Web3 salaries dropped significantly in 2026, reaching their lowest level in five years, after hitting an all-time high at the beginning of 2025 just one year prior.
As shown in Finbold's latest analysis, the average Web3 worker earned approximately $138,000 annually by May 2026—a 75.1% decline from the peak of $553,000 in January 2025.
For example, salary levels have decreased by approximately 32.7% compared to the level of around $205,000 in December 2021. In other words, the current data reflects a sustained cooling trend rather than a sudden shift. The rebound at the beginning of 2025 was merely an isolated occurrence, with similar fluctuations also occurring in April, June, and December.
Web3 salaries are declining
For further comparison, the average annual salary from December 2021 to May 2026 was approximately $239,000, meaning that current earnings in the industry are 42% lower than expected based on statistics from this period.
Specifically, the average salary in 2022 was approximately $293,000, declining to about $223,000 in 2023 and further dropping to $206,000 in 2024. The industry rebounded in 2025, with the annual average salary rising to approximately $275,000, largely driven by the record-breaking salaries in January mentioned above.
However, as the data shows, this trend has reversed. Looking at the year-to-date figures, the average annual salary for 2026 is $181,000, with May recording the lowest average annual salary at $138,000.
In addition, the number of new additions is also high. The number of Web3 developers positions has dropped to a historic low—only 14 job openings remain on Web3.career as of the time of writing. In contrast, there are as many as 232 applicants per Web3 position.
Who is making the most money in Web3?
As of May 2026, the Web3 Chief Technology Officer (CTO) role has the highest average annual salary at approximately $150,000, with a minimum base salary of $50,000 and a maximum of $350,000.
On the other hand, chief developers earn the least, with annual salaries ranging from $80,000 to $247,000, averaging approximately $151,000 per year.
Regional differences are also noteworthy. Specifically, developers in North America have the highest average annual salary (exactly $143,000), with a minimum base salary of $80,000 and a maximum of $260,000.
Finally, developers in Oceania earn the lowest salaries, with an average annual income of $112,000, ranging from $90,000 to $160,000.
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