Guide to Cryptocurrency Jobs

By Rebecca Lake · March 03, 2022 · 11 minute read

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Guide to Cryptocurrency Jobs

If you’re interested in earning money with cryptocurrency, investing is one option. Seeking out jobs in crypto is another way to capitalize on this burgeoning market.

Cryptocurrency jobs are popping up in cities across the U.S. and around the world as interest in crypto trading grows. Some of the locations that offer the most opportunities for starting a career in crypto include New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Chicago. For those with experience — or at the very least a passion and willingness to learn — there are a number of ways to put your skills to use.

What Sorts of Jobs Are Available in Cryptocurrency?

There are numerous possibilities for careers in crypto, each of which utilizes a different range of skills, expertise, and knowledge of how crypto works.

Some crypto jobs are more technical than others and you may need a specialized degree or training to qualify. Others may allow you to leverage the skills or experience you already have. Those are important considerations to keep in mind when researching how to get a job and earn money in cryptocurrency. Here are a bunch of different paths for exploring a career in crypto.

Blockchain Developer

Blockchain developers are responsible for developing protocols and systems related to blockchain, a decentralized system for recording and transferring information and assets between connected parties. This is the foundation on which cryptocurrency operates.

In terms of salary potential, blockchain developers earn around $155,000 per year on average , according to ZipRecruiter. You’ll need to be familiar with different types of crypto and be well-versed in various programming languages, such as C++ and Python. A degree in computer science or a related field and/or online certification in blockchain development can help you acquire the necessary skills and experience.

Journalist

Journalism jobs in crypto can include freelance writing, blogging, and content marketing. You may be paid to write articles or blog posts about the latest crypto trends for a financial website, or draft white papers and case studies for a crypto company’s marketing team.

Freelance writers earn around $63,000 per year on average , according to ZipRecruiter, though more experienced writers can easily earn in the six-figure range. You don’t necessarily need a college degree or a professional background in writing to get this kind of crypto job. You do, however, need to have solid writing skills and understand concepts like blockchain and how purchasing crypto works.

Venture Capital

Venture capital is a form of private equity financing in which individuals or investment firms provide financial backing for startups. If you’re interested in venture capital crypto jobs, there are different roles you might take on.

For example, you could join a venture capital firm that supports crypto investments as a research analyst or a business operations associate. Or you might work in corporate development or marketing. The types of jobs available — and the corresponding annual salary — can vary from one crypto venture capital firm to the next.

Miner

Crypto mining is the process in which new cryptocurrency is created. This type of crypto job involves using computer software programs to solve math problems in order to generate or “mine” new coins. As such, you’ll need to have knowledge of the different types of crypto and a background in computer programming and/or coding for this kind of crypto career.

Crypto miner jobs can pay around $89,000 a year on average , according to ZipRecruiter, though some companies may pay miners salaries of $150,000 or more. In addition to understanding how mining works, mining crypto jobs may also require research and analysis skills.

AI Developer

AI developers focus on machine learning and its application across different industries, including cryptocurrency and blockchain. This is a more technical type of crypto job and you’ll typically need either a bachelor’s degree in a related field or a strong background in computer science, programming or engineering to get hired.

Salary-wise, AI developers can command higher pay because there’s ever-increasing demand for them. On average, AI developers can make $126,000 a year though some can earn closer to $200,000 a year, according to ZipRecruiter.

Account Executive

Account executives are responsible for acting as a go-between between vendors and clients. Cryptocurrency companies can employ account executives to help attract new clients and maintain positive relationships with existing ones. This type of crypto job does require knowledge of cryptocurrency but it also relies heavily on soft skills, such as communication skills and critical thinking.

Salaries for crypto account executives can vary by company and may be based on previous experience or your track record of success with former employers. A degree in communications, marketing, and/or business management is typically required.

Software Engineer

Software engineers create software programs and work out the kinks in existing ones. In the cryptocurrency job market, software engineers may be hired to develop new products, oversee engineering projects, design databases or web applications, conduct research, or delve into data analysis. This type of crypto career requires a combination of technical and soft skills, as collaboration and communication with other departments is often essential.

Crypto engineers can earn $120,000 a year on average , based on information from ZipRecruiter, and you may be working on-site or remotely, depending on the company.

Product Manager

Product managers work to develop new digital products and find solutions that meet the needs of the company’s clients or customers. For example, you might be charged with developing a product to help a crypto platform expand into the NFT market.

This type of crypto job is all about innovation and creative thinking; depending on the company, you may not need a degree or even a lengthy work history to qualify. Base salaries may start in the high five-figures/low six-figures and go up from there, depending on how much experience you have.

Accountant

Cryptocurrency companies have to manage the books just like any other business operation. But running a growing startup can be time-consuming and founders or executives may not be able to oversee this task themselves. That’s where accountants come in.

Accountants manage financial records and accounts. Crypto accounting jobs can pay in the $100,000 a year range for accountants who specialize in working with digital currency companies, according to ZipRecruiter. You will need at least a bachelor’s degree, though an advanced degree and additional training or certification is often preferable.

Financial Analyst

Financial analysts study investments and offer financial advice to institutional or individual investors. A crypto financial analyst specializes in cryptocurrencies. Someone who works as a financial analyst for cryptocurrency may work for an investment or wealth management firm, a brokerage, or an online crypto trading platform.

It’s also possible to leverage your financial analyst skills to write articles about crypto for financial publications.

Security Architect

Security architects are charged with ensuring that an organization’s computer and network infrastructure are secure. While it’s difficult to hack the blockchain, it’s not impossible. In fact, more than $4 billion in cryptocurrencies was stolen by hackers in 2021 alone.

