The Web3 space is booming, but hiring the right people is tougher than ever. Demand is high, talent is scarce, and the best candidates often have more offers than they can handle. In the UK alone, blockchain developer salaries have jumped 43 percent in the past year, reaching a median of £100,000 in early 2025.
So why are Web3 companies struggling to hire? More importantly, what can you do to stand out and actually secure the talent you need?
The Skills Gap Is Real
Web3 is still young, and the pool of experienced professionals is small. Roles like blockchain engineer, smart contract developer, and DeFi product manager are in demand everywhere, from London to Singapore to San Francisco. In fact, blockchain programming was the fastest growing IT skill set back in 2022, with demand rising more than 550 percent. That trend has not slowed.
This scarcity means you are competing not just with other startups, but with big-name players who can afford to pay top dollar.
Salary Inflation Is Pricing Out Startups
Money talks, and in Web3 it is talking louder than ever. Average blockchain developer salaries in the US now sit at around $146,000, while senior engineers can earn close to $190,000. In the UK, contract rates can hit £675 per day.
For early-stage Web3 companies, these figures can feel impossible to match. This is where a clear value proposition beyond salary becomes essential.
Culture and Purpose Matter More Than You Think
Yes, candidates want competitive pay, but the best Web3 professionals are also looking for purpose. They want to be part of projects that align with their values, whether that is pushing for financial inclusion, building decentralised communities, or pioneering new DeFi models.
If your business can communicate a compelling mission, you will be far more attractive than a faceless firm simply chasing profit.
Flexibility Is Now Expected
Remote work is not just a nice option, it is a given in Web3. Two thirds of crypto firms had adopted remote or hybrid models by 2023, and more than 80 percent said flexible working was essential to attract top talent. Engineers and product leads expect to work asynchronously across time zones, and many will dismiss companies that do not offer this level of trust and flexibility.
The Hiring Process Is Too Slow
Even if you find the right person, a slow hiring process can kill your chances. In London, blockchain roles make up nearly 80 percent of all Web3 hiring, and the median time to hire is only 33 days. If your interview stages drag on, you will lose candidates to faster moving rivals.
Keep things simple, respectful, and quick. In a competitive market, speed shows you are serious.
How to Fix It
Hiring in Web3 will always be competitive, but companies that get the basics right can still win. Here is what works:
- Be clear on purpose. Share your mission and why your work matters.
- Offer flexibility as standard. Trust your people to deliver, no matter where they are.
- Show off your tech stack. Be transparent about the tools, languages, and challenges ahead.
- Respect candidates’ time. Keep interviews short, sharp, and decisive.
- Balance pay with opportunity. You may not outspend giants, but you can outshine them on culture.
How Priority Crypto Can Help
Even with the right approach, sourcing talent in Web3 can feel overwhelming. The best candidates are often already in roles, not actively applying, and building trust in such a tight-knit space takes time. That is where we come in.
At Priority Crypto, we specialise in connecting Web3 and blockchain companies with the talent they need to grow. Our network spans engineers, product leaders, and operational specialists who understand the unique challenges of decentralised projects. We know where to look, how to approach candidates, and what it takes to get them excited about new opportunities.
Whether you are a startup making your first technical hire or a scaling business building out global teams, we can help you find people who are not just qualified but the right cultural fit too.
Conclusion
The Web3 hiring crunch is real, but it is not unfixable. By combining competitive pay with meaningful work, flexibility, and a streamlined process, you can attract the talent you need to grow.
At Priority Crypto, we help Web3 firms of all sizes connect with blockchain and wider Web3 talent every day. If you are ready to hire people who can take your project to the next level, we are here to make it happen.
