Blockchain Developer: Skills, Salary, and Future Scope

Blockchain can be defined as a digital record of several transactions. The term Blockchain is derived from its structure. The individual records, referred to as blocks, are linked together in a single list and called a chain.

This field of technology is highly regarded. More and more candidates are interested in switching careers and becoming Blockchain developers as the technology penetrates every major sector. The Blockchain development sector usually does not require prior programming experience, so it welcomes candidates from different backgrounds, broadening their horizons for a new technology career. However, there are a few points you should be aware of if you want to become a Blockchain developer. Learning the fundamentals for a basic understanding is good. Knowledge knows no bounds. If you wish to work with Blockchain, you must be well-versed with its concepts, functions, and uses as the ramifications of errors in this field are quite magnified. 

Blockchain is an excellent course for a new career. If you aren’t from a programming background, you can still learn Blockchain. But you have to practice much harder to hone your skill and program efficiently. There is a vast scope in the field, but errors are not tolerated as the risks are high. 

Blockchain can be learned online by enrolling yourself in the Blockchain Developer course or Blockchain Developer Certification. Well, it is really up to you and why you want to learn Blockchain. It depends on whether you have a casual interest in learning about a new subject or working with Blockchain. Many Blockchain courses come without certification. They are often taken by people who want to learn about Blockchain for general purposes, to understand the world of investment or security, without further indulgence. These courses are informative, of course, but if you want a Blockchain job, then the certification goes a long way to ease the process.  

Nowadays, many people are aptly informed about technology, yet they can't perform the simplest of tasks due to a lack of proper guidance and content. Of course, that is not the case for all. Some people choose to practice to enhance their skills and code and program better than anyone. But a Blockchain Developer certification, like any other course, provides concrete proof to your employer or your professional circle about your efficiency. It verifies that you know what you're talking about. Much like you need a degree in Engineering or a diploma in Business Administration to get a desirable position in a company, the Blockchain certification is also very useful in that aspect. You can also negotiate salary increments with a certificate in hand. Qualifications play an essential role.

What are Blockchain developer skills?

Now, let’s look into some of the basic skills that a Blockchain Developer must possess- 

• Impeccable knowledge of algorithms and data structures- Many data structures are used to build a secure system, and thus, data structures must be understood properly. Knowing only about Blockchain would be considered incomplete.

• Proficient in programming languages including Java, C++, and JavaScript

• Development of Smart Contracts- Smart contracts are the self-executing contracts wherein the agreement terms between the buyer and the seller are written. Since all Blockchains are trying to incorporate smart contract functionality into their systems, the developers who wish to get into the Blockchain field must learn smart contract development. This involves learning network-specific languages, including Chaincode, Viper, Solidity, etc.

• Experience working with large codebases and open-source projects

• Blockchain architecture- The Blockchain developer must have an excellent understanding of how Blockchain works and its architecture. Your concepts related to distributed ledger technology, hash functions, consensus, etc. must be clear. You may understand this by going through blogs, articles, whitepapers, or enrolling in a Blockchain Developer course. 

It is a plus to have a strong background in software development. 

Blockchain Developer Salary

It was estimated  by International Data Corporation (IDC) that there would be the fastest growth in Blockchain technology adoption in the years 2017-2022. Blockchain developers have been receiving a handsome salary currently. In the United Kingdom, Blockchain Developer's salary ranges from $ 60,000- $ 140,000 per year. In Canada, a Blockchain developer can earn $ 85,000 on an average while experienced ones can make up to $ 175,750 yearly. A Blockchain developer in Silicon Valley, US, can make $ 158 000 as an average annual salary whereas, a blockchain developer can earn anything between $ 120,000- $ 180,000 in Switzerland's Crypto Valley. 

Blockchain Developer Future Scope

Blockchain is one of the most in-demand skills in 2020. LinkedIn’s recent report has placed Blockchain as one of the top tech skills for 2020. There is a unique deviation from LinkedIn’s 2019 report, where there was no mention of Blockchain technology.

In the current times, there are a plethora of jobs with handsome salaries available for Blockchain developers worldwide. It is now the second most demanded skill after robotics specialists and is expected to grow multifold in the coming times. Blockchain Developer jobs are at an all-time high now. The coming years are only expected to experience an increase in bounds and leaps. Blockchain Developer jobs have a lot of money. Suppose you possess the ability to provide the required value to companies ranging from IBM, Cognizant, etc. to startups. In that case, you can become the most sought-after Blockchain developer and take home a considerable salary.