Cryptocurrency companies may hire security architects to keep their systems safe and secure and identify potential threats. This is an in-demand job and as such, the average salary can hover around $150,000 a year , according to ZipRecruiter.

Technical Writer

Technical writers who are knowledgeable about cryptocurrencies can take on a number of different roles. For example, they may be employed as content writers or content developers, manual writers or policy writers, documentation specialists or information designers.

All of these jobs require technical writing skills, which may be acquired through earning a bachelor’s degree or through online learning resources. Technical writers in general make around $70,000 a year on average , according to ZipRecruiter, but since cryptocurrency is a specialized field, crypto writers could potentially draw higher salaries.

Event Manager

Event managers organize and promote events for companies, including conventions, conferences, workshops, seminars, and networking events. Crypto companies can hire event managers to oversee promotional events. A background in marketing, advertising, or communications is typically desirable for this type of crypto job.

Event managers, event planners, and event coordinators make an average salary of around $55,000 a year , according to information from Payscale. But if you have an extensive network or an established reputation as an event manager, you could easily earn a six-figure income.

Web Developer

Web developers design, create, and maintain websites. If a new crypto startup wants to launch a website they’ll hire a web developer or team of developers to do it.

As far as jobs in crypto go, web development roles don’t necessarily require a college degree. Instead, you’ll need coding and programming skills to get hired, which you could learn online. On average, web developers make around $75,000 a year , according to ZipRecruiter, though some could earn closer to twice that based on skills and experience.

Tips for Getting a Job in Crypto

Figuring out how to get a job in crypto is not that different from pursuing jobs in other industries. First, you’ll need to understand the various qualifications required for different jobs, the prospect for growth in that area, salary ranges, and the duties and responsibilities involved when taking on a particular role.

You’ll also need to decide if you’re interested in landing a full-time role or working in a freelance capacity within the crypto career space. This can influence how much you’re able to earn with a crypto job and what type of benefits you may enjoy.

Networking

Networking can be an invaluable tool when trying to get a job in crypto. Who you know can be just as important as the skills and experience you’ve acquired. If you haven’t started building your crypto network yet, that’s something to prioritize.

You can network largely online through LinkedIn and social media but don’t overlook the value of in-person meetings. Crypto conventions, workshops, and conferences can all offer opportunities to meet with key players in the crypto space and increase your own visibility.

Immersion in the World of Cryptocurrencies

It goes without saying that getting jobs in crypto means you need to understand the industry and how it works. If you don’t know the difference between Bitcoin and Ethereum, for example, or you’re in the dark about how a crypto wallet works, then brushing up on your knowledge is vital.

Some of the easiest ways to get immersed in the world of crypto include:

•   Learning key crypto concepts and terminology, such as cryptography basics

•   Setting up one or more crypto wallets

•   Creating accounts with different crypto platforms

•   Trading cryptocurrencies online

•   Reading crypto news and studying the latest trends

•   Following and interacting with influencers in the crypto space on social media

•   Watching tutorial videos or guides on YouTube

Cryptocurrency is constantly evolving and changing, with new developments taking place all the time. Spending time to learn about the industry each day can help you keep pace without feeling overwhelmed.

Expected Job Growth

Cryptocurrency is still in its infancy, though the market is growing everyday. As a result, the market for jobs in crypto is also growing, creating new opportunities for people who are interested in a career in crypto.

For example, employment of software developers (which can include jobs in blockchain development) is expected to increase by 22% by 2030 , according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Job growth for information security analysts, which can encompass cryptography jobs, is expected to jump by 33% over that same time period, as reported by BLS.

As the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FIRA) direct more interest toward regulating cryptocurrency, that could help to solidify its position as a viable form of currency. In turn, that could spark even more demand for jobs in crypto.

Pros and Cons of Getting a Job in Crypto

There are different benefits of crypto for investors, but what are the advantages when you’re looking for a job in crypto? Pursuing a career in crypto can offer some benefits along with some downsides to consider.

Pros

Cons

Cryptocurrency jobs can offer a flexible schedule, especially if you work remotely or are an independent contractor. Crypto jobs can be demanding and some positions may require you to work well above the standard 40-hour workweek.
Many crypto jobs can offer competitive salaries, with some reaching into the multiple six-figure range. Entry-level positions may offer lower starting salaries and it could take time to work your way to a higher pay range.
Some cryptocurrency jobs don’t necessarily require an advanced degree to obtain; you may be able to learn the necessary skills online instead. Jobs in crypto are competitive and landing a position could be tough if you don’t have lengthy experience or the appropriate skills.

The Takeaway

Doing your research is important if you’re interested in how to get a job in cryptocurrency. There are numerous ways to put your skills and talents to work but if you’re new to crypto, learning about it firsthand can be the best place to start.

FAQ

Is it hard to get a job in crypto?

The cryptocurrency job market is competitive but there are new jobs being created every day. Some of the best ways to increase your odds of landing a job in crypto include networking and learning as much as you can about the world of cryptocurrency and how it works.

Can trading crypto be a job?

Trading cryptocurrencies could potentially be considered a career if you’re able to earn a full-time income through buying and selling. This can be an incredibly risky endeavor, given the volatility surrounding cryptocurrencies. And you wouldn’t have the basic safety nets included with a 9-to-5 job, such as health insurance or access to a 401(k).

What are some possible careers in cryptocurrency?

There are a number of ways to make money with crypto jobs, including becoming a blockchain developer or web developer, mining cryptocurrency, and getting paid to write about crypto and the latest digital currency trends. You could also earn money with crypto jobs related to venture capital, research, or AI development.


Photo credit: iStock/izusek

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