Web3 technology is growing, and so is the need for Web3 developers. Find out more about this role and the skills, experience, and education you need to start.
In the era of blockchain and cryptocurrency, the World Wide Web is seeing a revamp in line with this new technology and decentralized systems called Web3. Web3 changes how you store information, who owns it, and how you share it. A decentralized system means communal control, and you write everything into the blockchain like a digital ledger, making it secure and requiring no intermediaries, unlike the current version of the web, Web2.听
For web developers, the introduction of Web3 opens opportunities for those who can diversify their skills by learning blockchain technology and smart contract development, and understanding digital assets. Discover more about the role of a Web3 developer and how to make a start in this new career.
As a Web3 developer, you鈥檒l likely work with a decentralized system, using the tools and skills of a Web2 web developer to build decentralized applications (dApps) that operate on the blockchain. For this role, you鈥檒l need to understand blockchain, cryptocurrency, and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and be able to use AI and machine learning to create secure, highly automated applications, such as smart contracts.
Web3 developers have similar duties and responsibilities to a web developer working on the current Web2, but need additional skills relating to working with a decentralized system, which is integral to Web3 development. Examples of tasks you might have as a Web3 developer include:
Designing and developing blockchain systems
Developing and deploying dApps for use on the blockchain
Testing, debugging, and optimizing dApps and smart contracts
Integrating blockchain technology with systems and payment structures
Writing code to ensure security across applications
Complying with blockchain regulations and legal requirements
Creating technical documents and manuals relating to dApps
Staying up to date with blockchain trends and developments
Web3 developers work on everything relating to Web3 but with a wide scope, incorporating systems architecture and software engineering. Therefore, the work may be broken down into more distinct roles. For example:聽
Web3 developers focus on blockchain systems
Web3 software developers specifically focus on dApps that run on blockchain networks聽
Front-end Web3 developers work on designing applications for end users
Back-end Web3 developers work on smart contracts and integrating communications
Web3 technology is being increasingly adopted in businesses as blockchain鈥檚 popularity continues to grow. This increases the need for Web3 developers with the skills to implement decentralized systems and designs. While statistics are not yet available for Web3 developers specifically, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects an excellent job outlook for web developers in general, with an 8 percent increase between 2023 and 2033 [闭.听
As businesses face the challenges of integrating Web3 and blockchain into their existing services and processes, candidates with the skills to help with this changeover are particularly in demand. Additionally, the Web3 market is expected to increase by 49.3 percent between 2024 and 2030, driven by the increasing adoption of digital assets and decentralized systems across various sectors []. The demand for Web3 developers, the professionals who build these systems, will likely also increase significantly.听
Web3 developers can also earn high salaries. The BLS estimates web developers in general earn a median salary of $95,380 []. According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual base salary for a Web3 developer is $109,905, compared to $93,848 for a general web developer position [, 闭.听
When considering fields within emerging technologies like blockchain and Web3, you鈥檒l often find multiple points of entry to careers with no defined path yet. This offers more flexibility in choosing a route that suits you, whether you prefer to learn Web3 development through self-study, short courses, certifications, or a full degree course. You may also be able to pivot from another technical career using your experience while developing your skills in decentralization and blockchain.听
Beginning as a Web3 developer is primarily about proving you have the right skills. Learning the fundamentals and how they all connect together can offer an excellent starting point. Start with learning blockchain and cryptocurrency, as well as basic programming languages such as HTML and JavaScript, before moving on to languages used for blockchain and smart contract development, such as Solidity. Learning about decentralized finance and NFTs is also important, as they all play into the decentralized network and how users make payments.
Web3 is different from Web2, so it鈥檚 vital to distinguish yourself as someone with skills to work on blockchain and decentralized technology, focusing on security and user control, as well as traditional web development tools. One way of doing this is by validating your skills with certifications such as:
Blockchain Council Certified Web3 Expert: This credential can help you prove your fundamental knowledge of Web3, decentralized autonomous organizations, cryptocurrency, blockchain, and the metaverse.听
Blockchain Council Certified AI-Powered Web3 Developer: This is an ideal option if you want to explore how AI and Web3 can work together and gain proficiency in the relevant tools.听
Blockchain 101 Certified Web 3.0 Professional: The training for this certification will give you a chance to develop robust skills in working with blockchain and Web3 technologies and in understanding how Web3 and blockchain intersect with other emerging technologies like the metaverse and NFTs.
