I’ve been in the crypto recruitment game long enough to see it all—companies throwing six-figure salaries at AI engineers one month and slashing budgets the next. So, what does this latest dip in AI crypto tokens mean for hiring? Let’s break it down.
Companies Are Becoming More Selective
When AI crypto tokens are pumping, projects often hire aggressively, fearing they’ll miss out on top talent. But when the market dips, hiring managers get pickier.
I recently spoke with a founder of an AI-driven crypto startup who told me they were cutting back on generalist hires and focusing only on highly specialised roles. They still needed blockchain engineers and AI researchers, but the days of onboarding an entire marketing team overnight? Gone.
What does this mean if you’re looking for a job? Sharpen your niche skills. If you’re a developer, deep expertise in AI model fine-tuning or smart contract optimisation could set you apart.
Freelancing and Short-Term Contracts Are on the Rise
Remember the 2021 bull run? Everyone wanted full-time hires with long-term commitments. But as AI crypto tokens dip, companies are turning to contract work and freelancers.
A good friend of mine, an AI data scientist, landed a six-month gig with a DeFi project looking to integrate AI-powered risk assessment. They weren’t willing to commit to a full-time hire, but they still needed the expertise.
For job seekers, this means flexibility is key. Consider contract work, DAOs, or even launching your own consultancy. In uncertain markets, companies would rather pay for specific expertise on a short-term basis than lock in expensive full-time salaries.
Salaries Are Adjusting (But It’s Not All Bad)
When AI tokens are mooning, startups throw money around like confetti. But after a dip? Not so much.
I’ve seen AI engineers go from being courted with $300K+ offers to negotiating much leaner packages. But here’s the catch—many startups are making up for lower base salaries with better token allocations. If (or when) the market rebounds, those tokens could be worth far more.
So, if you’re job hunting, don’t just focus on the base pay. Look at token structures, vesting schedules, and long-term incentives. If you believe in the project, a well-structured token package could be worth more than a higher salary elsewhere.
Big Players Are Still Hiring
While smaller AI crypto projects are tightening their belts, the big names—established exchanges, AI-focused blockchain protocols, and venture-backed giants—are still hiring.
I recently helped place an AI engineer at a well-known exchange that’s developing AI-powered trading algorithms. They weren’t affected by the latest token dip because their revenue streams don’t rely solely on market sentiment.
If you’re worried about stability, consider looking at well-funded companies instead of smaller, hype-driven startups.
Adapt and Stay Ahead
A dip in AI crypto tokens doesn’t mean hiring stops—it just shifts. Companies become more selective, contract work rises, salaries adjust, and the strongest projects keep hiring.
If you’re in the job market, stay flexible. Sharpen your niche skills, explore short-term contracts, and pay close attention to token incentives. The market may be down now, but as we’ve seen time and time again, crypto (and AI) never stays quiet for long.
