Cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual currency that uses a secret code, known as cryptography, for security purposes. Unlike traditional currency, it isn’t tangible and isn’t backed by a government or bank. Rather, it’s tracked and traded on a decentralized public digital ledger known as the blockchain. Bitcoin is the original and still most widely used cryptocurrency.
Cryptocurrency has grown in popularity because it can be less expensive and easier to understand than the traditional stock market. As demand for cryptocurrency grows, so has the number of job listings in the crypto market. On job search platforms, such as LinkedIn, Indeed, and Monster, you’ll find thousands of openings that mention “bitcoin,” “cryptocurrency” and “blockchain.” Even companies like JPMorgan Chase, Amazon, Apple, and PayPal are hiring for cryptocurrency positions, signifying that larger, well-established companies are now recognizing the validity and sustainability of cryptocurrency.
Many of these jobs require technical expertise in Java, machine learning, Python, artificial intelligence (AI), C/C++, Node.js, etc. Non-technical opportunities exist as well, including those for candidates with entrepreneurial, communication, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
Significant Sectors of the Crypto Job Market
Industries
- Banking
- Information Technology
- Government
- Finance
- Accounting
- Insurance
- Retail
Cryptocurrency Careers That Are Currently In-Demand
1. Chief artificial intelligence engineer
A chief artificial intelligence engineer, or AI engineer, develops and programs the algorithms that make up AI. These include trading bots and enhanced cybersecurity to protect crypto exchanges. An AI engineer also conducts technical analysis to help investors make better trading decisions and troubleshoot issues with crypto AI technology. AI engineers should have a solid knowledge of programming languages, like Python, robotics, and developing AI, and should be well-grounded in math, especially in linear algebra, probability, and statistics. An AI engineer makes about $103,000 per year on average.
2. Account executive
Account executives manage business development and sponsorship sales for a cryptocurrency company. Most account executes in this role have at least 3-5 years of previous experience as an account executive and business sales experience. Account executives must keep up with cryptocurrency market conditions, use social media and industry events to develop partnerships and new business opportunities, and collect data from sales figures and marketing campaigns to inform the development of new products. A cryptocurrency account executive earns about $65,000 per year on average.
3. Software engineer
Software engineers build, improve, and maintain the applications that process cryptocurrency transactions. They are also responsible for developing new technology products. A software engineer normally has a bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, mathematics, or a related field, and experience with protocol design and programming and scripting languages. The median yearly salary for a software engineer is $99,000 per year.
4. Marketing manager
Marketing managers design and launch crypto products that advance the market, such as non-fungible token, or NFT, marketplaces, encoded healthcare records, and anti-money laundering tracking systems. They identify potential users, monitor trends, and develop strategies to help people maximize their profits and market share. To become a marketing manager, you should have a high level of expertise in cryptocurrency and have previous experience in product management. A bachelor’s degree in business or coursework in communications, marketing, and economics is recommended for a position as a marketing manager, as well as several years of experience working in advertising, marketing, promotions, or sales. The median salary is $103,000 per year for a marketing manager.
5. Accountant
Accountants are responsible for billing, financial reports, tax filing, and other financial duties for companies. The same need exists in the cryptocurrency business. Education requirements include a bachelor’s degree in finance or accounting as well as certification as a Certified Public Accountant. Accountants for cryptocurrency companies make $55,000 per year on average.
6. Financial analyst
As more and more companies are looking to invest in cryptocurrencies, such as insurance agencies and private investors, the financial analyst role will remain an important one. Financial analysts recommend investments, develop investment strategies, evaluate risks, and maintain investment portfolios. For this type of position, you’ll typically need a bachelor’s degree in finance or business and a license, usually from the Financial Industry Regulation Authority. Those with four years of experience can become Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) certified. You’ll also need excellent analytical, computer, and math skills and have a good understanding of how new regulations, policies, political situations, and economic trends may affect investments. The average pay for a financial analyst is about $81,760 per year.
7. Journalist
The world of cryptocurrency needs journalists to write about the latest trends and news concerning cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. Journalists might report for a newspaper, magazine, blog, or even a brand. Journalists usually have a bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, or a related field. They might begin by interning at a newspaper or magazine. As a cryptocurrency journalist, your average pay would be about $38,870 per year.
8. Research analyst
The role of a research analyst involves researching developments in the cryptocurrency industry in order to educate people so they can make better decisions. The skills required to be a research analyst are strong data analysis skills, strategic thinking, and written communication skills. As with most other top positions in the crypto world, the research analyst should have a solid understanding of the industry, including technologies, trading platforms, applications, etc. Research analysts generally have at least a bachelor’s degree in market research or a related field and make on average $62,560 per year.
9. Security architect
Security is a major concern in the cyber world, and it’s no different when it comes to cryptocurrency. Even though cryptocurrency is much harder to hack than traditional payment systems, security architects still need to create systems that will protect the company’s technology and make sure the system is safe from threats and fraudulent transactions. Most security architects hold at least a bachelor’s degree in information technology, web development, or another computer technology-related field. The desired skills for a security architect include good attention to detail and strong analytical skills. As a security architect, you’ll make about $92,600 per year.
10. Technical writer
Technical writers are employed by companies that create new types of cryptocurrency, as they need qualified writers to explain the technology and how the company plans to develop and market it to attract investors. Technical writers produce engaging and relevant content for their audience. To qualify as a technical writer in the cryptocurrency world, you should at least have a good understanding of how blockchain technology works, excellent technical writing skills, research skills, and a firm grasp of spelling and grammar. Other bonus skills include social media and digital marketing experience. You would make about $69,850 per year as a technical writer.
11. Web developer
As a blockchain web developer, you’ll be writing and maintaining computer code that allows people to make transactions without needing a third party. A few of the common languages you should be familiar with as a web developer in the blockchain industry are JavaScript, React, Python, and Solidity. The crypto environment is fast-paced and ever-evolving, so you’ll need to be able to adapt to the rapid changes and learn new coding languages when they come into use. Web developers make on average about $66,130 per year.
12. Events manager
A critical need for cryptocurrency companies is visibility. Since the Internet can lack a tangible presence, companies look to reach people face-to-face to establish a presence and build a brand by scheduling events at roadshows or holding large exhibitions. An events manager plans each event, oversees setting them up, and monitors them from beginning to end. As an events manager, you’ll need exceptional planning, prioritization, objective setting, and plan execution skills. Strong communication skills and the ability to work under pressure are also important. The average salary for an events manager is $54,102 per year.
