US Crypto Jobs Multiply Into $55B Economic Impact, Report Shows
A new study shows the US crypto sector employs just 34,000 people directly but will generate $55 billion in economic output by 2026, giving the industry fresh lobbying ammunition as it pushes for favorable regulation.
The US cryptocurrency industry directly employs just 34,000 people but is on track to contribute $55 billion to the domestic economy in 2026, according to a new labor market analysis.
The report by the Pragmatic Policy Group and the National Cryptocurrency Association highlights a massive economic multiplier. Every direct crypto job supports roughly six additional roles across supply chains and local consumer economies, bringing the total footprint to 232,000 jobs.
For market professionals, the wage data underscores the intense competition for specialized talent. Crypto workers earn an average of $133,000 annually, more than double the national median of $64,000 and outpacing both the tech and manufacturing sectors.
However, the analysis carries methodological caveats that investors should note. PPG relied on 2024 data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis and Bureau of Labor Statistics, modeling the crypto workforce using the occupational mix of the broader tech industry rather than traditional finance.
Geographic Concentration
The industry’s economic footprint is heavily clustered. California, New York, and Texas account for 60% of the total 232,000 supported jobs, translating to 57,600, 53,800, and 26,500 jobs respectively.
Heartland states collectively support just over 17,000 jobs, though the report identifies emerging infrastructure hubs. Colorado is benefiting from crypto-friendly tax policies and the presence of firms like Riot Platforms and Crusoe Energy. North Dakota is attracting investment through flare-gas mining operations and a pilot stablecoin program backed by the state-owned Bank of North Dakota.
By raw headcount, crypto remains a niche employer, roughly comparable to the 28,400 jobs in coffee and tea manufacturing. Yet the projected economic output provides the NCA—which funded the study and launched in 2025 to promote adoption—with quantifiable data to argue against restrictive regulation.
“Crypto creates many jobs outside the tech industry and directly supports more jobs than key manufacturing industries,” the report notes.
