GITNUXREPORT 2025

Prop Firm Statistics

Most prop firms offer training, prioritize risk management, and trade equities.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

More than 50% of prop firms are based in the United States, followed by the UK and Hong Kong

Statistic 2

The global proprietary trading firm market size is valued at around $470 billion as of 2023

Statistic 3

The average daily trading volume for prop firms is estimated at over $1 billion globally

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Around 25% of prop traders are active in cryptocurrency markets, as of 2023

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The most traded asset classes among prop traders are equities (55%), forex (25%), and commodities (10%)

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The global demand for prop trading professionals is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8% from 2023 to 2028

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20% of prop firms focus exclusively on forex trading

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70% of prop firms utilize some form of automated or algorithmic trading systems

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35% of prop trading firms offer flexible trading hours to their traders

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40% of prop trading firms operate exclusively online without physical headquarters

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Nearly 70% of prop firms have an onboarding process that lasts less than two weeks

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About 60% of prop traders operate with a trading desk or floor environment

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Tory 60% of prop firms reject over 75% of applicant traders due to strict compliance and skill criteria

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85% of prop firms provide real-time risk management tools to monitor traders’ positions

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The average number of trades per trader per day in prop firms is about 15-20

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Approximately 73% of proprietary trading firms offer training programs for new traders

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About 45% of prop trading firms prefer traders who have experience in quantitative analysis or programming

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The average account size for beginner traders in prop firms is approximately $50,000

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Approximately 80% of successful prop traders trade equities, while about 15% trade forex

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The failure rate for new traders within the first year at prop firms is around 65%

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On average, prop trading firms provide traders with leverage of 10:1 to 20:1

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The average weekly training or mentoring time provided by some prop firms is about 10 hours

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Prop trading firms often require traders to have a minimum of 2-3 years of professional trading experience

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The average starting capital for traders in large prop firms is about $150,000

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50% of prop firms prioritize traders with a background in math, engineering, or computer science

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The average cost for traders to join a prop firm (training, evaluation fees) ranges from $1,000 to $5,000

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35% of prop traders have college degrees in finance, economics, or related fields

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The median duration of a trader’s career at a prop firm is approximately 3 years

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About 40% of prop traders also have side jobs or other income sources

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55% of traders at prop firms report experiencing high stress levels due to trading pressures

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The most common account size for top-performing traders in prop firms is over $100,000

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About 25% of prop firms have specialized training programs in risk management and trading psychology

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The average annual turnover rate of traders in prop firms is roughly 30%, indicating significant attrition

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The average length of time traders stay with a prop firm after onboarding is around 2.5 years

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The average payout percentage for traders in prop firms ranges from 70% to 80% of profits earned

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The median profit share for traders in prop firms is approximately 75%

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About 55% of prop trading firms prioritize risk management skills over trading profitability when hiring

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The typical commission or fee paid to prop firms by traders ranges from 1% to 3% of profits

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The average profit target for traders within a month in prop firms is around 10%

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On average, a trader in a prop firm generates around $250,000 in annual profits

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45% of prop firms offer profit-sharing bonuses based on quarterly or annual performance

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The average profit split percentage for traders is approximately 80%, though some firms offer higher splits for top traders

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65% of traders at prop firms report high satisfaction with the trading infrastructure provided

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Nearly 60% of prop trading firms require traders to pass a simulated trading assessment before joining

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Nearly 50% of prop traders use algorithmic or automated trading strategies

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The average holding period for trades placed by prop traders is approximately 3 days

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80% of prop traders use technical analysis as their primary trading method

Statistic 48

60% of prop traders report using a combination of technical analysis and fundamental analysis for decision making

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Sources

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Key Highlights

Approximately 73% of proprietary trading firms offer training programs for new traders
The global proprietary trading firm market size is valued at around $470 billion as of 2023
Nearly 60% of prop trading firms require traders to pass a simulated trading assessment before joining
The average payout percentage for traders in prop firms ranges from 70% to 80% of profits earned
About 45% of prop trading firms prefer traders who have experience in quantitative analysis or programming
The average account size for beginner traders in prop firms is approximately $50,000
35% of prop trading firms offer flexible trading hours to their traders
Approximately 80% of successful prop traders trade equities, while about 15% trade forex
The failure rate for new traders within the first year at prop firms is around 65%
On average, prop trading firms provide traders with leverage of 10:1 to 20:1
Nearly 50% of prop traders use algorithmic or automated trading strategies
The median profit share for traders in prop firms is approximately 75%
About 55% of prop trading firms prioritize risk management skills over trading profitability when hiring

Did you know that nearly three-quarters of proprietary trading firms invest heavily in training their traders, with the global market now valued at over $470 billion and a typical trader raking in up to $250,000 annually, making prop trading an alluring yet competitive arena for finance professionals worldwide?

Market Presence

More than 50% of prop firms are based in the United States, followed by the UK and Hong Kong

Market Presence Interpretation

With over half of proprietary trading firms rooted in the U.S., it's clear that American financial ingenuity continues to lead the global charge, supported by strategic hubs in the UK and Hong Kong shaping the next wave of market movers.

