What Is a Blockchain Developer (and How to Become One)

Key takeaways

Blockchain developers create and maintain decentralized, distributed ledgers that can process things like cryptocurrency transactions. 

• The median total salary for blockchain developers in the United States is $136,000 per year [1]

• Becoming a blockchain developer includes gaining an understanding of blockchain fundamentals, and learning learning essential skills in coding, blockchain programming, cryptography, data structures, smart contracts, and blockchain architecture.

• If you're interested in earning a degree, a bachelor's degree in computer science or information technology can help you prepare for a role in blockchain development.

Explore blockchain technology, development career paths, job requirements, and FAQs. Looking to learn the fundamentals of blockchain technology to prepare for a career transition? You can learn how it works and how to apply use cases within your industry in as little as two months with the Blockchain Revolution Specialization.

What is a blockchain?

A blockchain is a type of database used to store and organize information. Traditional databases arrange information into rows and columns that make up tables, making it easy for computers to recognize. With blockchains, however, information is digitally formatted and collected into clusters or blocks. Each block has a limited storage capacity.

Once the blocks reach that capacity, they close and link to the preceding block via cryptography, creating a chain. Cryptography creates an unchangeable timestamp when one block links to another. This permanent record verifies the accuracy of sensitive information like transactions. Traditional databases, on the other hand, are typically controlled by a central authority, with sensitive data managed and maintained by an organization or administrator.

What is blockchain development?

Blockchain development refers to building, maintaining, and designing blockchain applications and systems. Overall, it seeks to use blockchain technology's unique features to solve problems and create opportunities. One example of innovative blockchain development is the smart contract. Smart contracts are agreements between two parties, just like regular contracts.

Unlike ordinary contracts, however, smart contracts are also programs stored on a blockchain. These programs trigger only when both parties meet the agreed-upon terms and conditions. This automated compliance ensures the correct execution of a contract in real-time. Comparing smart contracts to parking meters is a great way to conceptualize their utility. You insert the correct payment and receive the parking validation corresponding to that payment, with no need for third-party involvement like a cashier, because of the fixed agreement.

What does a blockchain developer do?

A blockchain developer is a software developer who focuses on blockchain technology as they program, develop, and test software and systems. Consider the two primary types of blockchain developers:

1. Core blockchain developer: Core blockchain developers develop and maintain the architecture of blockchain systems. In this role, you design protocols, develop security patterns, and supervise the network as a whole.

2. Blockchain software developer: Blockchain software developers build applications on existing blockchain platforms. As a blockchain software developer, you handle front-end and back-end development, design, and maintenance.

What is a blockchain development company?

Blockchain development companies build decentralized blockchain solutions for other businesses or startups using open-source blockchain frameworks like Ethereum, Stellar, Cosmos, Solana, or Hyperledger, depending on the needs of the project. 

Blockchain developer salary and job outlook

Demand for blockchain developers is high because they work with disruptive and exciting technology. As a result, job opportunities in this field are abundant. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 15 percent growth in software development jobs between 2024 and 2034, which is much faster than the average job growth rate of 3 percent [2]. 

Gaining skills related to a rapidly growing technology can help make you a more competitive job candidate. Additionally, many blockchain developers' salaries are high. Glassdoor reports a median total salary of $136,000 per year for blockchain developers in the United States [1]. This figure includes base salary and additional pay, which may represent profit-sharing, commissions, bonuses, or other compensation.

Read more: What Is a Blockchain Engineer?

How to become a blockchain developer

If you are brand new to the blockchain industry, you will likely start by learning how to code. Many blockchain developers begin their careers with degrees in computer science or information technology. Once you’ve gained a foundational knowledge of software development and computer programming, you'll focus on specializing in blockchains.

Let's review some of the actions you can take to pursue this in-demand career.

