The average base salary for a Web3 security engineer in the United States in 2024, according to the global job search platform Indeed, is $80,781 per year. The best job offers can promise even up to $150,000. However, blockchain security jobs are not limited to security engineers. There are many other Web3 cybersecurity remote jobs and on-site roles to explore, whether for your career growth as a blockchain expert or recruiter or to understand what specialists are responsible for the security of your connection with Web3 products and safeguarding your assets.
Blockchain security engineer and blockchain protocol security engineer
A blockchain security engineer is one of the paramount security jobs in Web3, responsible for protecting the blockchain ecosystem, including networks and applications, from various threats.
Read also: Auditing Smart Contracts: Ensuring Security and Compliance
Responsibilities and duties of a blockchain security engineer
While a blockchain security engineer can be engaged in integrating blockchain technology into existing systems, implementing consensus mechanisms, and developing smart contracts, this specialist particularly focuses on the security compliance of these systems. For that reason, their role usually includes assessments to review the security efficiency, threat modeling, identification of security risks, and creating plans for their mitigation.
Furthermore, a blockchain security engineer is often expected to establish best practices, which this specialist also needs to review regularly and help the team adopt them. A blockchain security engineer is also a perfect candidate to join a team working on developing new security products for blockchain security.
Skills and qualifications
A person who would like to apply for the role of a blockchain security engineer should keep in mind that it demands fluency in smart contract auditing across various programming languages, such as Solidity, and a profound understanding of Web3, cryptography, NFTs, DAOs, EVM, and DeFi protocols. Proficiency in system reverse engineering is also essential.
Additionally, experience in programming languages like Java, Rust, Python, C++, and JavaScript for secure code development, as well as knowledge of security for container platforms and cloud environments, are valuable additions to the skill set. To start working as a blockchain security engineer, familiarity with Web3-related concepts such as ledger technologies, tokenization, key management, and data encryption further is also useful as it enhances the qualifications for this role.
Blockchain security engineer salary
As you can see, becoming a blockchain security engineer may not be the easiest path for individuals seeking a swift transition into the blockchain security industry; however, the compensation for this role is particularly high.
According to Glassdoor's 2023 report, the estimated total pay for a blockchain security engineer is $169,339 per year in the United States area, with an average salary of $129,116 per year. CertiK and Coinbase were named as some of the top-paying companies for this role.
Are there remote cyber security jobs for blockchain security engineers?
While the complexity of the cybersecurity engineer role may create the impression that it is necessary to work on-site, there are actually numerous opportunities for remote work. Based on the search results provided by Indeed, companies such as CertiK, Coinbase, Base.org, and Hiro Systems are among those ready to employ blockchain security engineers remotely.
Blockchain protocol security engineer
In many companies, blockchain protocol security engineering is one of the tasks of blockchain security engineers, as mentioned earlier in the article. However, it is possible to obtain a more specific role, which will expect you to focus on developing and implementing blockchain protocols according to security best practices, develop and implement security mechanisms such as consensus, encryption, and validation, and review the security of protocols regularly.
The responsibilities of a blockchain protocol security engineer resemble those of a blockchain security engineer and also include conducting comprehensive security assessments and threat modeling exercises to identify vulnerabilities and potential risks. However, the scope is more limited to developing, implementing, and verifying the security measures specifically for blockchain protocols.
Web3 security auditor
Individuals interested in Web3 security also have an alternative path. Instead of focusing on engineering, they can transition to auditing the security of Web3 projects.
The role of a Web3 auditor is quite broad, as many components of Web3 projects can and should be audited, and these procedures may require varied expertise from auditors. For example, verifying the security of a blockchain L1 requires different knowledge from auditors than proceeding to an L2 audit, while the procedures, knowledge, and tools a Web3 security auditor needs to review smart contract and wallet audits may differ significantly too.
To apply for the role of a Web3 security auditor, knowledge about finance is often needed in addition to technical skills and a deep understanding of blockchain technology and cryptocurrency.
Web3 security jobs in auditing: tasks and responsibilities
The primary task of a Web3 security auditor is to conduct comprehensive security assessments of blockchain protocols, decentralized applications, and other software incorporating blockchain technology, including smart contracts. This latter task, in particular, requires an understanding of code written in Solidity, enabling the auditor to identify logic flaws, coding errors, and other vulnerabilities that can be exploited by attackers.
