Crypto jobs have never been hotter. According to CoinJournal, cryptocurrency job search volume exploded in 2022, increasing by 601% compared to the previous year. Now, more than ever, job hunters are ditching the cookie-cutter careers of the past and diving into the wide world of Web3 and blockchain technology.
But whatโs causing this massive influx of talent? Is it because superstar athletes like Tom Brady are being paid in Bitcoin? Perhaps itโs the high salaries being promised to software engineers?
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Thereโs never been a better to start looking for blockchain jobs. This article will outline why crypto job boards are thriving, what kind of Web3 jobs are out there, and how you can get started on your next career.
Why Should I Work in Crypto?
The motivations for starting a career in cryptocurrency are certainly compelling. The blockchain industry is rapidly evolving. Being at the forefront of an unfolding technological revolution attracts some of the brightest minds in computer science and cryptography, so itโs an excellent place to push your creativity.
Decentralized Finance (DeFi) is a fascinating concept that opens a lot of doors for people all over the world. Blockchain technology empowers users to retain their privacy online and offers true ownership of digital assets. Building services and applications in the crypto space can also help to liberate people from centralized services, which pose custody risks.
Of course, this is the utopian dream. Perhaps the reality is that crypto jobs typically offer attractive salaries and flexible working conditions. Whatโs more, the rise of remote jobs has meant you donโt need to live in New York or San Francisco if you want to work for a leading tech company.
Full-time, Part-time, or Freelance?
Working in crypto offers plenty of flexibility, even at entry-level positions. Because the Web3 industry is global and the crypto market never sleeps, blockchain startups are generally built with team members from all over the world. Even if youโre working full-time for a company, youโll unlikely need to stick to a 9-5 schedule.
Part-time and freelance positions are also common, allowing workers to contribute to multiple projects simultaneously. Because so many crypto jobs offer native tokens as part of payment terms, freelancers and part-time workers can get exposure to a wide range of cryptocurrencies while they work.
Is There a Difference Between Crypto, Blockchain, and Web3 Jobs?
While blockchain technology, cryptocurrency, and the Web3 movement are all different concepts, professionally speaking, they fall into the same category. That being said, if youโre looking for jobs in the industry, itโs worth searching job boards and Linkedin using all three varieties.
What Careers Are There in Cryptocurrency?
Despite what you may believe, you donโt need to be a giga-brain doctor like Gavin Wood or Charles Hoskinson to start working in crypto. Many Web 2.0 professionals are finding their feet in the Web3 world, attracted by the lofty salaries of the blockchain industry.
What are some of the best-paying jobs in crypto?
Tech Roles
It makes sense that tech-based jobs are the cream of the crop in such a specific and niche field. Experts in computer science and cryptography are some of the most desired minds in the industry. On top of that, they also need to have practical, up-to-date knowledge of blockchain fundamentals, algorithms, and theory.
Blockchain Engineer
Blockchain Engineers are responsible for building the infrastructure and architecture behind our favorite networks. While back-end engineers deal with a blockchainโs underlying framework and servers, front-end engineers handle its presentation for end users.
These specialized software engineers need to have a thorough understanding of smart contracts and blockchain programming languages like Solidity or Rust.
Blockchain Developer
While the engineers build the network, blockchain developers design the apps and DeFi tools weโre most familiar with. Imagining a highway is an easy way to understand the relationship between engineers and developers. Engineers make sure the road is stable and functional. Developers build the cars we use every day.
Every decentralized application (dApp) on a blockchain has two sides, a front end, and a back end. As with engineers, front-end developers build the parts of the app we see and interact with, while back-end developers manage all the contracts behind the scenes.
For example, look at the most commonly used Ethereum app, Uniswap. A front-end developer ensures that the siteโs presentation is smooth and ergonomic. Meanwhile, the back-end developer ensures that the smart contracts communicate properly with the blockchain and that the servers powering the site are functional.
A full-stack software developer has mastered both sides and handles a siteโs front and back ends. For this reason, full-stack developers are coveted and desired talent in the industry. Important coding languages to know include the basics like HTML, Typescript, CSS, and Javascript, as well as specific languages like Golang and Solidity.
Data Scientist
Blockchain tech jobs arenโt limited to building dApps and network infrastructure. Like in Web 2.0 industries, data scientists help crypto companies make better-informed decisions. Data scientists run robust and complex machine learning tests to gain meaningful insights that help businesses grow.
The most useful languages used in data science are Python, SQL, and Scala.
Non-Tech Roles
If you donโt know the first thing about computer science, coding, or the metaverse, donโt worry! There are plenty of crypto jobs available for people with zero tech experience. Most of these jobs are highly transferable from other industries, making it easy to hop across for your first blockchain job.
