Crypto pay in 2026 allows companies to offer 10–30% of salaries in cryptocurrency, blending fiat ($) with digital assets like Bitcoin (BTC) or Ethereum (ETH), amid a projected $1 trillion crypto market-cap growth. For a $100,000 salary, 20% in crypto ($20,000) could be $10,000 BTC + $10,000 ETH, but volatility means $20,000 might fluctuate to $15,000–$25,000 yearly. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) treats crypto as property, taxing conversions at 15–37% capital gains ($3,000–$7,400 on $20,000 gain), while fiat $80,000 nets $60,000 after 20% taxes. In the EU, VAT exemptions apply, but 20–30% income tax on crypto pay nets €12,000–€18,000 from €20,000. UK HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) views crypto as assets, taxing 10–45% ($2,000–$9,000 on $20,000). Below, top 10 companies offering crypto pay, with salary examples in $ and € (1 USD = 0.92 €), and tax implications.
1. Coinbase
Coinbase offers 10–20% crypto pay for engineering roles, with $100,000–$150,000 base + 15% crypto ($15,000–$22,500, e.g., $10,000 BTC + $5,000 ETH).
Total Compensation: $120,000–$180,000 ($10,000–$15,000/month, + $10,000 fiat bonus)
EU Equivalent: €92,000–€138,000 (€92,000 base + €13,800 crypto, €7,667–€11,500/month)
Tax Implications: US – Crypto taxed at sale (20% long-term on $5,000 gain = $1,000 tax, net $14,000); EU – 25% capital gains (€3,450 on €13,800, net €10,350, $11,280).
Coinbase remains one of the few public companies providing transparent crypto pay frameworks. By 2026, Coinbase employees in compliance and blockchain analytics roles can receive partial pay in stablecoins like USDC, reducing volatility risk. The company also supports auto-conversion to fiat through Coinbase Payroll to meet tax withholding obligations.
2. Block Inc. (Square)
Block’s crypto pay for developers: $90,000–$130,000 base + 20% crypto ($18,000–$26,000, e.g., $15,000 BTC).
Total Compensation: $110,000–$160,000 ($9,167–$13,333/month, + $8,000 fiat bonus)
EU Equivalent: €84,000–€120,000 (€84,000 base + €16,800 crypto, €7,000–€10,000/month).
Tax Implications: US – 24% short-term gain on $4,000 volatility = $960 tax, net $17,040; EU – 30% on €16,800 = €5,040 tax ($5,490), net €11,760 ($12,810).
Block integrates Bitcoin payroll directly through Cash App for its employees, allowing immediate conversion to fiat. Employees using crypto pay report an average 8% higher satisfaction rate according to 2025 HR surveys, mainly due to financial flexibility and early access to appreciating digital assets.
3. Ripple Labs
Ripple’s blockchain roles: $110,000–$160,000 base + 15% crypto ($16,500–$24,000, e.g., $12,000 XRP).
Total Compensation: $130,000–$190,000 ($10,833–$15,833/month, + $10,000 bonus).
EU Equivalent: €104,000–€142,000 (€104,000 base + €15,600 crypto, €8,667–€11,833/month).
Tax Implications: US – 15% long-term on $6,000 gain = $900 tax, net $15,600; EU – 25% on €15,600 = €3,900 tax ($4,251), net €11,700 ($12,753).
Ripple’s compensation model aligns with its cross-border payment ecosystem. Employees in developer advocacy and blockchain integration roles often receive XRP bonuses, which can appreciate if held long term, though subject to IRS capital gains on realization.
4. Gemini Trust Company
Gemini’s security roles: $95,000–$135,000 base + 25% crypto ($23,750–$33,750, e.g., $20,000 ETH).
Total Compensation: $120,000–$170,000 ($10,000–$14,167/month, + $7,000 bonus).
EU Equivalent: €88,000–€124,000 (€88,000 base + €23,750 crypto, €7,333–€10,333/month).
Tax Implications: US – 37% short-term on $5,000 loss = $0 tax (loss offset), net $23,750; EU – 35% on €23,750 = €8,313 tax ($9,061), net €15,437 ($16,826).
Gemini prioritizes crypto pay for engineers, risk managers, and security analysts, offering flexible conversion between ETH and stablecoins. This hybrid structure protects employees during market downturns while meeting payroll compliance standards defined by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
5. Kraken
Kraken’s compliance roles: $85,000–$125,000 base + 20% crypto ($17,000–$25,000, e.g., $15,000 BTC).
Total Compensation: $105,000–$150,000 ($8,750–$12,500/month, + $6,000 bonus).
EU Equivalent: €78,000–€115,000 (€78,000 base + €17,000 crypto, €6,500–€9,583/month).
Tax Implications: US – 20% on $3,000 gain = $600 tax, net $16,400; EU – 28% on €17,000 = €4,760 tax ($5,188), net €12,240 ($13,342).
Kraken uses a unique payroll mechanism that issues BTC bonuses monthly and maintains audit transparency. Employees are encouraged to allocate up to 25% of earnings in crypto, taking advantage of potential appreciation and low long-term capital gains if held over a year.
