to gain the necessary knowledge to pass an interview or construct your own trading strategies. Not only that ...
Excerpt: The field requires significant time investment to gain necessary knowledge, along with extensive programming expertise in languages like MATLAB, R, Python, and increasingly C/C++ for high-frequency strategies
https://www.quantstart.com/articles/Beginners-Guide-to-Quantitative-Trading/
Beginner's Guide to Quantitative Trading | QuantStart
Cited text: Contrary to popular belief it is actually quite straightforward to find profitable strategies through various public sources. Academics regularly publ...
Excerpt: Contrary to popular belief, profitable strategies can be found through public sources, with academics regularly publishing theoretical trading results and quantitative finance blogs discussing strategies in detail
https://www.quantstart.com/articles/Beginners-Guide-to-Quantitative-Trading/
What is Quantitative Trading and How Do I Learn It?
Cited text: The best way to learning quantitative trading is to join a trading firm or find a mentor and shadow him at work.
Excerpt: The best way to learn quantitative trading is often to join a trading firm or find a mentor
https://www.interactivebrokers.com/...s-quantitative-trading-and-how-do-i-learn-it/
116 Quantitative Trader jobs in Australia
Cited text: Today's top 116 Quantitative Trader jobs in Australia.
Excerpt: There are currently 116 quantitative trader positions advertised on LinkedIn in Australia
https://au.linkedin.com/jobs/quantitative-trader-jobs
Quantitative Trader :: Jane Street
Cited text: Base salary is $300,000.
Excerpt: offering base salaries of $300,000 for quantitative traders
https://www.janestreet.com/join-jane-street/position/4794171002/
Trading, Tech and Research internship
Cited text: Plus, if you’ve excelled over the summer, you could receive an offer to return the following year as a Graduate Quantitative Trader.
Excerpt: established firms like Optiver offer graduate programs that can lead to full-time quantitative trading roles
https://optiver.com/working-at-optiver/internships/
Employee earnings, August 2024 | Australian Bureau of Statistics
Cited text: In August 2024, the occupation groups with highest median weekly earnings were Managers ($2,100 per week) and Professionals ($1,827). The lowest were ...
Excerpt: even managers—Australia's highest-paid occupation group—earn a median of $2,100 per week, while professionals earn $1,827 weekly
https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/l...g-conditions/employee-earnings/latest-release
What is Quant Trading | Quantitative Trading Explained | AvaTrade
Cited text: Another benefit of quantitative trading is that it eliminates emotion from trading, sticking instead to data-based decisions that are free of the bias...
Excerpt: Quantitative trading systems, when created successfully, can be highly profitable precisely because they eliminate emotional bias from trading decisions
https://www.avatrade.com/education/online-trading-strategies/quantitative-trading
Quantitative Trading and its Future | KX
Cited text: This environment also allows firms to source talent from fields like computer science, with quantitative analysts and data scientists joining trading ...
Excerpt: The field now attracts talent from computer science and data science, with quantitative analysts joining trading desks at investment banks, hedge funds, and proprietary trading firms
https://kx.com/glossary/quantitative-trading/
Quantitative Trading and its Future | KX
Cited text: AI is reshaping quantitative trading, replacing outdated, static models with dynamic analytics that process vast amounts of data and identify emerging...
Excerpt: AI is reshaping quantitative trading, with dynamic systems that process vast amounts of data including news and social media posts to identify subtle market trends
https://kx.com/glossary/quantitative-trading/
Quantitative Trading and its Future | KX
Cited text: The ongoing evolution of machine learning and AI technologies promises to make an even more significant impact on the future of quantitative trading.
Excerpt: machine learning and AI continue making significant impacts on quantitative trading
https://kx.com/glossary/quantitative-trading/
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