# Ethereum Core Devs Paid 50%+ Below Market Rate

*Author: Bankless*
*Published: Sep 9, 2025*
*Source: https://www.bankless.com/read/ethereum-core-devs-paid-50-below-market-rate*

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Ethereum’s core contributors are earning dramatically less than their peers in crypto, according to a new report from Protocol Guild. The group surveyed over 100 developers and found median salaries lagging market rates by as much as 60%, raising long-term concerns about retention and ecosystem growth.

### What’s the Scoop?
- **Pay Gap:** Median salaries for Ethereum devs are around $140,000 — more than 50% below competing roles elsewhere, which often exceed $300,000 and include token or equity compensation. Most Ethereum contributors receive none.
- **External Offers Rising:** Nearly 40% of surveyed devs reported receiving outside offers in the past year, with an average value of $359,000. Many offers came from rival chains and L2s.
- **Credible Neutrality at Risk:** Protocol Guild called undercompensation a serious threat to Ethereum’s development roadmap and long-term neutrality, warning that key contributors could drift to better-funded projects.
- **Support Programs:** The group’s 1% Pledge — supported by projects like EigenLayer, Etherfi, Taiko, and Puffer — along with donations from VanEck’s ETH ETF profits, has funneled over $32M into developer funding since 2022.
- **Impact of Guild Funding:** Members received $66,000 on average over the past year through the Protocol Guild. For many, that comprised nearly a third of total compensation — with 59% calling it “very or extremely important” to staying onboard.