Business Development Manager
Blockchain engineers could create the most powerful network ever, but without the right connections, it will struggle to see adoption. This is where Business Development comes in.
BD Managers help crypto companies make strategic partnerships that grow and support the business. The Polygon network has one of the best business development teams in the industry, which has led to partnerships with some of the worldโs biggest brands like Starbucks, Disney, and Meta.
Product Manager
A Product Manager is an integral part of any blockchain business. Product managers find the key links between customersโ needs and the companyโs goals. A good product manager identifies what success will look like for the business and its end users.
Marketing Manager
It could well be argued that effective marketing is just as important as products and services. In our modern society, attention spans are shorter than ever, so having a strong Marketing Manager is crucial for emerging blockchain startups.
Marketing managers handle the campaigns that bring eyeballs and awareness to a business. You could have the best product in the world, but it might as well not exist if no one knows about it.
In the cryptocurrency industry, having a strong social media presence is one of the best ways to get noticed. Thatโs why Social Media Managers capable of creating viral posts and fostering engaged online communities are just as crucial as Marketing Managers.
Crypto Writer
Letโs face it, looking in from the outside, crypto can be complicated and intimidating. Itโs difficult to communicate ideas and information about blockchain technology to the average person. Fortunately, crypto writers are on hand to break down complicated topics into simple explanations and serve as the bridge between developers and users.
There are plenty of different niches available to crypto writers. For example, a technical writer prepares documents outlining complex blockchain functions and tools. In contrast, news writers (like the team here at DailyCoin) help crypto enthusiasts keep their thumb on the pulse of the industry with a constant stream of crypto market updates.
Customer Support
As with any business, sometimes things can go wrong and customers need assistance. Customer Support is a great way to enter a first job in crypto. These entry-level positions generally donโt require knowledge about cryptocurrency or blockchain technology beforehand, so itโs easy to get started.
Whatโs more, customer support workers are always in demand. Top crypto exchanges like Binance and OKX are always looking for staff who want to take their first steps into the world of Web3 jobs.
Community Manager/Moderator
Becoming a community manager or moderator for emerging crypto companies is another great way to get a foot in the door. What many people donโt release is that a lot of crypto content and information is shared first in Discord and Telegram groups before it gets officially published.
Investors and community members love hanging out in a crypto project or NFT collections to network. Like-minded groups also form DAOs (decentralized autonomous organizations), where they discuss coins, tokens, and ecosystems theyโre interested in.
Community Managers are the link between the core team of a crypto company and its investors. They pass feedback from the community back to the developers and help align the businessโs goals with the publicโs expectations.
On the other hand, community moderators help manage a companyโs Discord servers and Telegram channels. Generally, this means answering basic questions about the project, ensuring conversations stay on topic, and protecting other members from scammers.
How Do I Get a Blockchain Job?
Like any other career, searching job boards for new opportunities is the best way to get a crypto job. With the blockchain sector growing year after year, startups are always looking for new talent, both in tech and non-tech positions.
If you want a hint, itโs recommended to set up job alerts on LinkedIn and other Web3 job sites for positions that interest you. Being one of the first to apply for a new role often boosts your chances of being selected for an interview.
On the Flipside
- As the crypto space continues to evolve, more and more people are expected to transition to Web 3 from traditional sectors. This will make the field more competitive than it has been previously and could result in a reduction in cryptoโs attractive salaries.
Why Should You Care
There are a lot of misconceptions about starting a career in crypto, with many people convinced that you need to be a software developer or have a background in tech to find work.
This is far from reality. The blockchain industry is packed with non-tech opportunities for people looking to start working in Web3.
FAQs
You can find new crypto job postings daily on top sites like CryptocurrencyJobs, Web3Jobs, and CryptoJobsList. You can also keep an eye on LinkedIn, where blockchain jobs at top companies are regularly shared.
While it may be hard to get a top-level position at a leading crypto company without a degree, many crypto jobs donโt requireย a degree. The cryptocurrency industry has always bucked convention, so as long as you have relevant experience, you always have a chance at your dream crypto job.
Depending on what kind of position youโre after, the skills required may be slightly different. For example, a blockchain developer must understand programming languages like Javascript, Rust, and Solidity. Meanwhile, a Social Media Manager should be comfortable growing a Twitter account.
Salaries for Web3 and blockchain developers are varied dependent on experience and position. Entry-level developers can earn anywhere from $70,000-$100,000 USD per year, while senior developers and engineers can earn upwards of $200,000 USD per year.