What Does a Blockchain Architect Do? Career Guide 2025

As blockchain technology evolves beyond cryptocurrency, organizations seek professionals who can design secure, decentralized systems that support use cases across finance, health care, and supply chains. One key role in this space is the blockchain architect, a specialist who designs and oversees the implementation of blockchain solutions that meet an organization's strategic and technical goals. 

Learn more about the role of a blockchain architect, the job outlook, the salary you can expect, and tips on how to begin working in this field. 

What is a blockchain architect?

As a blockchain architect, you have expertise in blockchain technology and know how to use it to build, maintain, and scale solutions for the businesses and organizations you work with. Think of the role of a blockchain architect in the same way that you would an architect of buildings and structures. Your role is to create a blockchain solution's design and structure, ensuring it is safe, secure, and efficient. 

A blockchain architect's role differs from a position such as a blockchain engineer or a blockchain developer. Architects typically lead the design of blockchain systems, making high-level decisions before developers and engineers build and implement those solutions. As a blockchain architect, you are responsible for your structural design, collaborating with stakeholders and senior management. In contrast, blockchain developers and engineers focus on building and maintaining the system, creating applications supporting the architecture and contributing to ongoing improvements. While the roles are distinct, blockchain architects often collaborate with blockchain developers and engineers throughout the project lifecycle.

What does a blockchain architect do?

The responsibilities of a blockchain architect involve technical and strategic elements as well as innovation, as blockchain technology is developing quickly. To be successful in this role, you’ll want to be able to adapt to different situations to build solutions that meet your company's needs.

Examples of the day-to-day responsibilities of a blockchain architect might include:

• Designing the architecture of blockchain solutions

• Consulting on the needs of the organization to create relevant blockchain solutions

• Communicating and collaborating with technical colleagues

• Selecting a blockchain platform that aligns with an organization’s needs

• Designing architecture that is scalable, safe, and efficient

• Developing systems that support smart contracts

• Contributing to security protocols and disaster recovery strategies

Blockchain architect skills

Blockchain architects are skilled in communication and collaboration, as the position requires technological skills and strategic thinking. To make an impact in this career, you must build on both your technical and workplace skills while continually updating your blockchain knowledge.

Technical skills:

• Blockchain technology 

• Decentralized technology 

• Blockchain platforms 

• Smart contracts

• Distributed systems and networking

• Proficiency in programming languages

• Cryptography and security

• Database management

• Strategic planning

• Regulatory compliance

• Awareness of decentralized finance and NFTs

Workplace skills:

• Communication

• Collaboration 

• Networking

• Leadership

• Adaptability

• Commitment to continuous learning

What is the salary of a blockchain architect?

According to Glassdoor, blockchain architects earn an average annual base salary of $140,232. With bonuses and other compensation, that figure can rise to $182,145 [1]. At top companies like Meta and Amazon, experienced professionals may earn as much as $454,000 in total compensation [1].

Blockchain architecture job outlook 

Blockchain professionals are in demand as this relatively new field continues to grow and evolve. As more businesses explore blockchain use cases, the need for professionals who can update their skills to match emerging technologies continues to increase. Skills in smart contract development and decentralized finance are especially valuable, as companies emphasize security, compliance, and adapting to changing regulations. 

Top companies that are hiring blockchain architects include:

• Amazon

• Meta

• IBM

• Accenture

• Microsoft

• Deloitte

• Binance

How to become a blockchain architect

Blockchain architects typically bring a combination of skills, experience, and education to the role. Depending on your background and experience, you can enter the field through different paths. As blockchain technology expands across industries, employers seek candidates who can demonstrate technical ability, adaptability, and a commitment to learning.

Education

Colleges increasingly offer programs to support the growing demand for blockchain professionals. Some degree programs include blockchain as part of the curriculum, while others focus on related areas, such as blockchain engineering, cryptography, computer science, or information technology.

While some employers look for candidates with a degree, others accept candidates with proven skills and experience. A blockchain-related or technical degree can help establish a strong foundation and enhance your qualifications.

Additional ways to prepare for a blockchain architect role include:

• Taking part in hackathons

• Studying online courses

• Attending workshops

• Finding a mentor

• Engaging in open-source projects

• Taking an internship

• Gaining hands-on, practical experience 

Certifications

In a technical field like blockchain, certifications offer a valuable way to build focused expertise in cryptography and smart contracts. You can use certifications to supplement or even replace a degree. While certification programs may not offer the same depth as a full degree, they give you practical experience, are more cost-effective, and offer you the flexibility to study in your own time.

Consider the following certifications:

• Certified Blockchain Solutions Architect

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

• Certified Blockchain Architect

Whether you study for a degree or take a more practical approach with certifications, boot camps, online courses, or personal study, demonstrating your understanding of core concepts remains essential. Choose learning experiences that build knowledge in the following areas:

• Technical abilities

• Strategy and problem-solving

• Decentralized finance

• Laws and regulations

Career progression

Experience plays an important role in advancing within the blockchain field. Once you've built a solid understanding of blockchain technology and demonstrated your skills in practical settings, additional opportunities may open up.

Your path could include a move into a development-focused role, such as a blockchain developer or a blockchain engineer, or you may pursue more advanced positions, including a senior blockchain architect. Another path is specialization in a particular area of interest, such as smart contract development or cryptocurrency risk analysis.

Learn blockchain skills on Coursera

Blockchain professionals are key in designing secure, scalable systems that support emerging technologies. Consider taking an online degree course to learn more about this exciting industry. The BSc Computer Science from the University of London offers a flexible curriculum that includes programming, algorithms, and software engineering—key areas for blockchain careers. For advanced learners, the Master of Science in Information Systems offered by Northeastern University blends technical knowledge with business strategy to prepare you for leadership roles in tech-driven industries.