No longer exotic: Why workers choose to get paid in crypto

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Crypto salaries on the rise

Who prefers non-traditional pay

When it comes to cryptocurrency salaries, the trend is still largely concentrated within certain groups of workers. The survey confirms that growth is most visible in the blockchain sector, which remains almost entirely remote: 82% of professionals work from home, 11% are hybrid, and only 6% work exclusively in offices.

Compared to the previous year, however, the proportion of office-based employees has increased, suggesting a slow but steady spread of crypto pay into more traditional work settings. There has also been a slight rise in the number of people working in hybrid or fully in-office roles, showing that the broader Return to Office (RTO) trend is beginning to influence the blockchain ecosystem.

“The data shows that blockchain’s decentralized philosophy is reflected in corporate culture — remote work remains the primary choice for most companies,” Pantera Capital notes.

The average base salary in crypto is just under $130,000 per year. Top executives in the U.S. earn from $147,000 in startups to $335,000 or more in large companies. Engineers average around $145,000 globally and almost $178,000 in the U.S. and Canada, while marketers earn roughly $135,000 in the U.S. compared to $100,000 worldwide.

Interestingly, bachelor’s degree holders report the highest average income, surpassing both master’s and doctoral graduates. As Pantera Capital points out:

“In the blockchain sector, the focus is on practical skills and real-world experience rather than formal diplomas. Self-taught specialists and those with unconventional education can command competitive pay if they demonstrate the required expertise.”

While gender distribution remains uneven — women make up just 26% of survey participants — the data shows that women earn around 15% more than men on average, especially in mid- and senior-level roles. The survey does not explain why, but it may be linked to companies’ efforts to attract and retain female specialists, including for reasons of social prestige.

Experts also note that crypto payments are spreading particularly quickly in parts of Asia, where banking services are underdeveloped or local currencies are unstable.

Leaders in payments: USDC and USDT

As a form of payment, blockchain workers are increasingly choosing stablecoins — cryptocurrencies pegged to the U.S. dollar to maintain a stable value.

The clear favorite is USDC, issued by Circle, which accounts for more than 60% of crypto payments. Transparency and trust in USDC are supported by regular audits, reserves in U.S. Treasury securities, and its reputation as a “regulator-friendly” asset.

In second place is USDT by Tether, with a share just under 30%. Together, these two stablecoins dominate the market, even though popular payroll platforms like Deel and Rippling do not support USDT.

For international companies, the advantages are clear: stablecoin transfers are faster, cheaper, and simpler than bank transactions, and they help avoid losses from currency conversion.

Another notable trend is that almost 90% of contracts with token-based pay now include a four-year vesting period, meaning employees gain full ownership of their tokens only if they remain with the company for several years. A year ago, this was true for about two-thirds of such contracts. This measure is designed to retain talent in an industry marked by high turnover and rapid market shifts.

What this means for the industry

Shifts in blockchain compensation models could be a sign of a broader change in how money and pay are viewed. Stablecoins are already solving key challenges for global teams, from reducing currency risks to speeding up transfers from days to minutes.

USDC, in particular, has strengthened its position by combining convenience with regulatory compliance. Companies are also taking a long-term approach, with most token-based payouts now vesting over four years. Remote work and crypto payments allow businesses to recruit talent worldwide without bureaucratic obstacles.

Still, it is worth noting that most employees prefer a mixed payment format: part in fiat currency (USD, EUR, JPY) for everyday expenses, and part in cryptocurrency to hold as a potential investment. And despite the growing interest, some argue that 90% of jobs in the crypto industry offer relatively modest salaries, with lucrative pay mostly limited to developers, top executives, agencies, and full teams.

While the sector offers many opportunities, salary levels have not yet caught up with the hype. For now, it’s best to watch the trends closely — without making premature conclusions.

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