Blockchain has taken the stage, shaking up industries and redefining how we work.
With the demand for blockchain solutions blowing up, the search for skilled blockchain developers is getting intense.
Whether you’re a startup with budget concerns or a big company looking for new ideas, finding the right blockchain developers needs a smart plan.
This guide will help you understand the ins and outs of hiring blockchain developers.
What Skills Should You Look For In A Blockchain Developer?
When scouting for blockchain developers, it’s crucial to seek individuals who possess a comprehensive understanding of the blockchain principles and technologies.
Blockchain Tech:
Ideal candidates should have a deep grasp of blockchain’s core concepts, including its decentralized architecture, consensus mechanisms, and cryptographic underpinnings.
Codebase:
Adept blockchain developers should be comfortable navigating and managing large, complex codebases.
They should demonstrate proficiency in various programming languages, including Solidity, JavaScript, and Python, which are commonly used in blockchain development.
P2P and Crypto:
They should be familiar with cryptographic algorithms, such as SHA-256 and Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC), and have a grasp of P2P protocols like BitTorrent and Kademlia.
Blockchain Community:
Look for candidates who participate in online forums, attend blockchain conferences, and contribute to open-source projects.
Their involvement demonstrates a passion for blockchain technology—a trait of continuous learning.
Qt Widgets:
Qt Widgets is a valuable toolkit for building intuitive user interfaces (UIs) for blockchain-based applications.
Therefore, it’s good to seek candidates who are familiar with Qt Widgets and can utilize its capabilities to enhance the overall user experience.
What Hiring Strategies Do You Need?
Let’s break down the hiring process into simple, effective strategies:
Build Your Own Blockchain Technology:
This option involves creating a blockchain from scratch.
You’ll need a multipurpose developer with skills across the board, from design to implementation.
This route gives you complete control and customization, allowing you to build a unique solution customized to your needs.
Build Soft Applications on an Existing Blockchain:
This option is like building a platform on an existing foundation.
You’ll develop applications on top of an already established blockchain, like Ethereum or Hyperledger.
This approach is more smooth and efficient, as you capitalize existing frameworks and tools. You’ll need developers familiar with languages like Go or Java.
Full-Time Staff or Project-Based:
Decide whether you need a dedicated team of in-house blockchain developers (full-time staff) or if your project would benefit more from a project-based approach.
Full-time staff ensures constant availability and allows for closer collaboration, while project-based hiring provides flexibility and cost-effectiveness for specific tasks.
Hire Locally or Utilize Remote Employee Staff:
Consider where you want to build your talent pool. Hiring locally gives you a direct, in-person approach but can be more expensive.
On the other hand, utilizing remote employee staff, available through platforms like Upwork or Toptal, offers a broader range of talents at a more budget-friendly cost. Meanwhile Greelance is a platform that connects businesses with highly skilled and economical freelance blockchain developers from around the world.
What Are Some Common Roles For Blockchain Developers?
Let’s break down the different roles involved in blockchain development and understand their unique contributions:
Software UX Designers:
These creative minds focus on the look and feel of your software applications.
Their job is to create an intuitive and user-friendly experience that makes your technology easy to adopt and love.
Frontend Developers:
Frontend developers are the wizards who turn those beautiful designs into functional code.
They use languages like C++, JavaScript, CSS, and HTML to ensure the visual front end looks as it should and works seamlessly across different devices.
Blockchain Application Developers:
Blockchain application developers are the masterminds behind the actual software applications.
They use various programming languages and operating systems to build applications that incorporate blockchain’s key features like decentralization and distribution.
Smart Contract Engineers:
Smart contract engineers are the experts in smart-contract languages like Go, Python, and Solidity.
They develop and refine smart contracts, ensuring they are secure and effectively manage end-to-end business processes.
Backend Developers:
Backend developers provide the technical support and expertise that keeps your software running smoothly.
They handle tasks like performance testing, API design, and overall software architecture, ensuring the backend seamlessly integrates with the frontend.
What Languages Should Blockchain Developers Be Proficient In?
Certain programming languages stand out as necessary tools for success. Let’s explore some of the key players:
C++: The Data Transformation Champion
C++ is widely used for transforming big data into objects, making it a crucial tool for frontend applications.
Java: The Versatile Language
Java is known for its versatility and cross-platform compatibility, making it a popular choice for blockchain development.
JavaScript: The Web Powerhouse
JavaScript is the driving force behind the World Wide Web, making it indispensable for building blockchain applications with a strong web presence.
Perl: The Multitasking Master
Perl is a high-level programming language that excels in multitasking and real-time programming across different platforms.
Python: The Versatile Problem Solver
Python is a versatile programming language that has gained popularity in blockchain development due to its simplicity and efficiency.
Ruby: The Object-Oriented Expert
Ruby is an object-oriented programming language that allows developers to build secure and well-structured blockchain systems.
Solidity: The Smart Contract Specialist
Solidity is a popular programming language specifically designed for creating smart contracts, the self-executing agreements that form the backbone of blockchain applications.
What Salary Packages Should You Offer To Blockchain Developers?
The average cost of hiring a blockchain developer falls between $73,304 and $139,339 annually, as per data from Indeed.com.
Let’s break down the salary structure for blockchain developers on regional basis:
United States:
Companies in the USA typically spend an average of $158,000 annually for blockchain developers, reflecting the high demand and competition.
Western Europe:
Average base salaries per year range between $55,000 and $91,000, providing a snapshot of the compensation landscape in this region.
Australia:
Recognizing the value of blockchain talent, employers in Australia are willing to pay between $90,000 and $110,000 annually for experienced developers.
Philippines:
For those mindful of budget constraints, hiring blockchain developers in the Philippines can be cost-effective, with salaries averaging around $4,375 per month or approximately $52,500 annually.
What Does The Hiring Process Entail?
Let’s outline an impeccable hiring process for finding the right blockchain talent:
Professional Headhunting Companies
Consider engaging professional headhunting companies to secure top-notch blockchain talent.
These firms specialize in connecting businesses with skilled professionals, streamlining the hiring process and ensuring you find the right fit for your project needs.
Interview Questions
During the interview process, use targeted questions to gauge a candidate’s understanding of blockchain. Here are some suggested questions:
- What is blockchain?
- Can you name different types of blockchains?
- Explain what a Merkle tree is and its significance.
- How does blockchain work?
- Define cryptography and its main goal.
- How are blocks linked in the blockchain?
- What consensus algorithms are you familiar with?
These questions help assess a candidate’s basic knowledge, trends in the blockchain industry, and proficiency in relevant protocols and programming languages.
Versatility of Programming Languages
When evaluating candidates, prioritize intelligence and versatility in programming languages over field experience.
Look for individuals with 2-3 years of hands-on experience in languages like Go, Rust, Java, Python, Ruby, C++, and Solidity.
This ensures they possess the diverse skill set needed to contribute effectively to your blockchain project.
Happy Hiring!
Whether you’re a startup with budget constraints or an enterprise striving for innovation, the right blockchain talent can do you wonders!
By staying informed about global salary ranges, and creating a thoughtful recruitment strategy, you can hire the perfect blockchain developer for your organization.
