It is no secret that the world of technology is rapidly changing. And with this change, new and exciting careers are emerging. One such career is that of a blockchain developer.
Blockchain developers are in high demand due to the increasing popularity of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology.
But what exactly is a blockchain developer? And how do they compare to traditional software devs? Let’s find out.
Blockchain developers are responsible for creating and maintaining the software that powers blockchain networks.
They must have strong programming skills as well as knowledge of cryptography and peer-to-peer networking. In addition, they must be familiar with various blockchain platforms and protocols.
The average blockchain developer salary is $140,000 per year, which is significantly higher than the average salary for a software developer.
Also, the demand for blockchain developers continues to grow, so now is a great time to get started in this field!
Blockchain developer vs software developer: hard skills comparison
The skills required for blockchain development are very similar to those for software development. However, there are some key differences.
In general, blockchain developers need to be able to understand and work with cryptography, P2P networks, and smart contracts. They also need to be familiar with the Ethereum platform and various blockchain platforms and protocols.
We conducted research on the open blockchain developer positions, both for startups and big tech.
The following are the basic requirements that recruiters look for in a blockchain developer job versus a software developer job:
Blockchain developer job
- Coding languages such as Javascript, Python, Java, C++, Scala, blockchain programming Java, Solidity, Simplicity, CX, Vyper
- Experience with SQL, NoSQL, Golang, chain code, web3.js, Geth, Corda, AWS, Bluemix, Azure, Stellar
- More than one or two years of coding in node.js
- Backend software engineering experience or full-stack
- Developing highly reliable, scalable products and services
- Being able to build Dapps
- Certifications in blockchain technologies and, preferably, a bachelor’s degree
- Blockchain coding sample or portfolio
Software developer
- Coding languages such as Asp.net, Javascript, Python, Java, C++, Scala
- Experience with SQL, NoSQL, AWS, Bluemix, Azure, Stellar
- Node.js experience
- Frontend or backend software engineering experience or even full-stack
- Developing highly reliable, scalable products and services
- Ability to develop Apps
- Degree in software development or related areas
- Portfolio
What level of education is required?
The most frequent education degree is Computer Science, though other STEM degrees may also enable you to work as a full-stack developer.
Nevertheless, knowledge about blockchain and experience with specific coding languages are often valued over a candidate’s degree or qualification.
Continuous learning is required to stay up-to-date in this industry; attending conferences, joining hackathons, taking online courses, and keeping up with developments in the industry can all help out.
If you want to increase your chances of getting a job in blockchain, try pursuing a degree that involves blockchain systems. Since blockchain emerged alongside Bitcoin, having a thorough understanding of cryptocurrencies is also useful.
If you hold a Master’s degree in fields like Economics, Finance, or Accounting, you’re already on a good path. Check out this article where we list top courses to help you get started as a blockchain developer.
Practice, practice, and practice some more!
Having a degree is important, but having experience is pretty much mandatory to land your first role as a blockchain developer or software developer.
The best way to do that is to build hands-on experience by working on real-world projects and showcasing your skills and experience in a strong portfolio. The more projects you work on, the better you’ll become at problem-solving and coding, and you’ll also have tangible work to demonstrate your abilities to potential employers.
A great place to start building that hands-on experience and working on real-life projects is web3 hackathons. Web3 hackathons share the same dynamics as traditional hackathons but focus on decentralized technologies, which will allow you to explore decentralized tech stacks and accelerate your growth as a blockchain developer.
Here’s a piece of advice from IBM Vice President of Blockchain Technologies, Jerry Cuomo:
“Remember that every blockchain application is an application! Meaning, I would say 20% of the actual code you write is blockchain-specific code, but guess what, 80% is all the code you had to write before already”.
What programming languages should you learn?
In general, blockchain developers need to be able to understand and work with cryptography, P2P networks, and smart contracts.
They also need to be familiar with the Ethereum platform and various blockchain platforms and protocols.
It is important for a blockchain developer to have knowledge of multiple languages and be able to adapt to new ones as needed.
Programming smart contracts is vital when comparing blockchain developers vs software developer roles.
Aside from languages such as C++, Python, and Java, which are also important in Blockchain technology, there are some that should be familiar with as a blockchain developer languages expert:
- Goland: assists developers in the development of fast blockchain systems and may be the best for creating hyperledger fabric, which means developing modular architecture applications or solutions. It goes for accommodating plug-and-play components like a consensus, privacy, and membership services.
- C#: similar to Java and C++ programming languages, C# allows open-source developers to run projects on multiple operating systems (Windows, Mac, Android, Linux) and include Stratis, a Blockchain-as-a-Service provider that assists businesses in developing applications (Dapps) on Blockchain platforms.
- Solidity: a programming language for creating smart contracts on the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM).
- Vyper: derived from Python 3, is also used on Ethereum but has different control and security structures.
- Simplicity: Designed for smart contracts as well, but on a high-level blockchain development language focused on Bitcoin Script.
