Want to future-proof your career in two of the world’s fastest-growing industries? Start by knowing your worth.

Salaries in AI and Web3 are skyrocketing, but transparency is still stuck in the Stone Age. Despite the headlines boasting of $500,000 AI engineer roles or Web3 developers earning bonuses in crypto and NFTs, the reality is often far more complex. Between volatile crypto markets, the rapid evolution of required skills, and the equity vs. salary debate of startup roles, it’s easy to feel lost.

But here’s the big question: Are you being paid what you deserve?

This article tackles the common compensation challenges in AI and Web3 and highlights the key factors that can help you command the salary you deserve in your next role.

Challenge #1 - Salary Transparency in AI & Web3

Transparency in salaries has long been an issue across industries, but AI and Web3 take it to a whole new level. Job listings rarely advertise exact salaries, and compensation models often feel like a black box, especially in newer industries like Web3.

Take this stat into account: A 2023 report by Levels.fyi showed that AI engineers in major tech hubs like San Francisco can earn anywhere from $120,000 to over $400,000 annually, depending on the size of the company and their chosen specialization. Yet, those same roles outside of tech hotspots often offer salaries that are 30–40% lower for the exact same skillset.

For Web3 professionals, murkiness reigns supreme. Are you being paid in fiat or crypto? What happens to your compensation if Bitcoin takes a nosedive? Some businesses thrive on ambiguity, leaving candidates in the dark until the final stages of negotiation.

Solution: Employers who prioritize transparency will lay their cards on the table early. Use platforms like NoFUD to access peer-reviewed salary ranges for companies in AI and Web3 or align with organizations actively fighting for clarity in compensation structures.

Challenge #2 - Crypto Volatility and Web3 Pay

A huge draw for Web3 professionals is the promise of compensation in crypto and NFTs—but is the risk worth it?

The allure of receiving payments in Bitcoin or Ethereum looks promising in bullish markets, but compensation tied to such volatile assets could put you in a tight spot during a crash. And while NFTs as performance bonuses sound flashy, their value may plummet faster than a hype-fueled launch party.

For example, consider the 2022 bear market when Bitcoin dropped by nearly 70% from its all-time high within months. Professionals who heavily relied on crypto-based salaries found themselves earning far less than expected.

Pro Tip: If you’re exploring crypto-heavy comp packages, negotiate a mix of fiat currency and crypto. A typical structure might look like 70% fiat, 30% crypto, to balance stability with upside potential. When in doubt, consult a financial expert to better prepare for long-term impacts.

Challenge #3 - Keeping Skills Competitive

AI and Web3 are unapologetically fast-paced. Today’s in-demand skills can quickly become obsolete as new frameworks, languages, and tools enter the field. But here’s the upside: Showing mastery of highly specialized skills can elevate your earning potential dramatically.

Take AI, for instance. Candidates with expertise in machine learning (ML), natural language processing (NLP), or generative AI are commanding some of the highest salaries in the industry. Similarly, Web3 developers with knowledge of Solidity or experience with decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols find themselves in a small talent pool with massive demand.

Action Plan: Invest in continuous learning and certifications. Coursera and Udemy offer courses in AI and blockchain development that are widely regarded by hiring managers. Stack Overflow’s 2023 Developer Survey noted that certified professionals earned an average of 26% higher than their uncertified peers.

Challenge #4 - Balancing Equity vs. Salary Expectations

If you’re joining a startup (or being courted by one), you’ve probably found yourself in the equity vs. salary tug-of-war.

Startups often promise a lower base salary in exchange for equity that may pay off down the line. It’s tempting to get in on the ground floor of “the next big thing,” but it’s not always guaranteed to work out that way. More than 90% of startups fail, and equity in companies that don’t make it won’t fill your savings account.

But if you pick the right startup, that equity could be life-changing. For example, an early Coinbase engineer reportedly made over $180 million from equity during the company’s IPO. Of course, these stories are rare, but they showcase the potential upside.

Pro Tip: When negotiating with startups, aim for a mix of a competitive salary and equity. Push for contracts that define clear exit options for your vested shares and carefully calculate how your overall compensation balances immediate needs with long-term risk.

The Power of Location and Company Size

It’s not just your skills or crypto bonuses you need to evaluate; where you work and who you work for significantly impact your paycheck.

Big names like Google, Amazon, and OpenAI offer some of the most lucrative roles in AI, often based in tech hubs like San Francisco, Seattle, and New York. By contrast, smaller startups or companies in emerging markets may not offer the same salary but could provide equity or remote perks instead.

Web3 professionals face a similar landscape. According to Web3 Career Tracker, decentralized companies generally lean on remote-first setups, which means location matters less in these roles. However, regional cost-of-living still factors into remote compensation.

Moving Forward in AI & Web3

Navigating salaries in AI and Web3 might feel like wading through murky waters, but here’s the good news. These industries thrive on professionals who bring bold skills and smart negotiation tactics to the table.

Want to make things easier? The NoFUD platform can help you find legitimate, transparent opportunities in AI and Web3. Whether you’re aiming to pinpoint the right salary range, scope out companies with fair pay structures, or connect with roles that value your expertise, we’ve got you covered.

Don’t settle for less. Start exploring new opportunities today with NoFUD and uncover your true earning potential.