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

Blockchain developers create and maintain decentralized, distributed ledgers that can process things like cryptocurrency transactions. The global blockchain market size was estimated at 31.28 billion USD in 2024, with the increasing demand for secure transaction technology driving growth across industries [1]. Explore blockchain technology, development career paths, job requirements, and FAQs in the following article.

Looking to learn the fundamentals of blockchain technology to prepare for a career transition? You can learn how it works and how to apply use cases within your industry in as little as two months with Blockchain Revolution Specialization.

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 the blocks reach that capacity, they close and link 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. One 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.

You can master smart contract development with Solidity and gain proficiency in designing decentralized applications in as little as six months with the online program Building DApps In Ethereum Blockchain Specialization.

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 17 percent growth in software development jobs between 2023 and 2033, which is much faster than the average job growth rate of 4 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 $147,000 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: 

Coding

Coding will be the framework of your blockchain development expertise. Beginners can learn the fundamentals of coding and prepare for their first development role an industry leader through programs like Amazon's Junior Software Developer Professional Certificate.

Blockchain 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. The University of Michigan's Python for Everybody Specialization is a highly regarded introduction to it that provides learners with a shareable certificate upon completion.

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

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 course 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. 

Prepare for a role in blockchain development with Coursera

If you're new to the field, consider enrolling in the online program Blockchain Revolution to master the basics of blockchain technology.

If you're ready to start learning how to program blockchain applications, design and build your first one in as little as 6 months with Building DApps in Ethereum Blockchain.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)