Career Opportunities in Blockchain & Cryptocurrency, and The Skills You Need

The world of crypto is so much more than just buying low and selling high. The basis of cryptocurrencies may have started with Bitcoin, but blockchain technology is ready to transform industries. The use-cases for this tech are practically endless, and companies will benefit in a significant way if they focus on implementing more transparent and fraud-resistant systems. 

Even though Blockchain is no household name like Cloud, it is developing so fast that we already see dozens of businesses taking advantage of decentralized, and distributed networks. Furthermore, we see crypto and blockchain companies hire talent left and right with the industry growing rapidly. 

In 2018, the growth of blockchain job opportunities exceeded 2000% for three quarters and 6000% for year-over-year growth. That stat now will significantly be higher, as the number of industries incorporating blockchain technology into their business model keeps growing. 

The rise in popularity of cryptocurrencies over the last two years made people believe that- a verifiable register with zero central supervision can make business operations more flexible and cost-effective. Of course, every crypto and blockchain company wants to expand its footprint on a global scale, but the problem here is- lack of talent. The demand for experienced talent is so high right now that companies are not able to keep up with customer demands. 

We see thousands of open roles across the world, and top IT companies and startups  like IBM, TCS and Polygon are aggressively hiring software developers, marketers, data scientists, and other professionals. With the industry growing exponentially on a year-to-year basis, starting a career in Blockchain is going to be challenging, but the rewards will be equally satisfying. In this article, we are going to break down everything you need to know about the blockchain job market- from essential skills to highest paying jobs in the industry. 

Why choose blockchain over other fast-growing skills? 

Blockchain is the fastest-growing skill set in the entire world, but that is not what makes it the most irresistible career option right now. People often think blockchain is only for software professionals, and that is 100% incorrect, as we see an increase in demand in other sectors such as supply chain, healthcare, gaming, and real estate. Even some of the largest government institutions and federal agencies are on the lookout for the best talents to research more into blockchain space. 

Building a career blockchain will help individuals in the long term, as the future impact of this technology is far more superior than anything we have seen since the Internet. Many people working in the supply chain believe smart contracts will replace backend operations in 5-10 years. The survey given above also highlights that companies will improve on the compliance end by using blockchain tech. 

The characteristics of blockchain are so different from other skill-sets that professionals can have more flexibility and choose the type of projects they want to be a part of. In addition, the blockchain space will never face a talent drain because it has a strong community, and people invested in it have a longer-term vision. 

Even if we consider the monetary aspect and employee benefits, crypto and blockchain companies are ready to give anything to hire top talents. Remote job opportunities have increased multifold in recent years, and crypto firms allow their employees to work from anywhere in the world. The compensation is also significantly higher compared to other starting roles in a software company. 

Top Blockchain Skills you need to develop

Even though blockchain is a new technology, it still requires a multitude of skills to be successful. If someone starts from scratch and wants to develop blockchain skills, it can be overwhelming to jump into signatures and mining directly. So if you are one of them, take it slow and learn the basic skills to strengthen your employment status. It is also important to keep in mind that technical skills alone are enough to meet enterprise objectives. Here we highlight some important technical concepts and skills to achieve proficiency in the blockchain: 

Cryptography 

One of the most important skill sets required for various blockchain-related jobs is cryptography. Some essential concepts in cryptography are public-key cryptography architecture, cryptographic hashing, and asymmetric key algorithms. Blockchain engineers are well versed with cryptography and consider it an essential component of the blockchain landscape, as it involves studying protocols and ensuring cryptocurrency transactions. 

Blockchain Architecture

Recruiters search for skills that validate a fundamental understanding of blockchain architecture. It is compulsory for all tech-related jobs, as it elaborates on the significance of ledger, smart contracts, and consensus. If you want to explore core jobs in blockchain, you need to develop fluency in three types of blockchain architecture: private, public, and consortium. 

Data Structures 

Developers in every crypto firm have to deal with data structure regularly. It is another must-have skill to work in the development field of blockchain projects, as it helps in dealing with the most fundamental component of blockchain. I.e., block. By having in-depth knowledge of data structures, you give yourself the best chance to learn more advanced blockchain concepts faster and better. 

Smart Contracts 

Introduction to smart contracts opened a new dimension of this open-finance movement. Aspiring professionals must learn the inner workings of a smart contract transaction. Even though we are still at an early stage, we view smart contracts as one of the top blockchain skills to develop, as it eliminates the need for middlemen and increases cost-savings. 

Interoperability Skills 

Blockchain business objectives focus on implementing a model that can communicate with other platforms and frameworks. That is why interoperability skills are in high demand and can boost your employment opportunities in large-scale enterprises. If you want to master interoperability, get yourself familiarized with different technology platforms and develop an open-source mindset. 

