In brief:
₿- The number of crypto professionals receiving salaries in stablecoins tripled in last year.
₿- Stablecoins are becoming a mainstream payroll solution, offering speed, cost-efficiency, and global accessibility.
The number of crypto industry professionals receiving salaries in digital assets has surged dramatically in 2024, with stablecoins becoming the go-to method for payroll. According to Pantera Capital’s latest global compensation report, salaries paid in crypto tripled over the past year, reflecting a broader shift toward blockchain-native financial systems.
Stablecoins lead the payroll revolution
Pantera’s survey, which included over 1,600 participants across 77 countries, found that 9.6% of crypto workers are now compensated in stablecoins. These digital assets offer stability in a volatile market, making them a preferred choice for both employees and employers.
The most widely used stablecoin for salaries was Circle’s USDC, accounting for 63% of reported crypto payrolls. While Tether’s USDT remains the most traded stablecoin globally, it lags behind in payroll adoption, mainly due to the fact that major payroll platforms like Deel, Rippling, and Remote do not currently support it.
Combined, USDC and USDT made up more than 90% of all stablecoin-based salary payments in 2024. This trend signals growing institutional trust in blockchain payment systems and a clear movement toward using digital dollars for everyday financial transactions.
Long-term compensation gains ground
The report also highlighted a strong shift toward long-term token-based compensation. Nearly 88% of crypto firms now use four-year vesting schedules for token payments- up from just 64% a year earlier. It indicates a maturing sector that prioritizes employee retention and long-term alignment.
Interestingly, salary data also revealed that hands-on experience in the crypto space often outweighs academic qualifications. Professionals with a bachelor’s degree earned an average of $286,039—significantly higher than those holding a master’s or doctorate.
Crypto pay becoming the new norm
Stablecoins offer a unique blend of speed, cost-efficiency, and global reach—features that make them increasingly attractive for payroll. With growing regulatory clarity and greater integration into mainstream financial infrastructure, crypto salaries are no longer a novelty.
In parallel, pound-backed stablecoins are also gaining traction, especially among UK-based teams seeking local currency stability within blockchain-native systems.
The future of work in the blockchain space is digital—and so is the paycheck. As stablecoins like cement their role in compensation, the crypto workforce is embracing a new financial paradigm that blends decentralization with practical utility.
Stay informed,
Rodcas Consulting Group