Crypto Hiring Market: Active Listings Drop Below 3,000, Down 97% from Peak
According to the latest report by Tiger Research, as of June 18, 2026, the crypto industry had only 2,932 active job openings, a decline of over 97% compared to the estimated peak of approximately 130,000 positions in 2022. This data highlights the severe contraction in workforce demand after multiple market downturns.
Layoff Wave Continues into H1 2026; Multiple Well-Known Firms Cut Staff Simultaneously
The report indicates that the crypto layoff wave did not subside in the first half of 2026. March was the most concentrated month for layoffs, with companies such as Gemini, Crypto.com, Algorand, OP Labs, PIP Labs, and Messari all announcing workforce reductions simultaneously. Some firms, after multiple rounds of layoffs, were forced to sell at low prices. For example, after three rounds of layoffs, Messari was acquired by Blockworks for about $10 million in June 2026, down from a previous valuation of $300 million.
Hiring Structure: Centralized Exchanges Dominate; Stablecoin & Payments Highly Concentrated
By distribution, centralized exchange (CEX) positions accounted for the largest share at 30.8% (904 openings), primarily contributed by OKX, Bybit, and Binance. The stablecoin and payments sector represented 13.4% of listings, but these roles were heavily concentrated at just two companies: Tether and Ripple. This shows that even in emerging verticals, job supply remains dependent on a few leading players.
Skill Demand Shift: AI Capabilities Become a Key Criterion
The report also highlights a rapid rise in the proportion of crypto job postings mentioning artificial intelligence (AI) skills: from 23% in early 2025 to 53.1% in March 2026. This indicates that even traditional crypto roles are increasingly valuing candidates' knowledge in AI, reflecting a growing demand for hybrid technical talent across the industry.