Demand for Web3 cybersecurity people is sending salaries higher at the expense of Web2 specialists with pay in the European Union, and Germany in particular, beating the UK, according to a study from post-quantum security product firm Naoris Protocol. It’s found in the UK that Web3 cybersecurity and blockchain roles offer average salaries of £70,000 rising to £90,000 for top positions. That beats the pay range of £50,000 to £70,000 for mid-level positions such as Cyber Security Analysts in the UK.
Pay in the UK lags pay in the European Union and Germany in particular where senior blockchain developers earn between 120,000 and 180,000 euros (£99,600 to £149,400). The biggest pay gap is between the UK public sector and private sector – senior roles can pay as much as £120,000 in the private sector. By comparison a Cyber Security Adviser role at the UK’s Ministry of Defence pays around £36,530 while HM Treasury advertised for a Head of Cyber Security with a salary up to £57,500.
David Carvalho, CEO and founder of Naoris Protocol says: “This growing pay disparity is not just about money; it’s a battle for talent, with the public sector and traditional tech roles losing ground to high-paying blockchain firms and private companies. This talent drain could expose critical infrastructure to severe cyber risks.
“The pay gap is partly explained by the scarcity of and demand for experts in blockchain technologies as well as the fast growth of decentralized finance and applications. However the pay gap poses a real risk to national security, as government agencies struggle to attract and retain skilled cybersecurity professionals.”
Naoris Protocol says that the public sector and Web2 companies need to reassess their compensation structures, invest in upskilling programs, and create pathways that make these roles more attractive. The firm highlights the role that Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN) can play as a solution to growing cyber security challenges.
