Rising demand for cybersecurity talent in the Web3 and blockchain space is pushing salaries higher—outpacing traditional Web2 cybersecurity roles—particularly in the European Union and Germany, according to new research from post-quantum security pioneers Naoris Protocol.
In the UK, Web3 cybersecurity and blockchain positions now command average salaries of £70,000, with senior roles offering up to £90,000. This is significantly higher than the typical pay for mid-level Web2 cybersecurity roles like Cyber Security Analysts, which sit between £50,000 and £70,000.
However, salaries in the UK still trail behind those offered in the EU and Germany, where the market for senior blockchain developers is especially strong. In Germany, experienced blockchain developers earn between €120,000 and €180,000 (approximately £99,600 to £149,400), reflecting the intense competition for talent in the region.
As blockchain adoption accelerates, the pay gap between Web3 and Web2 cybersecurity specialists looks set to widen further.
But 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 & 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 believes 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.
Naoris highlights the role that Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN) can play as a solution to growing cybersecurity challenges.
In a significant step forward, Naoris Protocol recently released its Post-Quantum DePIN Testnet achieving 1m+ users in the first month, solidifying its position at the forefront of decentralized cybersecurity innovation. The company’s Post-Quantum powered Decentralized Security Layer Architecture is tailored to secure systems and validate assets beyond traditional cybersecurity perimeters. By fostering trust among devices, systems, and processes, Naoris Protocol empowers industries—from finance to healthcare—to transition from isolated silos to collaborative, decentralized models.