Market Size and Market Presence

The global proprietary trading firm market size is valued at around $470 billion as of 2023
The average daily trading volume for prop firms is estimated at over $1 billion globally
Around 25% of prop traders are active in cryptocurrency markets, as of 2023
The most traded asset classes among prop traders are equities (55%), forex (25%), and commodities (10%)
The global demand for prop trading professionals is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8% from 2023 to 2028
20% of prop firms focus exclusively on forex trading
70% of prop firms utilize some form of automated or algorithmic trading systems

Market Size and Market Presence Interpretation

With a sprawling $470 billion market and 70% of firms harnessing algorithms to trade equities, forex, and commodities—where a quarter of traders carve out their niche in cryptocurrencies—the prop trading sector’s relentless growth and automation underscore a high-stakes, tech-driven game that’s only set to expand at an 8% clip annually through 2028.

Operational Practices and Firm Policies

35% of prop trading firms offer flexible trading hours to their traders
40% of prop trading firms operate exclusively online without physical headquarters
Nearly 70% of prop firms have an onboarding process that lasts less than two weeks
About 60% of prop traders operate with a trading desk or floor environment
Tory 60% of prop firms reject over 75% of applicant traders due to strict compliance and skill criteria
85% of prop firms provide real-time risk management tools to monitor traders’ positions
The average number of trades per trader per day in prop firms is about 15-20

Operational Practices and Firm Policies Interpretation

With most prop firms embracing flexible hours and online operations, and a majority implementing rigorous screening yet backing traders with real-time risk tools, the landscape reveals a fast-paced, elite market where only the sharpest thrive—trading around 15-20 times daily amid stringent entry barriers.

Trader Demographics and Education

Approximately 73% of proprietary trading firms offer training programs for new traders
About 45% of prop trading firms prefer traders who have experience in quantitative analysis or programming
The average account size for beginner traders in prop firms is approximately $50,000
Approximately 80% of successful prop traders trade equities, while about 15% trade forex
The failure rate for new traders within the first year at prop firms is around 65%
On average, prop trading firms provide traders with leverage of 10:1 to 20:1
The average weekly training or mentoring time provided by some prop firms is about 10 hours
Prop trading firms often require traders to have a minimum of 2-3 years of professional trading experience
The average starting capital for traders in large prop firms is about $150,000
50% of prop firms prioritize traders with a background in math, engineering, or computer science
The average cost for traders to join a prop firm (training, evaluation fees) ranges from $1,000 to $5,000
35% of prop traders have college degrees in finance, economics, or related fields
The median duration of a trader’s career at a prop firm is approximately 3 years
About 40% of prop traders also have side jobs or other income sources
55% of traders at prop firms report experiencing high stress levels due to trading pressures
The most common account size for top-performing traders in prop firms is over $100,000
About 25% of prop firms have specialized training programs in risk management and trading psychology
The average annual turnover rate of traders in prop firms is roughly 30%, indicating significant attrition
The average length of time traders stay with a prop firm after onboarding is around 2.5 years

Trader Demographics and Education Interpretation

While roughly 73% of prop firms invest in turning novices into traders and 80% of successful traders focus on equities, the harsh reality remains that with a 65% first-year failure rate and an average tenure of just 2.5 years, the journey in proprietary trading is akin to a high-stakes marathon—demanding skill, resilience, and a hefty dose of perseverance.

Trader Profitability and Compensation

The average payout percentage for traders in prop firms ranges from 70% to 80% of profits earned
The median profit share for traders in prop firms is approximately 75%
About 55% of prop trading firms prioritize risk management skills over trading profitability when hiring
The typical commission or fee paid to prop firms by traders ranges from 1% to 3% of profits
The average profit target for traders within a month in prop firms is around 10%
On average, a trader in a prop firm generates around $250,000 in annual profits
45% of prop firms offer profit-sharing bonuses based on quarterly or annual performance
The average profit split percentage for traders is approximately 80%, though some firms offer higher splits for top traders

Trader Profitability and Compensation Interpretation

While traders typically enjoy an 80% profit share and aim for 10% monthly gains, the industry's focus on risk management over profitability and modest fees underscores that in prop trading, success hinges as much on discipline as on hitting targets—and top traders are often rewarded for their resilience as much as their returns.

Trader Satisfaction and Infrastructure

65% of traders at prop firms report high satisfaction with the trading infrastructure provided

Trader Satisfaction and Infrastructure Interpretation

With nearly two-thirds of traders praising the infrastructure, it's clear that prop firms are increasingly investing in the backbone of their traders’ success—though, of course, satisfaction isn't always synonymous with profit.

Trading Strategies and Tools

Nearly 60% of prop trading firms require traders to pass a simulated trading assessment before joining
Nearly 50% of prop traders use algorithmic or automated trading strategies
The average holding period for trades placed by prop traders is approximately 3 days
80% of prop traders use technical analysis as their primary trading method
60% of prop traders report using a combination of technical analysis and fundamental analysis for decision making

Trading Strategies and Tools Interpretation

With nearly 60% of prop firms demanding rigorous simulated assessments and 80% of traders relying on technical analysis—often blended with fundamentals—it's clear that success in proprietary trading hinges on a blend of rigorous testing, strategic versatility, and swift execution, all orchestrated through a strategic dance of automation and analysis.