Precipitous Decline: From 130,000 to 2,932 Active Listings
Tiger Research's latest report paints a stark picture: as of June 18, 2026, the crypto industry hosted only 2,932 active job listings, a drop of more than 97% from the estimated 130,000 peak in 2022. This figure reflects a prolonged four-year correction that has crushed talent demand across the sector. The report covers roles in CEXs, DeFi, infrastructure, stablecoins, and other verticals, but overall activity remains near historical lows.
Ongoing Layoffs and the Messari Acquisition: A Cautionary Tale
The crypto layoff wave continued into the first half of 2026, with March being the most intense month. Companies such as Gemini, Crypto.com, Algorand, OP Labs, PIP Labs, and Messari all announced job cuts during that period. Some firms underwent multiple rounds of layoffs and eventually were acquired at bargain prices. The most emblematic case is Messari, the blockchain data platform: after three separate layoff rounds, it was acquired by Blockworks in June 2026 for approximately $10 million — a fraction of its previous $300 million valuation, representing a >96% markdown. This transaction underscores the brutal asset revaluation underway in crypto markets.
Hiring Structure: CEXs Take 30.8% Share, AI Skills Double
By category, centralized exchange (CEX) positions led with 904 active openings, accounting for 30.8% of total listings. The major contributors were OKX, Bybit, and Binance. The stablecoin and payments segment had 393 roles (13.4%), but these were heavily concentrated at Tether and Ripple, highlighting the winner-take-most dynamics in this niche. Meanwhile, AI skills have become a key differentiator: the proportion of crypto job postings mentioning artificial intelligence rose from 23% in early 2025 to 53.1% by March 2026 — more than doubling. This suggests that candidates with AI expertise are gaining an edge as the industry pivots toward automation, smart contract optimization, and advanced risk management.