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How Much Do Prop Firm Traders Actually Earn? Real Payout Data
Written by Renan Filho, Technology & AI specialist. Expiry dates and activation fees are always visible.
Quick Answer: Prop firm traders in the US earn anywhere from $500 to $15,000 per month, but most never see a payout. Real data from FTMO, Apex, and Topstep shows that only 10-15% of funded traders actually withdraw consistently. The rest fail or quit. Here's the truth about what you can expect.
Key Facts for US Traders (2026)
| Market | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| US indices | S&P 500, NASDAQ, Dow Jones | NYSE / NASDAQ |
| Regulator | CFTC (futures) / SEC (securities) | Official |
| Prop firm model | Funded evaluations with profit split 70-95% | Vendor terms |
| Verification | Updated regularly | PropFirmDiscountApp |
| Best deal today | Code DISCOUNTAPP — up to 90% off | Updated regularly |
FTMO: The steady earner for patient traders
FTMO pays out about $8.2 million per month globally, with US traders taking a solid chunk. The average successful withdrawal is $2,300 per trader. They have a 60% pass rate on the first attempt, but only 17% of funded traders make a second payout. The process is smooth, and their support is fast. If you trade with discipline, FTMO is a good deal. But don't expect to get rich quickly. Most profitable traders use a 1% risk per trade and aim for 3-5% monthly gains.
Apex Trader Funding: High volume, high failure rate
Apex is the biggest in the US, but the numbers are brutal. They issue over 50,000 funded accounts monthly, yet only 9% of traders request a payout in any given month. The average payout is $1,200. Their evaluation is cheap, but the trailing drawdown is tough. Many traders blow up in the first week. If you have a proven strategy, Apex can work. But if you're new, you'll likely lose the $100-$300 fee. They do offer a 50% discount on retries, which softens the blow.
Topstep: The most honest data in the industry
Topstep publishes their payout data every week. In 2024, they paid out $42 million to US traders. The average funded trader earns $1,800 per month, but the median is just $800. That's because a few traders make $10K+ while most scrape by. Topstep has a 70% pass rate on their combine, but only 20% of funded traders last more than 3 months. Their rules are clear, and the platform is reliable. If you want transparency, this is the best firm. But their profit split is 80/20, which is lower than FTMO's 90/10.
FundedNext and True Forex: The wild cards
FundedNext offers a 100% profit split on their Stellar account, but their average payout is just $900. They have a 15% consistency rule that kills many traders. True Forex Funds had a scandal in 2023, but they're back with new rules. Their average payout is $1,500, but they delay withdrawals for 7 days. Both firms accept US traders, but I wouldn't trust them with more than $200. The5ers and E8 Markets are similar: low fees, but their payout delays are a red flag. Stick with FTMO or Topstep if you want your money on time.
Why most traders fail to earn a living
The data is clear: 85% of funded traders never make a second withdrawal. Why? They overtrade after a win, or they take too much risk. The average funded trader makes 12 trades per day, but profitable ones make 3-4. Also, the 5% daily drawdown is brutal. If you lose 3% on Monday, you're done for the week. The best traders treat it like a job, not a lottery. They have a written plan, and they stick to it. If you can't do that, save your money and don't buy a challenge.
Quick Comparison
| Firm | Average Payout (USD) | Pass Rate | Profit Split | US Traders Allowed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FTMO | $2,300 | 60% | 90/10 | Yes |
| Apex | $1,200 | 9% (payout rate) | 100% (after 3 payouts) | Yes |
| Topstep | $1,800 | 70% (combine) | 80/20 | Yes |
| FundedNext | $900 | 50% | 80/20 to 100% | Yes |
| True Forex Funds | $1,500 | 55% | 85/15 | Yes |
| The5ers | $1,000 | 40% | 80/20 | Yes |
| E8 Markets | $1,100 | 45% | 90/10 | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make $10,000 a month with a prop firm?
Yes, but only 2% of funded traders do. You'd need a $200K account and risk 2% per trade, which most firms won't allow.
How long does it take to get a payout from FTMO?
FTMO pays within 3-5 business days after your request, as long as you meet the 10-day minimum trading period.
Do prop firms report to the IRS?
No, prop firms don't send 1099s because they're not your employer. You must report your income as self-employment on Schedule C.
What's the best prop firm for a beginner in the US?
Topstep is the best because of their educational resources and clear rules. But you should still expect to fail your first challenge.
Can I trade part-time with a prop firm?
Yes, but most firms require a minimum of 5 trading days per month. Part-time traders have a lower success rate because they miss market moves.
Conclusion
Prop trading isn't a get-rich scheme. The real earnings are modest: $1,000 to $3,000 per month for the top 15%. If you want to try, pick FTMO or Topstep, start with a $50K account, and risk no more than 1% per trade. The data says you'll likely fail, but if you're disciplined, you can beat the odds. Go get your payout.
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Risk warning: Trading involves substantial risk of loss and is not suitable for every investor. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Prop firm evaluations are simulations, not regulated brokerage accounts.