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Key Takeaways:

Crypto salaries paid in digital assets tripled in 2024, with 9.6% of professionals opting for stablecoins, primarily USDC.
USDC led crypto payrolls with a 63% share, driven by limited support for USDT by major payroll platforms.
Circle expanded USDC’s utility through major partnerships and regulatory moves, culminating in USDC being highlighted in new U.S. stablecoin legislation.

In 2024, the number of crypto professionals paid in digital assets tripled, with 9.6% opting for stablecoins, according to Pantera Capital.

The shift reflects growing adoption of blockchain-native payroll systems and increased institutional trust in dollar-pegged digital currencies.

Stablecoins USDC & USDT are leading the charge with the majority of folks who take their salary in crypto receiving USDC. pic.twitter.com/hWhlGoGCsH
— Pantera Capital (@PanteraCapital) August 6, 2025

USDC emerged as the leading choice, accounting for 63% of crypto payrolls, while USDT, despite being the most traded stablecoin, lagged due to limited support from major payroll providers like Deel, Remote, and Rippling.

Together, USDC and USDT made up over 90% of stablecoin-based salaries.

Vesting schedules also evolved, with 88% now spanning four years – up from 64% – signaling a shift toward long-term incentives.

Practical blockchain experience increasingly outweighs formal education, as professionals with a bachelor’s degree reported an average salary of $286,039, outpacing those with master’s or doctorate degrees.

Circle, issuer of USDC, expanded its reach through a March partnership with ICE, and a May application for a federal trust bank charter.

Momentum continued in July when President Donald Trump signed the GENIUS Act, establishing stablecoin regulations and citing USDC as a model compliant digital dollar.