6. ConsenSys
ConsenSys’ developer roles: $100,000–$140,000 base + 15% crypto ($15,000–$21,000, e.g., $10,000 ETH).
Total Compensation: $120,000–$165,000 ($10,000–$13,750/month, + $8,000 bonus).
EU Equivalent: €92,000–€128,000 (€92,000 base + €15,000 crypto, €7,667–€10,667/month).
Tax Implications: US – 15% long-term on $4,000 gain = $600 tax, net $14,400; EU – 25% on €15,000 = €3,750 tax ($4,088), net €11,250 ($12,263).
As Ethereum’s primary software firm, ConsenSys pays a portion of compensation in ETH, aligning developer incentives with network success. This structure supports long-term employee engagement and aligns income potential with DeFi growth trends.
7. Chainalysis
Chainalysis’ analyst roles: $90,000–$130,000 base + 20% crypto ($18,000–$26,000, e.g., $20,000 BTC).
Total Compensation: $110,000–$160,000 ($9,167–$13,333/month, + $7,000 bonus).
EU Equivalent: €82,000–€116,000 (€82,000 base + €18,000 crypto, €6,833–€9,667/month).
Tax Implications: US – 24% short-term on $2,000 gain = $480 tax, net $17,520; EU – 30% on €18,000 = €5,400 tax ($5,886), net €12,600 ($13,734).
Chainalysis’ crypto pay ties directly to blockchain forensics incentives. Employees involved in compliance analytics benefit from on-chain transparency and quarterly conversion flexibility, improving financial control in volatile markets.
8. Fireblocks
Fireblocks’ engineering roles: $95,000–$135,000 base + 15% crypto ($14,250–$20,250, e.g., $12,000 ETH).
Total Compensation: $115,000–$160,000 ($9,583–$13,333/month, + $6,000 bonus).
EU Equivalent: €87,000–€124,000 (€87,000 base + €14,250 crypto, €7,250–€10,333/month).
Tax Implications: US – 20% on $3,000 gain = $600 tax, net $13,650; EU – 28% on €14,250 = €3,990 tax ($4,349), net €10,260 ($11,183).
Fireblocks integrates blockchain security and custody solutions into payroll. Their employee compensation in ETH reflects company confidence in decentralized asset management, helping staff understand both investment growth and risk exposure first-hand.
9. BitGo
BitGo’s compliance roles: $85,000–$125,000 base + 25% crypto ($21,250–$31,250, e.g., $25,000 BTC).
Total Compensation: $110,000–$160,000 ($9,167–$13,333/month, + $5,000 bonus).
EU Equivalent: €78,000–€116,000 (€78,000 base + €21,250 crypto, €6,500–€9,667/month).
Tax Implications: US – 37% short-term on $5,000 gain = $1,850 tax, net $19,400; EU – 35% on €21,250 = €7,438 tax ($8,107), net €13,812 ($15,055).
BitGo, a digital custody leader, uses crypto payroll as part of its talent retention program. Employees may elect payouts in BTC or wrapped tokens. Tax withholding follows European Commission income regulations for digital assets, ensuring compliance across multiple jurisdictions.
10. Circle Internet Financial
Circle’s developer roles: $100,000–$140,000 base + 20% crypto ($20,000–$28,000, e.g., $15,000 USDC).
Total Compensation: $125,000–$175,000 ($10,417–$14,583/month, + $7,000 bonus).
EU Equivalent: €91,500–€128,000 (€91,500 base + €20,000 crypto, €7,625–€10,667/month).
Tax Implications: US – 15% long-term on $4,000 gain = $600 tax, net $19,400; EU – 25% on €20,000 = €5,000 tax ($5,450), net €15,000 ($16,350).
Circle promotes crypto pay using its USDC stablecoin, offering low-volatility digital payroll. By 2026, Circle expects more than 200 companies to use its payroll infrastructure, blending stablecoins and fiat for global employees.
Tax Implications of Crypto Pay
The IRS treats crypto as property, not currency.
If you receive digital assets as compensation, you must report the fair market value in USD at receipt as income, and later pay capital gains when selling. Employers must issue W-2 or 1099-MISC forms and handle payroll taxes accordingly.
In the EU/UK, frameworks vary but follow similar principles, with income or capital gains tax triggered upon conversion. The key challenge remains volatility: receiving $20,000 in crypto might drop in value before conversion, impacting taxable income versus realized value.
Statistics on Crypto Pay
Average crypto portion in 2026 ranges between 10–20% of salaries ($10k–$20k on a $100k job).
Total compensation including crypto typically reaches $120,000–$180,000, with tax rates between 22–37% in the U.S. and 25–35% in Europe.
The crypto job market is expanding by 18% annually, supported by firms offering digital payroll options and employee education on compliance and valuation tracking.
Final Notes
Offering part of salary in crypto can be appealing for growth-oriented professionals, but it carries unique tax, volatility, and compliance risks. If you prioritize stability, negotiate higher fiat pay; if you seek exposure to digital asset growth, accept moderate crypto pay with clear vesting and reporting mechanisms.
By 2026, global adoption of crypto payroll is forecast to exceed 20% of technology companies, signaling a structural shift in how compensation evolves across digital economies.
