Blockchain Developer Salary Guide: How Much Can You Make?

Blockchains are decentralised and encrypted databases that provide a prime example of disruptive technology. This technology could transform the financial sector in the United Kingdom and worldwide. The value of its applications has become apparent in recent years as use cases such as supply chain management continue to emerge. The blockchain technology cloud market size is expected to grow throughout the decade, so the demand for blockchain developers is likely high [1]. 

Explore blockchain developer salary insights and career opportunities below to learn how that demand translates into compensation.

What does a blockchain developer do?

A blockchain developer designs, develops, and tests blockchain systems and applications. You’ll find two types of blockchain developers: core and software. Core blockchain developers work on system architecture. They manage cybersecurity measures and supervise the blockchain network. Blockchain software developers design and create applications for blockchain platforms.

Blockchain developer requirements

You’ll discover several ways for aspiring blockchain developers to gain the expertise needed to perform an entry-level role:

• Degrees: Blockchain developers often have degrees in computer science, information security, maths, business, finance, or a related discipline. Some universities even offer very specific degree courses in blockchain and cryptocurrency. 

• Professional Certificates: Degrees are not the only way to prepare yourself for a role in blockchain development. Employers may accept or even prefer candidates with certifications in relevant areas of expertise or credentials you can earn by completing comprehensive online programmes. For example, someone interested in becoming a blockchain software engineer may consider the IBM DevOps and Software Engineering Professional Certificate.

• A combination of credentials and experience: There is no single one-size-fits-all approach to learning how to become a blockchain developer, especially if you are transitioning into blockchain development from a related field.

Blockchain developer salary

Glassdoor UK’s November 2024 data puts the average blockchain developer's salary across all years of experience at £59,201, with a range of £43,000 to £82,000 [2]. Glassdoor bases its calculations on information collected by employers and employees who use the Glassdoor platform. 

Comparing salary insights from several sources is an excellent way to gain a broader perspective of the blockchain industry. For example, IT Jobs Watch reports a higher average blockchain developer salary among their users—£70,000 [3]. If you want to learn more about the salary ranges from specific companies, consider searching for salary information by the employer. 

Blockchain developer jobs

Blockchain technology is growing in popularity, as is the demand for blockchain professionals, including blockchain developers. The following sections examine blockchain developer career paths, requirements, and courses that may help you get started. 

Core blockchain developer

Job duties

• Management of blockchain network security

• Integrations between blockchains and other services

• Development and optimisation of blockchain protocols

Essential skills

• Cybersecurity 

• Software development

• Data structurisation

• Blockchain architecture

Getting started

• Applied Cryptography Specialisation from the University of Colorado

Blockchain software developer

Job duties

• Develop software and applications for blockchain platforms

• Research and maintain blockchain infrastructure

• Implement software features and verify functionality

Essential skills

• Decentralised application (dApp) expertise

• End-to-end software design and development

• Knowledge of blockchain architecture

• Data structurisation

Getting started

• Decentralised Applications (Dapps) from the University at Buffalo and the State University of New York

Smart contract engineer 

Job duties

• Develop smart contracts

• Audit smart contracts

• Translate business goals into technical requirements

• Communicate with users

Essential skills

• Smart contract programming languages like Solidity

• Business expertise

• Software development and testing 

Getting started

• Smart Contracts from the University at Buffalo, the State University of New York

Blockchain quality engineer

Job duties

• Ensure and manage the quality of blockchain development

• Write and implement software testing

• Handle automation initiatives and dashboards

Essential skills

• Engineering

• Project management

• Software development and testing

Getting started

• Engineering Project Management from Rice University

Get ahead with Coursera

Blockchain technology is relatively new, but if you have the right skills, experience, and qualifications, you can find various high-paying jobs. Continue learning and building your skills on Coursera.

If you are new to the field, consider taking an introductory course like Meta's What the Metaverse? or Blockchain Foundations Is and Use Cases from ConsenSys Academy. Those transitioning from a related job may benefit from a narrower focus, like Blockchain Business Models or Decentralised Finance Infrastructure, both offered by Duke University.