How Many People Get Salary in Crypto?

Based on data gathered from several sources, here is an overview of the Pantera Capital "Blockchain Compensation Survey 2024" report.

Key Findings from the Pantera Capital "Blockchain Compensation Survey 2024"

The Pantera Capital report, based on a survey of over 1,600 professionals from 77 countries, shows significant changes in the compensation structure within the blockchain industry.

  • Growth in Crypto Salaries: The share of professionals receiving a portion of their salary in cryptocurrency has nearly tripled, from 3% in 2023 to 9.6% in 2024. This indicates a growing trust and adoption of blockchain technology.
  • Stablecoin Dominance: Stablecoins, particularly USDC, have become the preferred option for digital asset salary payments. USDC makes up 63% of all crypto salaries, with USDC and USDT together accounting for over 90%. This is due to their stability and liquidity, which makes them ideal for regular payments.
  • Flexible Payment Terms: Many companies use a hybrid model, paying 50-80% of the salary in fiat currency (e.g., USD or EUR) and 20-50% in stablecoins. Some also offer a small share (5-10%) in volatile cryptocurrencies like BTC or ETH for employees interested in investing.
  • Long-Term Vesting: The report also indicates that almost 88% of tokenized compensation now has a 4-year vesting schedule, which aligns with the long-term goals of both companies and their employees.
  • Salaries by Position: The report provides data on average salaries in the industry. For example, the average annual salary for a blockchain developer is about $150,000.
  • Education and Experience: The survey found that practical experience and technical skills are valued more than academic degrees. Nevertheless, professionals with a bachelor's degree earn the highest average salary.
The Pantera Capital report confirms that paying salaries in cryptocurrency is no longer a niche phenomenon but is becoming a standard practice in the blockchain industry, opening up new opportunities for attracting talent and increasing the efficiency of cross-border payments.