Crypto Salaries Triple: Why This Trend Can’t Be Ignored

In 2024, salaries paid in cryptocurrency have tripled, marking a decisive turning point in the digital work landscape. Nearly 10% of professionals in the sector are now paid in stablecoins, notably USDC. This signals that crypto is establishing itself as a reliable and structured payment method, increasingly recognized by institutions.

In Brief

• In 2024, crypto no longer just finances—it pays and redefines the rules of the professional game.
• Blockchain profoundly transforms work, moving beyond traditional diplomas.

USDC Outpaces USDT: A Strategic Choice Driven by Business Trust

Although Tether’s USDT remains the most used stablecoin for global trading, it is Circle’s USDC that dominates salary payments. In 2024, 63% of crypto remunerations were made in USDC. USDT has taken a secondary role, contrary to earlier expectations. This preference is largely explained by an often overlooked factor: compatibility with payroll platforms. Leading digital payroll providers such as Deel, Remote, and Rippling do not support USDT. Beyond technical reasons, perception plays a key role. Circle positions itself as a regulated, pro-institutional, and reassuring player for businesses. Its strategic alliance with ICE, the parent company of the New York Stock Exchange, and its application for a federal bank charter in the United States show a clear intent to anchor itself firmly within traditional financial infrastructure. This trend is detailed in Pantera Capital’s report. USDC establishes itself as the ideal Trojan horse to introduce crypto into the heart of traditional corporate environments. By simplifying payment processes, it transforms HR services into key players in blockchain adoption within global companies.

Towards a World Where Crypto Dictates Employment Rules

The rise of crypto salaries is not limited to a change in payment method. It also redefines the relationship to work. According to Pantera’s report, 88% of token remunerations are now subject to four-year vesting schedules. This indicates a profound shift: companies seek to retain talent, align interests over the long term, and build lasting relationships. Another notable change is that diplomas are no longer the absolute reference in recruitment. In the crypto tech universe, practical experience and technical skills prevail. Sometimes, a high school diploma suffices to earn more than a doctorate. Merit is now evaluated in code and deployments. This new meritocracy driven by crypto disrupts traditional models. In emerging economies, blockchain allows a developer in Nairobi to be paid like one in San Francisco—in USDC, with the same currency, contract, and recognition.

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Source: Originally published at Cointribune on Thu, 07 Aug 2025 14:07:13 GMT.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The Rise of Crypto Salaries

Q: Why have crypto salaries tripled in 2024? A: The tripling of crypto salaries indicates a significant shift where cryptocurrency is increasingly being used not just for investment but as a direct payment method for work, signaling its growing acceptance as a reliable payment system. Q: What percentage of professionals are now paid in stablecoins? A: Approximately 10% of professionals in the crypto sector are now paid in stablecoins, with USDC being the most preferred.

Stablecoin Preferences for Salaries

Q: Why is USDC preferred over USDT for salary payments? A: USDC is preferred for salary payments primarily due to its compatibility with major payroll platforms like Deel, Remote, and Rippling, which do not support USDT. Additionally, Circle's positioning as a regulated and institution-friendly entity, along with its strategic partnerships, contributes to business trust. Q: How does Circle's strategy contribute to USDC's adoption for salaries? A: Circle's strategy, including its alliance with ICE (parent company of the NYSE) and its pursuit of a federal bank charter, signals a commitment to integrating with traditional financial infrastructure. This makes USDC a more palatable option for businesses looking to adopt crypto payments.

Redefining Employment in the Crypto Space

Q: How are crypto salaries changing the relationship between employers and employees? A: Crypto salaries are fostering longer-term relationships through features like four-year vesting schedules, which aim to retain talent and align interests. Q: Are traditional educational qualifications still paramount in the crypto industry? A: No, in the crypto tech universe, practical experience and technical skills are increasingly valued over traditional diplomas. Merit is often evaluated based on contributions like code and deployments, potentially allowing individuals with less formal education to earn competitive salaries. Q: How is blockchain impacting employment opportunities in emerging economies? A: Blockchain technology is leveling the playing field, allowing developers in emerging economies to receive compensation and recognition similar to those in developed regions, often paid in stablecoins like USDC.

Crypto Market AI's Take

The increasing adoption of cryptocurrencies, particularly stablecoins like USDC, for salary payments signifies a maturing crypto market. This trend aligns with our platform's focus on providing accessible and secure digital asset solutions. At Crypto Market AI, we are building tools to streamline the integration of crypto into daily financial activities, including employment compensation. Our AI-powered analytics and trading bots are designed to help individuals and businesses navigate this evolving financial landscape, leveraging the efficiency and global reach of blockchain technology. We believe this shift in salary payments is a crucial step towards mainstream crypto adoption, and our platform is geared towards supporting this transition through innovation and robust financial tools.

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