Top Web3 Jobs in the U.S. and Why They Matter

If you haven’t tapped or played the crypto airdrop games on Telegram like Tapswap, Hamster Kombat, or Blum, chances are you probably never knew what they are about or never found them convincing enough to join.

Well, I was the same way at first—skeptical, uninterested—until I realized how much potential there was.

Speaking of potential, Web3 isn’t just about crypto trading or NFT hype as we’ve seen in the past. It’s an entire ecosystem of opportunities, with high-paying jobs, decentralized applications, and a shift toward a more user-controlled internet.

To give you a clearer picture, I was able to get into Web3 through writing content on blockchain and crypto. Although it wasn’t all rosy at first—lots of learning curves, trial and error, and moments of doubt—it eventually became a rewarding career. And guess what? That’s just one of the many paths available in Web3.

If you’re curious about exploring this space, here are some of the top Web3 jobs and why they matter.

1. Blockchain Developers

I bet you have used one crypto wallet or another to send and receive crypto. And if you haven’t, the most important thing to understand is that these wallets, along with many other blockchain applications, are built by blockchain developers.

A blockchain developer designs, develops, and tests software applications and systems based on blockchain technology. Their primary focus is on creating decentralized applications (dApps) and smart contracts while ensuring the security and functionality of distributed ledgers that process transactions on a blockchain network. Essentially, they build and maintain the infrastructure that powers Web3.

The estimated total pay for a Blockchain Developer is $146,732 per year, with an average salary of $105,692 per year.

2. Smart Contract Developers

Take, for instance, you want to buy a product but you don’t want to pay a high price or wait indefinitely for the price to drop. An approach would be to set a limit order, allowing the purchase to happen automatically when the price meets your desired value.

This scenario paints a picture of what smart contract developers do—they create self-executing contracts with predefined conditions written in code. These contracts facilitate, verify, and enforce agreements without the need for intermediaries. Their work is crucial in automating processes within DeFi platforms, NFT marketplaces, and other blockchain applications.

According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a Smart Contract Developer in the United States is around $122,325 per year, with the range varying depending on experience, location, and company.

3. Decentralized Finance (DeFi)/Crypto Analysts

If you’ve ever heard predictions like Bitcoin going from $16,000 to $100,000, this is the work of a Decentralized Finance (DeFi)/Crypto Analyst. While anyone can make price predictions, what sets a professional apart is their ability to analyze charts, study market trends, and back up their forecasts with data-driven insights.

DeFi analysts play a critical role in researching and interpreting trends in cryptocurrency markets, helping investors make informed decisions. They monitor liquidity pools, lending platforms, and yield farming opportunities to identify profitable strategies.

The estimated total pay for a Crypto Analyst is $151,348 per year, with an average salary of $111,789 per year.

4. Web3 Technical Writer / Copywriter

The first place to determine whether a Web3 project will be successful is in its whitepapers, blogs, documentation, and roadmaps. This is essentially the work of Web3 technical writers and copywriters.

Technical writers translate complex blockchain concepts into easy-to-understand content, ensuring developers and users can comprehend and implement the technology effectively. Copywriters, on the other hand, craft persuasive messages for branding, marketing, and community engagement.

The estimated total pay for a Technical Writer is $89,757 per year, with an average salary of $81,092 per year.

5. Web3 Community Manager

Any project without a strong community is bound to struggle. As the saying goes, “A project is only as strong as its community.”

Web3 Community Managers engage users on Discord, Telegram, Twitter (X), and other platforms, ensuring they stay informed, engaged, and excited about the project. They play a vital role in fostering trust, addressing concerns, and keeping the conversation alive around a Web3 product or service.

According to Glassdoor, the median salary for a Web3 Community Manager in the United States is $83,000 per year. The estimated salary range for this role is $75,000–$90,000 per year.

Conclusion

Web3 offers more than just financial speculation—it provides real, lucrative career opportunities for those willing to dive in and learn.

While Web3 startup investment declined by 82% year-over-year in Q1 2023, the industry has continued to evolve, proving that it's more than just a passing trend. As of 2024, over 18,000 people globally are employed in Web3-related roles, with new job opportunities emerging every day, signalling that this space is gaining serious traction.

Whether you want to be a developer, analyst, writer, or community builder, there’s always something to look forward to.