1. Understand the fundamentals of blockchain.

First, you will need to gain a fundamental understanding of blockchain technology. Building foundational knowledge will prepare you for more advanced subjects and specializations. It’s similar to the way you need to know basic cooking principles before attempting a complicated dish. You can start with an entry-level course like Introduction to Blockchain Technologies.

Then, build your skill set (and enhance your resume) through courses, certifications, or a computer science degree. Many different paths to becoming a blockchain developer exist, so take your time and find the one that suits you. 

2. Learn essential blockchain developer skills.

Next, start building blockchain developer skills. Some core concepts for blockchain developers include the following: 

Blockchain programming

Developers use blockchain programming to build and maintain blockchains, applications, and associated technology, such as smart contracts, designing blockchain app protocols, and blockchain security. Despite its growing popularity, blockchain remains a relatively new technology. As a result, recruiters in various industries that utilize blockchain are actively seeking professionals with strong programming skills. Core blockchain developers work directly on building and maintaining the blockchain, while blockchain software developers build decentralized apps and smart contracts.

Blockchain programming languages

Along with a wide variety of frameworks, browsers, and platforms, you’ll find various programming languages used in blockchain programming. If you are already a programmer, many of these will be familiar. Below are a few examples:

• Java: Java is one of the most popular coding languages in the world. It is an object-oriented language used to simplify data for the user. It's a popular language for blockchain programming because you only need to write code once, and you can use it anywhere. It is vital in building decentralized apps, interactive websites, and more. 

• Python: Python is another top programming language that is essential for a blockchain programmer. It simplifies and minimizes code while creating blocks. 

• Solidity: Solidity is a contract-based programming language used on the Ethereum blockchain to send and receive information between smart contracts.

• Vyper: Vyper derives from Python and is also used to make smart contracts as an alternative to Solidity.

• Rust: Rust is popular for its high level of security and ability to reduce risks when creating real-world blockchains. 

• Go: Blockchain developers often use Golang, or “Go” for short, to develop smart contracts. This open-source programming language is popular for its scalability, easy maintenance, and ability to run concurrent programs.

Cryptography

Cryptography is an integral component of blockchain technology. It protects sensitive information, ensuring the intended recipient is the only one who sees a message's contents. If you're interested in learning more about cryptography or becoming certified in cryptography, consider Cryptography 1 from Stanford University. 

Smart contracts

A smart contract is a program stored on the blockchain. Automated compliance enables two parties to execute agreements without an intermediary. If you want to work with smart contracts, you may want to become certified in smart contract development. The second course in the Blockchain Specialization series focuses on smart contract expertise.

Data structures

For you to successfully build and implement networks as a blockchain developer, you must be able to work with a variety of data structures, like Merkle trees. Learn more about common data structures and how to implement them with the Data Structures Specialization offered by the University of California, San Diego.

Blockchain architectures

Understanding each type of blockchain architecture is helpful in identifying a career focus. Currently, four types of blockchain architecture exist: public, private, consortium, and hybrid.

Through the Blockchain: Foundations and Use Cases course, aspiring blockchain developers can expand their knowledge of blockchain architecture, applications, and use cases. If you want to certify your blockchain skills, check out the Certified Blockchain Developer course from The Blockchain Council. 

3. Familiarize yourself with the blockchain development industry.

Although blockchain development is a specialization, it encompasses several focus areas. Consider choosing a few of the topics that pique your interest from the list of relevant blockchain developer skills above. Reading blogs or watching videos about that specialization can help you stay current on industry trends and in-demand skills. You can also follow industry leaders on social media in your desired field of interest. 

Get free resources on blockchain and software development

Stay up to date with industry trends and career insights by subscribing to Career Chat. Then, explore more resources to help you on your journey as a blockchain or software developer:

• Hear from a peer: How One Software Developer’s Leadership Aspirations Led Her to Graduate School

• Watch on YouTube: How to Become a Software Developer

• Find a course: Which Software Engineering Course Should You Take? Find Out in 1 Minute

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