Depending on the scope of work within a specific company, Web3 security auditors may also develop and implement security strategies and best practices for projects subject to audits. Additionally, they may be responsible for preparing extensive documentation to report assessment findings and recommendations.
Read also: Only half of the crypto companies undergo independent audits, according to Bloomberg
It is important to note that the work of Web3 security auditors on a project often forms part of preventative measures, aimed at verifying the efficiency of security measures, identifying existing vulnerabilities before they are exploited, and providing development teams with recommendations for security enhancement. Furthermore, security auditors may assist Web3 projects in addressing the aftermath of an exploit by identifying vulnerabilities and proposing solutions for remediation.
Web3 security auditor salary
According to data from Web3.career, a job search platform specifically focused on careers related to Web3, in 2024, the average salary for Web3 security auditors, particularly those who review the security of smart contracts, is somewhat lower than that of Web3 security engineers. Nevertheless, it remains impressive, ranging between $81,000 and $107,000 per year.
Web3 security analyst
At first glance, the tasks of a Web3 security analyst may resemble the responsibilities of a Web3 security auditor, as both individuals review the security of a Web3 project, including its systems, data, and network. Furthermore, a Web3 security analyst can also conduct audits. However, there is a significant difference between these two cybersecurity roles.
One of the major distinctions between the two roles is that Web3 security analysts focus on the continuous maintenance and improvement of a system, whereas auditors only evaluate the security state and report it to stakeholders. The ongoing nature of the work of a Web3 security analyst requires their constant presence in the project team as this specialist needs to review the robustness of the security measures on a regular basis. As a result, they are often employed or contracted to complete regular tasks. Meanwhile, a Web3 auditor is usually contracted only to test and review security.
Depending on the scope of tasks in a certain company, a Web3 security analyst may also implement and maintain security technologies and procedures, whereas an auditor only focuses on verifying their effectiveness.
As a result, a Web3 security analyst contributes to the continuous protection of the project from cyber threats, whereas an auditor helps to identify and mitigate already existing risks.
Web3 security analyst salary
Similar to other roles, a number of factors such as location, company size, and applicant’s experience determine the salary of a Web3 security analyst. At press time, some of the job offers for senior cybersecurity analysts in the blockchain sector available on the Web3.careers platform offered salaries ranging between $72,000 and $110,000.
Web3 security compliance analyst
The Web3 security industry, and the cybersecurity sector in general, offer another analytical role for those interested in on-site and remote cybersecurity jobs, a Web3 security compliance analyst. The focus of this specialist is ensuring the adherence of the security of Web3 projects to regulatory and industry standards and mitigating potential risks.
Web3 security compliance analyst - tasks
A Web3 security compliance analyst focuses on aligning information systems and networks used in an organization with relevant industry regulations, standards, and policies. Tasks of this specialist include risk assessments, vulnerability scans, audits, and the development and integration of remediation plans.
Web3 security compliance analyst - requirements
Similarly to other Web3 cybersecurity jobs, a Web3 security compliance analyst is expected to have a deep understanding of Web3 technologies, including blockchain, smart contracts, decentralized finance (DeFi), non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs). Industry-specific cybersecurity knowledge is also necessary.
Read also: Why Your DeFi Project Needs a Smart Contract Audit
Another crucial area of knowledge for this particular role is proficiency in relevant compliance standards and regulatory frameworks which may include:
- General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR);
- California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA);
- Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA);
- US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Depending on the sector of a Web3 project, knowledge about specific requirements from other industries may also required, for example, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) for Web3 projects associated with the healthcare industry.
Security compliance analyst salary
Glassdoor reported that the salary range for this role was between $80,000 and $128,000 in the US at the end of last year, with an average salary of $101,093 per year.
Web3 security jobs - bottom line
The rapidly growing Web3 industry necessitates robust defense mechanisms against ever-evolving cyberattacks, which creates a plethora of career opportunities for individuals with diverse skill sets and interests within the cybersecurity landscape. From blockchain security engineers safeguarding the integrity of decentralized ecosystems to Web3 security auditors identifying vulnerabilities in blockchain protocols and applications, the demand for specialized expertise continues to grow.
Despite the stringent requirements for security industry specialists, these roles enjoy competitive salaries and remote work opportunities, which have turned Web3 security jobs into an enticing prospect for those passionate about protecting users of digital assets and advancing decentralized technologies.