Best courses & University Certifications to get you started 

You might have already searched for the best resources to learn blockchain skills, and let me guess- it was overwhelming and unorganized. That is why many professionals do not end up completing a course or full-certification program. Recursive learning and self-paced learning platforms prove to be the best solution for acquiring new blockchain skills. Here we have listed some of the best courses and certifications offered by top digital learning platforms and universities: 

Basics of Bitcoin and Blockchain Course By George Levy 

One of the best selling courses on Udemy is the Blockchain & Bitcoin Fundamentals certification course by George Levy. Blockchain aspirants and students wanting to learn fundamental elements of blockchain and bitcoin can enrol for this course. The course also provides a step-by-step guide to train students on the future possibilities of blockchain. As this is a beginner level course, there is no need for prior blockchain technology knowledge. 

Blockchain A-Z: Learn How To Build Your First Blockchain

This particular Udemy course aims to provide practical training to blockchain programmers. From blockchain interaction to smart contract creation, you will learn everything. By enrolling on this program, you will have hands-on experience and leverage some of the current solutions in the blockchain space. 

Ethereum & Solidity- The Complete Developer Guide 

One of the most refined developers training programs online for Ethereum devs is Code with Ethereum & Solidity: The Complete Developer Guide. The back-end and front-end programming are explained to help students understand what is required to build smart contracts. The instructor, Stephen Grider, introduced some brilliant techniques to develop applications and connect them with real-time business problems. It is a great starting point for Ethereum developers to cover everything from basic Ethereum concepts to advanced Multi-page front ends. 

Blockchain Certification powered by University of Berkley 

Blockchain at Berkley is run by a group of university students to help spread awareness and educate as many people as possible. The students have also created a Youtube channel to provide valuable information at zero cost. The certification offered covers the entire ecosystem of blockchain- from both technical and non-technical standpoints. Throughout the program, you will have practical assignments to test real-life applications of blockchain and bitcoin. 

Programs & Courses by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) 

One of the elite universities in the world is MIT, and they are constantly pushing free online programs for students to explore without any borders. They have created many ventures involving Entrepreneurship and Fintech, helping students understand the emerging technologies with practical experience. They cover everything from blockchain ethics to shared public ledgers. Some of the classes and programs are recorded and uploaded on Youtube for anyone to have access to high-quality education at their fingertips.

High Paying Blockchain Job Opportunities in 2021

Once you have the right expertise and few years of experience under your belt, you can start exploring different roles and apply accordingly. As this is a borderless industry, you will find a ton of lucrative opportunities, but it is important to distinguish one from another. Here we have listed some of the highest paying blockchain job opportunities in 2021: 

Blockchain Developer 

Blockchain devs will forever remain an integral part of any development team. With their expertise in software development and understanding of the nuts and bolts of blockchain, they are consistently paid between $150,000 and $175,000 an average per year as salaried employees. Most of these devs also engage in other projects online, so the total compensation is considerably higher. To give you an estimate of how much blockchain developers earn based on their experience level, take a look at the picture below: 

                                                     Source- dappuniversity 

A recruiting firm, Ziprecruiter, also reported that more than 80% of developers make more than six figures per year. This is arguably the most in-demand job right now, and the year-over-year growth is astronomical. From a report published by Hired.com, the blockchain developers and engineers outperform other specialties and are not even close. 

Blockchain Data Analyst 

One of the biggest challenges in the blockchain industry is the visualization of data. With the technology being invisible, it is hard to come to a conclusion by using standard data analytics. Instead, a blockchain-oriented data analysis is required, and it helps us understand metadata, money flows, user behavior, and market wallets. 

A blockchain data analyst is responsible for visual representations of blockchain data or systems. They also apply statistical and modeling knowledge to uncover insights into the network and build different metrics to simplify market behavior. According to a survey, blockchain data analysts get paid up to $100,000 per year. 

Blockchain Quality Assurance Engineer 

In the development phase, blockchain quality engineers make sure to check all operations are functionality to the highest level or not. Testing and automation are done for the frameworks, and whenever there is an issue in terms of economic engineering, quality engineers come to the rescue and solve it immediately. 

Quality analysis, report making, and communication skills are some key skills required to become a quality assurance engineer. The average salary per year is between $108,00 and $120,000. The demand for such roles is increasing every day, so companies are willing to pay more and add more lucrative benefits. 

Blockchain UX Designer 

Blockchain companies are starting to realize the importance of a user-friendly interface for their web and mobile applications. So a blockchain UX designer is in high demand right now, and most of the startups and well-established companies are willing to pay a salary of up to $110,000. 

The individuals specializing in UX and creative designing must also have adequate knowledge of blockchain technology. These designers usually work with the internal team to understand the technical side of the project. 

Blockchain Legal Consultant 

Following financial regulations and understanding the legal implications of blockchain technology is paramount for companies right now. A legal consultant takes over the responsibility of strategizing contracts, partnerships and advises firms in structuring cryptocurrency offerings. 

Some of the law professionals leverage smart contracts to trace digital documents for evidence, and the entire process will be automated by blockchain technology. Legal consultants also provide several guidance services to help companies protect investors from fraud. 

Smart Contract Auditor 

Almost every Defi project and dApp requires a smart contract audit, so individuals specializing in this role are in high demand right now. A smart contract auditor usually gathers research findings, runs automated testing, and prepares a manual review. Once that document is prepared, initial audit reports are sent to the company highlighting minor bugs. The final audit report includes the refactored code along with approval. 

