What Is a Blockchain Developer (and How Do I Become One)?

Becoming a blockchain developer is an exciting role as more organizations develop uses for the frontier technology known as blockchain. Blockchain developers create and maintain decentralized distributed ledgers that can process things like cryptocurrency transactions. Market research firm Grand View Research estimates that the blockchain market expects a CAGR of 87.7 percent over the period of 2023 to 2030, estimating the final value of that period at $1,431.54 billion [1].

Explore blockchain technology and development for all levels of expertise. Read on to learn more about career paths, job requirements, and blockchain FAQs.

What is a blockchain?

A blockchain is a type of database used to store and organize information. Traditional databases arrange information into rows and columns that make up tables, making it easy for computers to recognize. With blockchains, however, information is digitally formatted and collected into clusters or blocks. Each block has a limited storage capacity.

Once it reaches that capacity, the block closes and links to the preceding block via cryptography, creating a chain. Cryptography creates an unchangeable timestamp when one block links to another. This permanent record verifies the accuracy of sensitive information like transactions. Traditional databases, on the other hand, are typically controlled by a central authority, with sensitive data managed and maintained by an organization or administrator.

What is blockchain development?

Blockchain development refers to building, maintaining, and designing blockchain applications and systems. Overall, it seeks to use blockchain technology's unique features to solve problems and create opportunities. 

An example of innovative blockchain development is the smart contract. Smart contracts are agreements between two parties, just like regular contracts. Unlike ordinary contracts, however, smart contracts are also programs stored on a blockchain. These programs trigger only when both parties meet the agreed-upon terms and conditions. This automated compliance ensures the correct execution of a contract in real-time.

Comparing smart contracts to parking meters is a great way to conceptualize their utility. You insert the correct payment and receive the parking validation corresponding to that payment with no need for third-party involvement like a cashier because of the fixed agreement.

What does a blockchain developer do?

A blockchain developer is a software developer who focuses on blockchain technology as they program, develop, and test software and systems. Consider the two primary types of blockchain developers:

1. Core blockchain developer: Core blockchain developers develop and maintain the architecture of blockchain systems. In this role, you design protocols, develop security patterns, and supervise the network as a whole.

2. Blockchain software developer: Blockchain software developers build applications onto existing blockchain platforms. As a blockchain software developer, you handle front-end and back-end development, design, and maintenance.

What is a blockchain development company?

Blockchain development companies build decentralized blockchain solutions for other businesses or startups using open-source blockchain frameworks like Ethereum, Stellar, Cosmos, Solana, or Hyperledger, depending on the needs of the project. 

Blockchain developer salary and job outlook

Demand for blockchain developers is high because they work with disruptive and exciting technology. As a result, job opportunities in this field are abundant. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 25 percent growth in software development jobs between 2022 and 2032, which is much faster than the average job growth rate of 3 percent [2]. 

Gaining skills related to a rapidly growing technology can help make you a more competitive job candidate. Additionally, many blockchain developers' salaries are high. Glassdoor reports an average salary of $102,242 per year for blockchain developers in the United States [3].

How to become a blockchain developer

If you are brand new to the blockchain industry, you will likely start by learning how to code. Many blockchain developers begin their careers with degrees in computer science or information technology. Once you’ve gained a foundational knowledge of software development and computer programming, you'll focus on specializing in blockchains.

Let's review some of the actions you can take to pursue this in-demand career.

1. Understand the fundamentals of blockchain.

First, you will need to gain a fundamental understanding of blockchain technology. Building foundational knowledge will prepare you for more advanced subjects and specializations. It’s similar to the way you need to know basic cooking principles before attempting a complicated dish. You can start with an entry-level course like Introduction to Blockchain Technologies.

Then, build your skill set (and enhance your resume) through courses, certifications, or a computer science degree. Many different paths to becoming a blockchain developer exist, so take your time and find the one that suits you. 

2. Learn essential blockchain developer skills.

Next, start building blockchain developer skills. Some core concepts for blockchain developers include the following: 

• Programming: As mentioned above, coding will be the framework of your blockchain development expertise. Beginners can learn the fundamentals of coding with courses like Duke University’s Programming Fundamentals. 

• Programming languages: Expand your skill set by learning a few of the most common programming languages blockchain developers use. Python is one of the most popular languages in blockchain development due to its versatility. Google's Crash Course on Python is a highly regarded introduction to it.

• Cryptography: Cryptography is an integral component of blockchain technology. It protects sensitive information, ensuring the intended recipient is the only one who sees a message's contents. If you're interested in learning more about cryptography or becoming certified in cryptography, consider Cryptography 1 from Stanford University. 

• Smart contracts: As mentioned above, a smart contract is a program stored on the blockchain. Automated compliance enables two parties to execute agreements without an intermediary. If you want to work with smart contracts, you may want to become certified in smart contract development. The second course in the Blockchain Specialization series focuses on smart contract expertise.

• Data structures: For you to successfully build and implement networks as a blockchain developer, you must be able to work with a variety of data structures, like Merkle trees. Learn more about common data structures and how to implement them with the Data Structures Specialization offered by the University of California San Diego.

• Blockchain architectures: Understanding each type of blockchain architecture is helpful in identifying a career focus. Currently, four types of blockchain architecture exist: public, private, consortium, and hybrid.

Through the Blockchain: Foundations and Use Cases course, aspiring blockchain developers can expand their knowledge of blockchain architecture, applications, and use cases. If you want to certify your blockchain skills, check out the Certified Blockchain Developer from The Blockchain Council. 

3. Familiarize yourself with the blockchain development industry.

Although blockchain development is a specialization, it encompasses several focus areas. Consider choosing a few of the topics that pique your interest from the list of relevant blockchain developer skills above. Reading blogs or watching videos about that specialization can help you stay current on industry trends and in-demand skills. You can also follow industry leaders on social media in your desired field of interest. 

Build key skills in blockchain development with Coursera

Blockchain development is a growing field that combines skills from computer science, data science, and programming. If you are a beginner, consider taking Meta's What Is the Metaverse? course to understand Metaverse fundamentals such as blockchain, cryptocurrency, NFTs, and more, or use the Blockchain Revolution course to learn the basics of blockchain technology.

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