How To Start a Career in Cryptocurrency (2023 Guide)

 

Browse Crypto Jobs

Starting a career in cryptocurrency can be a daunting task. Even more so with the overwhelming supply of information and the industry's ever-changing dynamics. However, it can also be a worthwhile and exciting prospect with the right knowledge, tools, and approach.

First things first, there is nothing like starting a career in an industry that's just getting started. Both the industry and your career can experience massive growth. 

With the expansion, the demand for cryptocurrency jobs and DeFi is also on an upward trend, and the talent supply is still a lot less. High demand, short supply? Simple economics, you'll get handsome pay and more opportunities. 

According to a report published on LinkedIn News, crypto job listings for the US market saw a rise of 395% in 2022. That's extremely impressive in a bear market. In addition, the average Web3 developer salary is $100k - $150k per year based on data from various job boards.

Now that you know cryptocurrency careers have high demand and high salaries, how can you start a career in crypto? 

For starters, and like with any industry, there are no shortcuts to success. Learning fundamental knowledge is essential, and there is a list of crypto career paths you can take and specific skills you'll need to land a crypto job.

In this article, we will uncover how to start a career in cryptocurrency. You'll also find a list of crypto jobs you can choose from and what the future has in store for cryptocurrency careers. 

Things to Know Before Getting into the Crypto Field

Cryptocurrencies and blockchain technologies are here to stay. The crypto market is projected to grow by more than 100% by 2028, as per the report published by Fortune Business Insights. So the need for skillful talents is strong as ever. 

With that in mind, what are the things that should be under your consideration before selecting a career in crypto? 

Here's what is essential.

• Demand in the Market
  The first thing you can do is find out the market demand for the crypto field that interests you the most. There are multiple career paths you can take, and the demand can vary. You can get quick insights by browsing jobs on a crypto job board as well as various other research platforms in the industry.
• Skills and Responsibilities
  Find out about the specific role you are applying for, the skillset, and the responsibilities of that particular job position, such as tech positions, cryptocurrency trading, and marketing positions.
• Project and Team
  The project's reputation and the team's credibility in the crypto and blockchain industry are key elements to consider. Unfortunately, the blockchain industry has seen a lot of rugs and pulls in its short history. You don't want to be a part of a Ponzi scheme. Investigate and become acquainted with the project, including its numerous uses, technology, and trends.
• Future prospects
  It is essential to consider both the future prospects of the crypto industry as a whole and the project you are looking to be part of. Also, consider the potential for personal growth and your career advancement within the company.
• Compensation and Benefits:
  The salary and benefits offered by the employer are typically the primary factors most job seekers consider before signing a contract with a company. Crypto jobs have a higher demand and a lot less supply of talent. So, make sure you get market-competitive compensation and benefits. 
• Potential Risks:
  The blockchain industry and cryptocurrency careers are still in their infancy if compared to traditional job markets. Hence, the potential risks and challenges associated with working in the crypto field need your proper consideration.

5 Steps to Start a Career in Cryptocurrency

Finding a job in the cryptocurrency realm is a challenge, especially when you start your job hunt without a proper plan. 

Here we have identified essential steps to take on your journey to start a career in the cryptocurrency and blockchain industry.

1. Crypto Education and Learning

Education is the first and the most fundamental step to start your journey in the crypto world. Get yourself acquainted with the basics of cryptography and smart contracts. Conduct thorough research on Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other Altcoins. 

The research and education also include: 

• Understanding the differences between different types of cryptocurrencies. 
• Understanding how these digital coins are created and traded.
• Understanding the potential benefits and risks of working on digital asset projects. 

You can learn about the crypto field using several resources like Books, Crypto Bootcamps, and online courses. There are academic platforms like Binance Academy and multiple blogs like CoinDesk, and Bitcoin Magazine that can get you started. 

2. Learn About DeFi, Blockchain, and its Use Cases

Learn about DeFi ecosystems, blockchain technology, and its potential real-world applications. Blockchain is the core technology that underpins cryptocurrencies, and it has several use cases, including:

• Financial transactions: You can carry out financial transactions, such as online money transfers and payments, in a safe and transparent manner.
• Identification verification and voting systems: You can securely store and manage personal identity data, such as biometric data. It can also be used for transparent voting.
• Supply chain management: You can trace the flow of goods across a supply chain, enabling visibility and control at each stage.

Understanding these real-world use cases can assist you in identifying possibilities to use blockchain and cryptocurrencies in various different fields.

3. Find your Field and Develop a Skillset

Find a career path that interests you the most in the digital asset realm. Once you know what you want to do in your crypto career, polish both your knowledge and skills in related areas like economics, coding, and digital marketing. 

Consider becoming certified in a relevant field. There are several platforms that offer certifications for careers in cryptocurrency. 