The auditor is also responsible for driving adoption across the team and closely works with the founders to implement security solutions. Operational security is an important skill-set needed for a smart contract auditor. The average salary given in an early-stage company ranges anywhere between $60,000 and $110,000. 

Portfolio Manager 

Crypto firms need people in their asset management division to optimize investment performance and manage risk. Portfolio managers fulfill this role with their experience in financial markets and the crypto ecosystem. They are also required to adhere to the highest standards of governance and compliance. 

Portfolio managers do market research and analysis of crypto assets, and they also follow strict operational procedures and risk controls. Managers having more than five years of experience are preferred by most blockchain companies. In addition, most crypto firms offer a six-figure salary and equity in the company. 

Crypto Community Manager 

Blockchain network administrators or community managers promote the brand and interact with clients by creating content across all channels. In addition, they track engagement throughout the Net and social media to identify client preferences. 

A degree won’t be critical for this role, but it is desirable. People with good technical education and experience or existing technical knowledge of cloud platforms are ideal candidates. They may have a leg up in the pursuit of blockchain innovation and its development.

Product Manager 

These people help to maintain and promote an application in charge of development, coding, and distribution to various groups. In addition, they coordinate the project over various groups guaranteeing that products are released according to schedule, and the budget isn’t exceeded. A programming background is not a must, yet basic knowledge of software and coding languages would be useful.

Such a person should know how to lead time-sensitive projects and manage the dev budget. Good applicants will have at least a bachelor’s degree in technology. Alternatively, management and business-related education are taken into account.

Marketing Manager 

Marketing in blockchain companies is different from others, as it requires marketers to do more than connecting passion with economic value. Crypto marketers need to have a technical understanding of the project and deep dive into behavioral economics. Without these skills, it is challenging to translate the products into benefits for end-users. 

Greater emotional intelligence and empathy skills are also required to deliver value. According to cryptojobslist, the average marketer salary is $64,000 per year. It could be significantly higher if you have previous experience and have made a difference in the industry. 

Blockchain Writer 

A blockchain writer helps companies and news agencies simplify technical aspects of the technology and provides market intelligence in the simplest manner possible. Crypto news updates are also a part of the job, and writers must monitor different things happening in the industry. 

There is no upper limit of what they can earn when it comes to writers, as the opportunities are endless online. We have so many platforms that keep posting writing jobs, especially in the blockchain industry. ICO specialists and web copywriters comfortably make over six figures every year. 

Your go-to Crypto Jobs Portals 

Job portals have made it hell lot easier to post open positions and hire human talent. Most of these crypto job portals have intuitive UI and help users navigate in simple steps. Some of them heavily focus on a few countries, so make sure to apply correct filters and select your next blockchain job. Explore each portal listed below and find your desired career in the blockchain industry: 

1. Crypto Jobs List 

One of the most well-known job sites in the crypto job market is Crypto Jobs List. Almost every major company and even early-stage startups prefer this particular job portal to find the best talent. Thousands of applicants choose the Crypto Jobs List to find the most demanding blockchain jobs. The platform aims at facilitating job seekers to find ideal crypto firms that need their talents in the simplest manner possible. It is also one of the biggest communities to help find human talent in the Solidity Ethereum market. So if you have good experience using Solidity, Crypto Jobs List got you covered. 

2. Crypto.Jobs 

If you have been around in the industry for 4-8 years juggling technical and business opportunities, you must have come across Crypto. Jobs to get more exposure in the crypto job market. This is a unique job portal where you must create a user profile and fill in some details. You also get to see what new opportunities are on the rise and understand how the job market is evolving over time. From developers to news writers, the platform covers all major jobs in the blockchain space. 

3. Crypto-Careers 

A modern job marketplace for all blockchain aspirants is Crypto-careers. Crypto firms and startups based in Europe show more engagement than anyone else. It is good to note that Crypto-careers have no special interest in one profession, so you will see the equal promotion of all job opportunities. The remote-work option is available for most of the jobs posted. Job seekers in Europe can leverage this platform and find their next blockchain job in a European crypto company. 

4. Linkedin 

If you have a good user profile and update your portfolio regularly, you will crush it on Linkedin. Major blockchain companies use Linkedin as a primary source to find talents all across the board. It is always recommended to be active on Linkedin and gain more exposure, as it can help land interviews with fewer barriers. The job postings may not reflect the actual requirement, but it is beneficial to create a profile and participate in crypto groups. 

5. Ethlance 

One of the most sophisticated job searching and freelance platforms are Ethlance. You get to connect your MetaMask wallet and receive payments in Crypto. The majority of freelance work posted on Ethlance is related to Solidity development. If you are new to the Ethereum ecosystem, this would be your best place to interact with community members and gain more insights to ace your job search mission. 

Final Thoughts 

As the blockchain movement continues to evolve, its professionals will be constantly in need. Blockchain technology is here to stay, and thus, a career in it offers endless possibilities. The best-paying blockchain jobs are the ones you create for yourself, and the opportunities are as diverse — and in as high demand — as they come. Whether you are a developer or have expertise in other related areas such as finance, marketing, etc., there are endless opportunities available to you!