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Prop trading offers an opportunity to trade with firm capital and potentially earn a share of the profits. Unlike traditional jobs, there are no fixed working hours. Instead, a prop trader’s schedule depends on factors like market hours, trading style, and personal strategy. 

Here, we help you to understand what the typical working hours of a prop trader are to help aspiring traders set realistic expectations.

1. Market Hours and Trading Sessions

The hours a prop trader works often depend on the financial markets being traded. Forex, stocks, commodities, and futures all have different trading sessions. Below is a table showing the typical market hours for key financial markets:
 

A trader working with a prop firm must align their schedule with market conditions. The best opportunities often arise during times of high volume and volatility.

2. Day Traders vs Swing Traders

The number of hours a prop trader works depends largely on their trading style. Day traders typically work between 4-8 hours per day, actively entering and exiting positions within the same trading session. Their time is spent monitoring price action, executing trades, and reviewing performance. 

Swing traders, on the other hand, spend fewer hours actively trading, as they hold positions for days or weeks, focusing more on market research, setting alerts, and adjusting trades as needed.

Day traders have a more structured daily routine, while swing traders may only need a few hours each day for market analysis.

3. Prop Firm Requirements and Expectations

Prop trading firms may have different expectations for their traders. Some firms require traders to be active during set hours, while others allow flexibility. A trader’s time commitment will also depend on their profit target, risk management approach, and overall trading goals.

• Structured Firms - Some prop firms require traders to work full-time, staying at their desks during core market hours.
• Remote and Flexible Firms - Many firms allow traders to set their own hours, as long as they remain profitable and manage risk effectively.

4. The Reality of Long Trading Hours

Although prop trading does not follow a traditional 9-to-5 schedule, it can still demand long hours, especially during the learning phase. Many new traders spend 10-12 hours per day studying charts, backtesting strategies, and reviewing trades. 

Once experienced, traders may reduce screen time and focus only on high-probability setups. Some traders choose to work long hours to increase their chances of profitability, while others prefer a balanced approach.

Overtrading or forcing trades due to long hours can lead to mistakes. Finding the right balance between screen time and quality trading decisions is key.

5. Managing Your Work-Life Balance

Unlike traditional jobs, prop trading does not have fixed breaks or structured holidays. However, maintaining a balanced routine is important.

• Taking regular breaks helps prevent burnout and keeps decision-making sharp
• Setting a fixed trading schedule can improve discipline and consistency
• Having a cutoff time each day prevents overtrading and emotional decision-making

Many successful traders focus on quality over quantity, making their trading hours more efficient rather than just longer.

6. How Many Hours Do Funded Traders Work?

Once traders pass an evaluation and receive funding, their working hours may change. Since the primary goal is to trade profitably, some traders cut back on screen time while others continue working long hours to increase returns.

• Some funded traders work 2-4 hours a day, focusing only on key trading sessions
• Others trade full-time, using longer hours to increase opportunities for profit
• The amount of time spent trading depends on personal goals and trading style

Many funded traders focus on efficiency, trading only during high-volume periods rather than spending the whole day watching the market.

Thinking of Starting Trading Now?

There is no set number of hours that prop traders work. Some trade for a few hours each day, while others commit full-time hours, especially when learning. The number of hours depends on the market, trading style, and firm expectations. Finding a balance between work and life helps traders stay disciplined and perform at their best.

Whether working part-time or full-time, consistency and efficiency matter more than total screen time. A good trading routine, along with the right prop trading platform, can help traders maximise their time and focus on profitable opportunities.