Salary Survey Results 2023/24

The report finds that the global average base salary for bunker traders, converted to USD, has grown from just under $100,000/year in 2022  to just over $105,000/year in 2024.  

Commenting on the current market, Imperium Commodity Search Managing Partner, Mark Taylor said: “Basic compensation has increased globally and in each region, with the exception of the Middle East. Whilst this data is easy to take at face value, there is some nuance to why this is the case.
Salary growth in the region has continued broadly in line with the rest of the world, however the volume of growth in trading desks has led to a higher number of junior level traders than other areas. This shift in overall seniority has resulted in a headline figure that is lower than it was in 2022.

We have seen a slight increase in the number of traders recieving a direct PnL percentage for their variable calculations, which is a figure we expect to see grow further as we enter 2025.

The pioneers of this model continue to find it easier to attract traders than those firms on a purely discretionary payout, although that still remains the presiding status quo, marginally.

Anecdotally, we see a higher throughput on traders when representing trading businesses structured to pay a transparent and linear commission and bonus scheme and this is something that
remains very attractive for traders wtih a seasoned book of business. ”