Billy Bambrough
Contributori

Crypto & Blockchain

I write about how bitcoin, crypto, and fintech are changing the world.
The U.S. jobs boom, which saw a record 7.14 million unfilled positions in August — coupled with last year's bitcoin mania — has resulted in a 300% increase in the number of jobs related to bitcoin, cryptocurrencies, and blockchain over the last 12 months, according to new research from jobs site Glassdoor. 

As of August 2018, there were 1,775 bitcoin and blockchain-related job openings in the U.S. — up from 693 at the beginning of the year and 446 at this time last year.

Despite the bitcoin and wider cryptocurrency market struggling throughout the year, it would seem from job openings that both established and startup companies are taking the possibilities of bitcoin, cryptocurrency, and blockchain seriously.



The bitcoin logo is seen on an Apple iPhone. (Photo by Jaap Arriens/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

"While the ultimate staying power of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technologies remains to be seen, the blockchain job market seems primed to continue its rapid growth into the near future," the report said.

The survey revealed the bitcoin and blockchain software engineers are the most in-demand, followed by other technical roles such as product manager and technology architect.Meanwhile, ConsenSys, a blockchain company led by ethereum co-founder Joseph Lubin, and computing giant IBM, are tied when it comes to those hiring the most people in bitcoin and blockchain roles, each making up 12% of all open jobs today.

The average base pay for blockchain roles is $84,884 per year, 62% above the U.S. median base pay of $52,664). The highest paying listed crypto job was $223,667 per year.In terms of where to get a job related to bitcoin and blockchain, New York city is a surprise lead over San Francisco's Silicon Valley, with almost 25% of the U.S. bitcoin and blockchain roles there.

Bitcoin jobs are climbing despite the bitcoin price stagnating. GLASSDOORIt's not all rosy on the bitcoin and blockchain jobs front, however. Exchanges around the world are struggling against shrinking volumes which mean lower fees.

Last week it was revealed the UK's oldest bitcoin exchange Coinfloor, launched in 2013, is to slash its staff numbers in a blow to bitcoin as well as London's blooming bitcoin and cryptocurrency industry.

I am a journalist with significant experience covering technology, finance, economics, and business around the world. As the founding editor of Verdict.co.uk I reported on how technology is changing business, political trends, and the latest culture and lifestyle.

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Disclosure: I occasionally hold some small amount of bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies