Woofun AI data shows that active cryptocurrency job openings stood at 2,932 as of June 18, 2026, representing a decline of more than 97% from the estimated 130,000 peak in 2022. Layoffs persisted throughout the first half of 2026, with March seeing concentrated reductions at firms including Gemini, Crypto.com, Algorand, OP Labs, PIP Labs, and Messari.

Messari was acquired by Blockworks for approximately $10 million in June 2026 following three rounds of layoffs, down from a previous valuation of $300 million. Centralized exchanges accounted for 30.8% of open positions, driven by OKX, Bybit, and Binance. The stablecoin and payment sector held 13.4% of roles, concentrated in Tether and Ripple.

Meanwhile, job postings requiring artificial intelligence skills rose from 23% in early 2025 to 53.1% in March 2026.