USDC Dominates as Crypto Salaries Triple to 9.6% in 2024
A Pantera Capital survey shows the share of workers paid partly in crypto rose from 3% in 2023 to 9.6% in 2024. Stablecoins account for over 90% of crypto payroll, led by USDC at 63% and USDT at 28.6%. Adoption of stablecoin payrolls is driven by improved on-chain rails, treasury tools and Asia-based teams. Companies increasingly offer hybrid compensation, letting employees split salaries between fiat and crypto for faster settlement, lower fees and seamless cross-border transfers. Token compensation is shifting to long-term incentives—88% of vesting schedules now span four years, up from 64% last year. Pay levels favor experience and technical skills over academic credentials; bachelor’s degree holders earn an average of $286,039, above master’s and PhD holders. Circle’s monthly reserve disclosures, regulatory transparency, a federal trust bank charter application, an ICE partnership and support from the bipartisan GENIUS Act further cement USDC as a compliant institutional payment solution.
Bullish
The tripling of crypto salary adoption and USDC’s 63% share underscore growing demand for stablecoin payroll solutions. Circle’s transparency, regulatory moves and infrastructure partnerships enhance institutional confidence in USDC. In the short term, increased on-chain settlements and hybrid pay models should boost usage and circulation of USDC. Over the long term, stronger vesting schedules, broader corporate adoption and regulatory support suggest sustained stability and liquidity for USDC, reinforcing a bullish outlook on the token’s market role.