These certificates are useful tools to have in your armory. They can help you gain crypto knowledge, build a set of skills and demonstrate your expertise to potential employers. Some examples of certification programs include: 

• Certified Blockchain Legal Professional (CBLP)
• Certified Bitcoin Professional (CBP)
• Certified Smart Contract Developer (CSCD)
• Blockchain Community Manager (BCM) 

Ultimately, professional certificates are a great tool for individuals seeking to further their careers in the crypto industry.

3. Build a Professional Network

Building a professional network within the cryptocurrency community can be useful for your career in crypto. The digital communities are quickly expanding, and networking with other experts can help you gain insight from their experiences and connect with people who can lead to career possibilities. 

You can build a network by:

• Attending crypto conferences like World Crypto Conference 2023, Blockchain Economy Dubai Summit, Blockchain Africa Conference, and European Blockchain Convention 2023, to name a few.
• Joining online forums and groups like Cryptocurrency - Reddit and The Bitcoin Forum.
• Engaging with professionals on social media platforms like Crypto Twitter.

Networking also helps you to keep up with industry advancements. The blockchain sector is continuously changing, and staying up to date on the newest advancements will help you remain ahead of the curve and position yourself for professional success.

4. Build a Resume and Find a Crypto Jobs Board

It is essential to have a strong resume and customize it to the exact requirements of crypto-related jobs. Try to make it on-chain, as it helps your case in the hiring process. 

Here are some of the platforms that allow you to create a crypto on-chain resume include:

• Blockstack (Stacks)
• Binance Smart Chain (BSC)
• Ethereum (ethereum.org)
• Steem (Steem)

In addition, make an online portfolio that highlights your professional skills and experiences. For example, if you are an NFT artist, a portfolio on the OpenSea marketplace can showcase your work.

Once you are done with a resume and your portfolio, now you will need a job board to search for jobs in crypto. An ideal place to start with is Crypto Jobs Hub. 

Browse Crypto Jobs

Our crypto job board is the ideal space to uncover intriguing work opportunities in the cryptocurrency and blockchain industry. Whether you are a community manager, a seasoned developer, or a marketing expert, we offer a wide selection of opportunities available at projects and organizations all over the world. 

These are the steps that you need to understand how to work in cryptocurrency. Once you apply them, finding jobs in the cryptocurrency field becomes a breeze.

Cryptocurrency Jobs to Choose From

Most folks get thrown off due to the technical nature of the blockchain industry. However, once you carry out a little research, you will understand that there are both technical and non-technical job positions in the cryptocurrency field.

Some potential careers in the cryptocurrency space include:

Blockchain Developer 

Blockchain developer professionals design and build DeFi applications using blockchain technology. As a blockchain developer, you will need expertise in programming languages such as Python, C++, and Solidity. In addition, a strong understanding of cryptography, smart contracts, and distributed systems are also essential. 

Salary: The average salary range is $100,000 to $150,000 per year.

Crypto Community Manager

A crypto community manager is responsible for managing and growing online communities related to cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. You will need communication skills, a deep understanding of the cryptocurrency industry, and the ability to engage with a diverse group of community members. 

Salary: The average salary range is $40,000 to $70,000 per year.

Blockchain Project Manager

Project managers are responsible for the development and implementation of blockchain-based projects, coordinating teams of developers and other stakeholders. You will need excellent communication and leadership skills, as well as a deep understanding of blockchain technology and its real-world applications. 

Salary: The average salary range is $50,000 to $200,000 per year.

Cryptocurrency Trader

As a cryptocurrency trader, you will buy and sell cryptocurrencies on various Centralized and Decentralized exchanges to generate profits. You will need strong fundamental, analytical, and technical skills, as well as a deep understanding of market trends, crypto news, and trading strategies. 

Salary: The average salary range is $70,000 to $150,000 per year.

Blockchain Consultant

As a blockchain consultant, you will provide expert advice to different businesses and organizations looking to implement blockchain solutions. You will need a deep understanding of blockchain technology and its use cases, as well as experience in consulting and project management. 

Salary: The average salary range is $100,000 to $150,000 per year.

Cryptocurrency Compliance Officer 

The compliance officer ensures that cryptocurrency companies comply with relevant laws and regulations, such as anti-money laundering and KYC/AML requirements. You will need a strong knowledge of compliance and regulatory frameworks of the respective country, as well as experience in the financial industry. 

Salary: The average salary range is $50,000 to $100,000 per year.

Future of Cryptocurrency Careers

As the adoption and usage of cryptocurrencies grow, the future of cryptocurrency careers and the crypto job market is projected to expand substantially. With industry growth, the market for experts with experience and skillsets in the cryptocurrency domains will also see a rise.

The post has highlighted simple steps you can take to be part of this future. However, crypto jobs aren't usually extensively publicized and frequently bypass standard employment boards. A job posting may be as basic as a Twitter post or a Discord notice to ensure that only community members apply. 

To counter that, you can sign up on a dedicated crypto job board. This will ease the process of starting your career in cryptocurrency.

Overall, the future of cryptocurrency careers and the job market seems positive and is likely to expand and adapt. 

Browse Crypto Jobs