EC-Council Certified Blockchain Professional (CBP): A vendor-neutral credential that validates your skills in blockchain and distributed ledger technology, while exposing you to a foundation in the technology鈥檚 potential and its impact on the market.
With new and evolving technology, a degree is only sometimes necessary. Many Web3 developers are self-taught and come from diverse backgrounds as they enter this field, which places an emphasis on the value of skills and experience. Sometimes certifications and courses allow for more in-depth learning of a particular software or concept, whereas degrees are broader and can become quickly outdated as technology improves.
However, a degree can still offer value, particularly if you want to gain broad foundational knowledge and problem-solving skills. While finding a major in Web3 might not be possible yet, you can choose a degree in areas such as computer science, software engineering, or information technology. Some colleges also offer degrees in blockchain engineering or something similar.听
The technical skill set required to work with Web3 differs considerably from that for Web2, as you鈥檙e working with decentralized systems and the tools associated with this. You build skills by doing, so it鈥檚 essential to get some practical experience. You might do this by participating in open-source projects and building dApps in your own time. As a bonus, it can also help you create a portfolio to showcase your Web3-specific skills to potential employers while learning from and collaborating with experienced developers.
Since degrees are rarely essential for this career, and potential employers highly value experience, adaptability, and staying up to date with trends, online courses and finding a community through hackathons can offer a great way to progress. Hackathons allow you to learn code and practice your skills, meet and learn from others, and network to build a community to collaborate with.听
Online courses give you a wealth of options. You can take short tutorials and classes to learn specific skills and keep up-to-date with technical advances, or longer courses combining theoretical and hands-on learning, such as the Web3 and Blockchain Fundamentals course from INSEAD on 糖心vlog官网观看. Alternatively, you may prefer a boot camp, an intense learning environment, often taught by industry professionals with the aim of fast-tracking your developer skills.
Web3 developers need a skill set that is both specific and diverse, as the industry continues developing at a rapid pace. Consider beginning with a strong background in web development and learning to integrate it with blockchain fundamentals, to elevate your development skills above what you need for Web2. In addition to these, look to hone the following skills:
Smart contract development
Programming languages
Solidity
Vyper
Chaincode
Development frameworks
Hardhat
Truffle
React
Vue.js
Decentralized architecture and communication聽
Decentralized applications
Web3 front-end development
Blockchain platforms聽
Ethereum
Binance
Polkadot
Solana
Decentralized storage systems聽
Cryptographic security
Alongside these technical skills, as a Web3 developer, you鈥檒l need a range of workplace skills in order to continually adapt to the way technology advances, solve problems as they arise, and collaborate with others. These include:
Communication
Problem-solving
Critical thinking
Time management
Creativity
Leadership
Analytical thinking
With various ways to begin a career as a Web3 developer, the industry is seeing professionals shift from various professions, each bringing a unique perspective and skill set.
If you鈥檙e transferring from another tech profession, you may be able to do so relatively quickly if you have a background in programming and software development. Take courses to build your blockchain programming skills and knowledge, join communities, and engage in open-source projects to build your skills and experience.
Professionals are also entering the Web3 industry with a diverse range of education and experience, including mathematics, physics, philosophy, economics, and law, each of which brings something to the role, including solid problem-solving skills and knowledge of financial systems. With many professionals in the field being self-taught, the emphasis is generally on the skills you can bring to the role, regardless of your background.
Web3 is set to become the future, and it might be a good time to develop your skills to join this growing industry. Whether you鈥檙e already a developer, you have skills in blockchain, or you鈥檙e just starting out, you鈥檒l find multiple routes to starting in this career.听
A great option is an online course. You might start out by building your front-end development skills with the Meta Front-End Developer Professional Certificate, which will give you the opportunity to develop fundamental web development skills. You might also consider the IBM Full-Stack JavaScript Developer Professional Certificate, which will introduce you to the use of HTML, CSS, & JavaScript for web development, an understanding that is crucial for Web3 development.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics. 鈥, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/web-developers.htm.鈥 Accessed May 04, 2025.
Grand View Research. 鈥, https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/web-3-0-market-report鈥 Accessed May 04, 2025.
ZipRecruiter. 鈥, https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Web3-Developer-Salary.鈥 Accessed May 04, 2025.
ZipRecruiter. 鈥, https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Web-Developer-Salary.鈥 Accessed May 04, 2025.
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