8 in-demand cryptocurrency jobs

What are the skills needed for a job in cryptocurrency?

Those looking to start careers in cryptocurrency should have some real-world experience with the digital currency, such as investing. Other desirable experience includes backgrounds in software engineering and computer science.

Proficiency with certain hard and soft skills is also important to employers. Some eye-catching hard skills include:

• blockchain architecture
• coding
• programming languages, including JavaScript and Python
• smart contract languages, such as Solidity
• web development
• algorithms used to process data
• cryptography

Useful soft skills include:

• ability to stay informed about changes in the field
• well-developed collaboration skills
• adept problem-solving abilities
• talent for translating complex ideas into simple terms

Popular jobs in cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrency can change as quickly as the industry itself. But here are some of the most popular cryptocurrency jobs at the moment, along with current salary estimates according to Monster.com.

Business development representative

These representatives generate leads, develop relationships and create opportunities with companies that are aligned with their organizations' overall business strategies. They also assist outside sales representatives.

To achieve these objectives, business development representatives must have an in-depth understanding of their organizations' goals for their cryptocurrency applications. Individuals seeking this position should have experience or degrees in business, finance or marketing.

The skills needed for this position include:

• sales experience
• communication
• in-depth knowledge of the cryptocurrency market

The average annual salary for business development representative in the U.S. is $122,500.

Corporate accountant

These accountants at cryptocurrency companies coordinate financial reports, tax filings and billing. They manage accounts payable operations, including vendor management, invoice and payments processing; and review and approve expense reports. They have experience with both cryptocurrency operations and accounting.

A potential employee should possess a bachelor's degree in finance or accounting and be a certified public accountant.

The skills needed for this position include:

• knowledge of financial tools, such as QuickBooks and Microsoft Excel
• strong analytical and critical-thinking skills
• great interpersonal communication abilities
• in-depth knowledge of the cryptocurrency market

The average annual salary for a corporate accountant in the U.S. is $64,647.

Cryptocurrency analyst

These analysts examine and predict pricing, demand, trends and trading volumes of specific cryptocurrencies and the entire cryptocurrency market. Individuals interested in such careers could work in the cryptocurrency division of a legacy financial institution or a smaller startup company.

For entry-level positions, a candidate should have a bachelor's degree in finance. Candidates for cryptocurrency analyst jobs should also have an understanding of economics, supply and demand, and cryptocurrencies and their markets.

Required skills for this position include:

• excellent research and analytical skills
• ability to present important and actionable information to stakeholders
• proficiency in mathematics
• strong critical-thinking abilities

The average annual salary for a cryptocurrency analyst in the U.S. is $111,514.

Crypto/blockchain security architect

These architects at cryptocurrency companies develop systems to secure their organizations' technology from fraudulent transactions and outside threats. Crypto or blockchain security architects understand cryptocurrency security issues, including threats, risk mitigation, risk management and best practices for advanced cryptocurrency security. They are the liaisons between IT operations and security teams. Moreover, security architects perform architecture reviews to ensure projects are managed properly from the outset and oversee the security of operating systems and software.

Security architects should possess a bachelor's degree in a computer-related field, such as web development or information technology.

The skills needed for this position include:

• knowledge of basic cryptographic principles, such as encryption vs. authentication and symmetric vs. asymmetric cryptography
• proficiency in various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Android and iOS
• strong analytical skills
• attention to detail
• practiced collaboration and communication

The average annual salary for a security architect in the U.S. is $153,439.

Machine learning/AI engineer

AI engineers develop and program AI algorithms -- including those in cybersecurity -- to secure cryptocurrency exchanges. The cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase employs machine learning to keep threat actors at bay. AI engineers also conduct technical evaluations that enable investors to improve their decision-making and identify issues with the crypto market's AI tech.

Experience needed for this job includes:

• proficiency in programming languages, including Python
• knowledge of mathematics, including probability, statistics and linear algebra
• understanding of developing AI trends
• familiarity with robotics

The average annual salary for AI engineers in the U.S. is $164,769.

Marketing manager

Marketing managers at cryptocurrency organizations estimate the demand for blockchain and cryptocurrencies. They also compare current values, monitor trends, identify potential users and develop ways people can boost profits and market share.

Most marketing managers have bachelor's degrees in marketing or communications, as well as several years' experience in advertising and sales.

Popular skills for this position include:

• thorough understanding of cryptocurrency and blockchain trends
• strong and experienced creativity
• great communication and analytical skills
• well-practiced attention to detail
• excellent planning and organizational skills

The average annual salary for a marketing manager in the U.S. is $108,081.

Senior software engineer

These engineers build, enhance and maintain the apps that process cryptocurrency transactions. These individuals lead team members and head major cryptocurrency initiatives, including blockchain engineering projects.

Many companies prefer that candidates for this position have bachelor's degrees in mathematics, software engineering or computer science.

Knowledge of the following is needed for this position:

• RESTful API design
• programming languages
• scripting languages
• algorithm design

The average annual salary for senior software engineers in the U.S. is $115,651.

Technical writer

Organizations that create new cryptocurrencies typically write 20- to 50-page technical white papers for interested investors. These papers describe the organizations' development and marketing plans for their technologies. Technical writers also write and update user guides, FAQs, developer documentation, sample code, API references and other content.

The skills needed for this position include:

• experience with cryptocurrencies
• familiarity with cryptocurrency concepts
• strong writing skills
• proficiency managing documentation in a technically oriented organization
• practice writing technical guides and tutorials

The average annual salary for a technical writer in the U.S. is $92,067.

Future of cryptocurrency careers

Legacy companies continue to embrace cryptocurrencies, which means those organizations will need more experts in the field. For example, Walmart is one of the latest Fortune 500 company looking to hire a cryptocurrency expert to lead its digital currency strategy.

Though the industry is still developing, there are signs of maturity. According to hiring website Indeed, there has been a recent dramatic uptick in cryptocurrency and blockchain job postings. Employers are listing preferences for more than just familiarity with the cryptocurrency market, but also for candidates with experience in finance and marketing.

While the future is looking bright for individuals who want to pursue careers in cryptocurrency, those jobs may disappear if the prices of cryptocurrency plummet, according to Indeed. Whether the cryptocurrency and blockchain industries can survive the highs and lows of the market remains to be seen.