For the last few years technologists like Developers, Software Engineers and CTOs have been quietly improving their understanding of DLT (Distributed Ledger Technology) & blockchain to benefit from the wave of innovation DLT is expected to bring to every day life. More recently, investors, marketeers, compliance and operations people have been joining the huge growth industry hoping to be involved in the Google or Facebook of the blockchain world.

Blockchain technology will allow innovative businesses to develop ways of moving money or any other value as quickly as emails. It will allow machines to pay each other to share service on our behalf and is likely to lower consumer costs across every industry as resources are better shared, managed and paid for.

Blockchain technology has come to popular attention through Bitcoin, ICOs and Crypto Currencies, but it has many more applications than just the world of Crypto Assets. Huge international businesses in Pharma and Medicine, Banking, Shipping, HR & Compliance, Music and many others are working on exciting breakthrough projects that could transform the everyday services we use and love.

Careers in Blockchain

Recently, early adopters have created start-up businesses, and proof of concept projects have been run by larger firms to explore the use of blockchain technology. This phase of learning and industry development has been critical in setting the infrastructure and environment for future success. Many of the standards and policies needed to build software have taken some time to get right, so new entrants to the blockchain career market can benefit from the previous learning of others.

Big businesses are now moving their projects in to mainstream use, and start ups are moving away from the creation of technical platforms towards actual implementation of complex technology on customer site. This means that in addition to the blockchain and DLT technical jobs (Engineers, Testers etc) technology deployment staff such as DevOps and Project Managers are needed, and more and more non-technical staff are being hired than ever before. Now is a perfect time to enter the blockchain industry as a Sales person, Operations Support, Marketeer or other business person.

Pay and Salaries

People experienced in blockchain are being actively sought by hundreds of businesses which as a result has created a skills shortage in the blockchain jobs market, meaning that employers are often willing to pay a premium for someone with blockchain experience.

Therefore, pay and salaries for blockchain talent tracks higher than average for the job roles. Our data suggests that currently a 25-40% premium can be paid for lower level job roles requiring blockchain experience, and more senior positions can be even more inflated.

Structured Training

Training courses are available form a wide variety of businesses. The good thing is that the majority are online and therefore can be completed remotely.

Blockchain and DLT is a relatively unproven industry, so it pays to find a business that’s been trading for a reasonable period. The technology has become easier to understand and more user friendly over time, so those training businesses that are 4-5 years old are likely to have the most detailed and valuable knowledge of the material. Some reputable options are available here.

Finding Blockchain Jobs

blocktribe is the leading site for blockchain jobs, featuring profiles of over 400 blockchain businesses that hire talent and list jobs all over the world.

Daniel Halstead writes on crypto currency and blockchain jobs for blocktribe, a specialist job board designed to help companies find great blockchain talent.