- Rholang: Another great solution for smart contracts with a more functional approach. dApps can be written on the Rholang developer ecosystem.
Extra tip on languages: yes, JavaScript! 💻
Let’s not forget JavaScript. Aside from being one of the three main technologies from the World Wide Web (www), alongside CSS and HTML, JavaScript can be also used on creative Blockchain applications, once it’s integrated into most systems.
Companies such as Webisoft, for example, are known for their expertise in blockchain development services, offering solutions for developing applications, wallets, exchanges, and more. Their team utilizes various programming languages, including Solidity, CosmWasm, Ethereum Layer 2, Polygon, Terraform, Rust, Python, and others.
Webisoft is a good example of the versatility and adaptability required in the field of blockchain development, emphasizing the significance of acquiring proficiency in multiple languages.
Github importance
Many recruiters request Github, probably the world’s largest platform for developers to collaborate. It’s similar to a social media platform for tech projects.
The platform that hosts codes as a repository is now in the magnifying glass of recruiters, who will examine aspects of your profile such as popular repositories and contributions.
So, if you’re looking for jobs (or freelance work) either as a blockchain or a software developer, keep in mind that your popular repository demonstrates something positive about it.
Soft skills you should master
In addition to the hard skills required for blockchain development, it is also important to have strong soft skills.
These include communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills. In order to be successful in this field, it is also important to be familiar with the idioms and slang used in the blockchain community.
This is a very comprehensive glossary that you might want to bookmark for future reference.
Problem-solving and creativity
Notice to detail is key for any software developer, but especially if you want to become a blockchain developer.
A large part of a software developer’s job is solving issues and finding bugs, so it’s essential that you’re good at problem-solving. Here’s a tip:
“I think that fidelity in ‘this is what I’ve learned’ versus, for example, other blockchains that use lesser-known languages and environments. I would say these tend to be more error-prone for a developer who is not familiar with such a language because bugs are more likely to occur in environments that you’re less familiar with”, says Jerry Cuomo.
This term signifies that writing and applying code requires both advanced analytical skills and creativity.
Be Agile! 🏃
You’ve probably used Agile methods before.
Requirements and solutions evolve through collaboration between self-organizing teams. There are also short sprints to complete, which are useful for relocating efforts if something needs to change.
When the Agile Manifesto was first published in the early 2000s, it demonstrated to developers the importance of being able to respond to changes.
Priority, flexibility, and ongoing prototyping are all part of it.
Blockchain vs Software Developer’s salaries
A software developer earns between $ 75,000 to about $ 100,000 per year, in the USA. Meanwhile, the average blockchain developer’s salary is $145,000.
Entry-level positions start at $121,875 and experienced blockchain developers make up to $185,250 — according to Talent.com.
This salary can vary depending on the company, the location, and the level of experience of the developer. There is currently a high demand for blockchain developers, leading to the potential for higher salaries.
Overall, it can be a very profitable and secure career choice to become a blockchain developer.
How to start your journey to becoming a Blockchain Developer
To start your journey as a blockchain developer, begin by mastering the key coding languages we’ve covered previously. Nothing will give you a better chance of landing an opportunity in the web3 job market than a solid dominance of these languages and strong hard skills.
Taking part in hackathons is a way to help you hone your abilities even more. Hackathons offer a great setting for putting your knowledge to use, working on practical projects, and interacting with other developers. In addition to getting practical experience, you’ll build your network and have the opportunity to demonstrate your skills to possible employers or partners.
TAIKAI is a specialized hackathon platform for blockchain and web3 hackathons that hosts dozens of hackathons every year. To discover the hackathon that best suits your interests and skills, just head over to TAIKAI and browse the listings or filter by topic.
With over 80,000 builders already part of the TAIKAI community, there’s no better place to grow and showcase your talents.
To sum it up
The journey to becoming a blockchain developer is tough but totally achievable! If you have the right mindset, work ethic, and desire to always learn more, now is the time!
With plenty of opportunities available and salaries on the rise, there has never been a better time to get started.
Here’s a recap of the main differences between blockchain and software developers:
- A blockchain developer is required to have knowledge of cryptography and peer-to-peer networking in addition to software development skills.
- The average salary for a blockchain developer is higher than the average salary for a software developer.
- Blockchain developers must continuously learn and adapt their skills to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the industry.
- In order to be a blockchain developer, one must be familiar with multiple programming languages.
- Blockchain developers need to have strong soft skills, including communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills. They should also be familiar with the idioms and slang used in the blockchain community.
- Overall, becoming a blockchain developer can be a profitable and secure career choice.
About TAIKAI
TAIKAI is the leading hackathon hosting platform that connects organizations and web3 projects with top talent from around the world to accelerate innovation and build creative solutions to real-world problems. Its native token TKAI, serves as the core utility and rewards mechanism within the platform, empowering users to participate, collaborate, and earn for their contributions
