[bigbang]

Thanks for the clarification. Is it feasible to get into a prop shop or hedge fund as a programmer and "graduate" to trader? How common is it?

[dev_jim]

Common enough. Skills are so specialized thhough that it doesn't always make sense to switch though. Its a different career track, not a promotion. Top end trader will make more but top end developer will make more then the average trader. You should focus on what you are good at.