What Is a Crypto Analyst?

In the field of financial analysis, crypto analysts, a relatively new profession, are growing in popularity. In contrast to traditional financial analysts who work with money and support investment decisions, crypto analysts specialize in the cryptocurrency market and the trading of digital assets. 

The cryptocurrency market is growing at a fast rate, with crypto jobs showing a significant increase in 2024, largely due to changes in regulations creating a robust market. According to Statista, the cryptocurrency market value is expected to reach $45.3 billion in 2025, with 861 million users worldwide, showing this trend is set to continue [1]. Crypto trading and analysis are sought-after skills. Discover more about the role of a crypto analyst and how you can get started in this career.

What is the role of a crypto analyst?

A crypto analyst is a type of financial analyst who specializes in cryptocurrency. As cryptocurrency becomes more mainstream, investors and those working in the financial industry are increasingly looking to incorporate cryptocurrency and digital assets into financial portfolios for clients. Investing in cryptocurrency and digital assets can diversify an investor’s portfolio, adding additional investment outlets. 

Given this is a very different market than that of standard stocks and shares, as a crypto analyst, you must understand the risks involved in this volatile market and possess a deep understanding of different cryptocurrencies, blockchain, and Web3 technology. 

What does a crypto analyst do?

Crypto analysts have a similar job description to financial analysts, except in this role, you deal primarily with cryptocurrency and digital assets such as non-fungible tokens (NFTs). You’ll need to understand a different market and get to grips with blockchain technology and a decentralized financial system. The main responsibilities of a crypto analyst include:

• Analyzing market trends: This involves predicting investment opportunities by analyzing trends, historical data, markets, types of digital investments, and currency values. 

• Assessing risk: The crypto market is volatile, and investment can be risky. For this reason, as a crypto analyst, you’d put risk strategies in place, calculating the risk of investment loss versus a good return. 

• Analyzing trading strategies: Researching and evaluating different assets, currencies, and trading options to build an investment strategy is a key responsibility.

• Making recommendations: A crypto analyst works with businesses and individuals by producing reports, visuals, and analysis to help them make informed decisions on investments.

How much do crypto analysts make?

In general, salaries for professionals working in the cryptocurrency and blockchain industry are high. In addition to this, the salary range for a financial analyst is also high. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for a financial analyst is $101,910 [2]. Crypto analyst is a popular role, adding an extra element to the job of a financial analyst. According to Glassdoor, the average annual salary for this role is $89,055, rising to up to $121,747 with additional payments and bonuses [3].

Crypto analyst job outlook 

Financial analysts are in high demand, with a job outlook of 9 percent growth, which is much faster than average and amounts to around 30,700 job openings per year [2]. In the crypto industry, in particular, the market is growing, bringing opportunities in a range of jobs. For crypto analysts, the outlook is good as more and more businesses and people are choosing to invest in cryptocurrency; as such, they need advice from a professional with the skills to understand market trends, predict risk, and provide data to make informed financial decisions. 

How to become a crypto analyst

To become a crypto analyst, you must first master the skills and challenges of being a financial analyst as well as the complexities and intricacies of working in the cryptocurrency industry. This involves a blend of education and experience and a focus on a unique skill set and knowledge. Generally, crypto analysts have a background in finance, economics, or blockchain technology, with technical experience in analytical tools to support financial decision-making. 

Cryptocurrency analyst skills

Even though financial analysis is an established field, financial analysts specializing in cryptocurrency are a newer addition. For this reason, you’ll find it necessary to maintain a strong focus on a crypto skill set. It’s highly important that, as a crypto analyst, you understand the cryptocurrency and blockchain industry and all that comes with it. Some essential skills that you’ll need to develop for this role include:

• Cryptocurrency and blockchain: Knowledge of different cryptocurrencies, blockchain technology and platforms, smart contracts, and a strong understanding of decentralized finance 

• Analytics: The ability to analyze market trends, transactions across the blockchain, and the state of the economy, as well as produce reports and data visualizations 

• Tools and technology: Proficient at using blockchain investment platforms and tools, including Glassnode, Nansen, Dune Datashare, and Sentora, as well as programming languages and statistical models for making predictions 

• Trading and investment: The ability to assess the market and price changes, conduct risk assessments, and assess the value of tokens

In addition, you’ll need numerous workplace skills such as communication, logic, and problem-solving to present data, communicate with clients, and analyze data.

Education requirements

To become a crypto analyst, you’ll find more than one route. Generally, to work as a financial analyst, a degree in math, finance, accounting, statistics, or business is the most common requirement. However, you might be able to start in an entry-level position without a degree if you have the right experience. Whichever route you take, you must have a solid grounding in finance. To learn about cryptocurrency, you might look for a degree majoring in blockchain, or you might find courses covering cryptocurrency and blockchain as part of your degree. 

For a career as a crypto analyst, you can participate in additional courses, certifications, and boot camps to validate the skills you have in cryptocurrency and trading, in addition to studying for a finance degree. You’ll find a range of courses online, such as the Blockchain Revolution in Financial Services Specialization, delivered by INSEAD on Coursera.

Options for certification

Certifications are an effective way to gain theoretical and hands-on experience in crypto analysis and to validate the skills you have to employers. Certifications generally follow a program that may include classes, workshops, and exams. Some certification programs to look into include:

• Blockchain Council: Certified Cryptocurrency Expert

• The Blockchain Academy: Certified Blockchain Financial Analyst

• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

• Certified Bitcoin Professional (CBP)

Other careers in cryptocurrency

The cryptocurrency industry is growing, and crypto analyst is just one of the roles available to you. Whether you are highly technical or not technical but knowledgeable in another relevant field, such as marketing, management, or business development, along with having knowledge of crypto, blockchain, and decentralized finance, the crypto industry could be a great fit for you. Examples of other roles crypto professionals might apply for include:

Cryptocurrency trader

Average annual base salary: $72,503 [4]

In this role, you understand the crypto market, trends, and inconsistencies, and enhance investment portfolios by investing in cryptocurrency. You have a good understanding of trading models and systems and can develop your own.

Technical writer

Average annual base salary: $82,033 [5]

As a technical writer, you write articles, blog posts, guides, and brochures about technical information, simplifying it and writing in a way that makes a complex idea accessible to all. Cryptocurrency, cryptography, and blockchain technology are examples of content a technical writer might cover.

Blockchain developer

Average annual base salary: $105,888 [6]

Blockchain developers have technical skills in software or web development, along with extensive knowledge of blockchain and how it works. The role involves creating and building blockchains and the applications that run on them. 

Risk manager 

Average annual base salary: $107,085 [7]

As a risk manager, you have great insight into the crypto market and advise businesses and clients on the risks versus benefits of investment. You understand regulatory frameworks and the volatility of the crypto market.

Learn analytics skills on Coursera

The cryptocurrency market is growing and developing, bringing with it job opportunities in a range of roles relating to crypto and blockchain. Crypto analyst is just one of these roles, but you will find many more spanning a range of disciplines from marketing to writing to trading to software development. Check out the IBM Data Analyst Professional Certificate on Coursera as a first step. In this 11-course series, you’ll have the opportunity to learn in-demand AI skills and master the most up-to-date practical skills and tools that data analysts use in their daily roles.