Blockchain Needs Regulation and Scalability to Close the AI Hiring Gap

The blockchain industry is growing, but it still lags behind artificial intelligence (AI) in job creation. According to recent data, blockchain employs around 300,000 people globally, while AI boasts 1.5 million jobs. Can blockchain catch up by 2030? The answer hinges on two critical factors: regulatory clarity and scalability.

Blockchain vs. AI: The Hiring Discrepancy

Despite blockchain’s rapid growth, AI continues to dominate the tech job market. A Bitget Research report reveals that blockchain added roughly 20,000 jobs in 2024, a 45% compound annual growth rate (CAGR). While impressive, this pales in comparison to AI’s 57% CAGR and its 75%-100% year-over-year job listing surge.

Blockchain vs. AI job growth comparison — *Total workforce in tech industry. Source: Bitget Research*

Vugar Usi Zade, COO of Bitget, attributes this gap to funding disparities:

“Venture investors put more than $100 billion into AI startups in 2024, while blockchain firms secured just $5.4 billion.”

Why AI is Winning the Talent War

Market Integration: AI has penetrated mainstream industries faster than blockchain.
Investment Influx: AI attracts significantly more venture capital.
Regulatory Support: Clearer policies in AI accelerate adoption.

How Blockchain Can Catch Up

Projections suggest blockchain could surpass 1 million jobs by 2030—if it scales like AI. Two key drivers could make this possible:

1. Regulatory Clarity

Europe’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), enacted in December 2024, is already encouraging hiring in blockchain firms. Similar frameworks in the U.S. and Asia could further unlock job growth.

2. Scalability Solutions

Ethereum’s Dencun upgrade reduced layer-2 fees by over 95%, proving blockchain can handle enterprise demands cost-effectively. Continued improvements in scalability will attract more businesses—and jobs.

Regional blockchain job distribution — *Regional blockchain market distribution. Source: Bitget Research*

Blockchain and AI: Collaboration Over Competition

Contrary to popular belief, blockchain and AI aren’t rivals for talent—they’re collaborators. Yakov Lebedev of 3Commas explains:

“Companies are paying top dollar for professionals who understand both AI and blockchain.”

Synergistic Benefits

AI Needs Blockchain: AI’s probabilistic nature introduces uncertainty; blockchain provides verifiable certainty.
Blockchain Enhances AI: Cryptographic security ensures data integrity as AI processes more personal information.

Adi Ben-Ari, CEO of Applied Blockchain, adds:

“AI outcomes can be fake or incorrect. Blockchain counters this with absolute certainty.”

Real-World Integration: AI Agents Using Crypto

The convergence of AI and blockchain is already happening. In December 2024, an AI agent named Luna autonomously paid another AI (STIX Protocol) $1.77 in Virtual (VIRTUAL) tokens for image generation services—a transaction recorded onchain.

AI agent crypto transaction — *LUNA payments to STIX protocol. Source: Basescan*

Conclusion: The Path Forward

Blockchain’s hiring gap with AI isn’t insurmountable. With stronger regulation, better scalability, and deeper integration with AI, the industry could see explosive job growth by 2030. For professionals, mastering both fields could be the ultimate career advantage.

Call to Action: Stay ahead of the curve by exploring hybrid AI-blockchain roles and upskilling in both technologies.

Blockchain Needs Regulation, Scalability to Close AI Hiring Gap