The US crypto industry directly employs 34,000 people in 2026 and contributes $55 billion to the national economy, according to a report commissioned by the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA) from the Pragmatic Policy Group (PPG). That headcount already exceeds coffee and tea manufacturing, which accounts for 28,400 jobs, and leaves cement manufacturing (15,300) and tobacco manufacturing (10,600) further behind.

Wages, Multipliers, and the Full Employment Picture

Average pay in crypto sits at $133,000 a year, more than double the national median of $64,000. The NCA report ranks that figure above information and technology roles at $104,000 and manufacturing positions at $76,000. Of the $55 billion total economic contribution, roughly $31 billion flows directly to worker income.

The broader employment effect is considerably larger. Each direct crypto job supports six additional roles across the wider economy, pushing total supported employment to 232,000 in 2026. The breakdown:

  • Direct crypto company payrolls: 34,000
  • Supplier industries: 75,000
  • Worker spending (induced jobs): 123,000

Geographic Concentration

The jobs are not evenly distributed. California, New York, and Texas together hold 60% of all US crypto positions, with Washington and North Carolina also ranking among the top states. Heartland states still account for more than 17,000 roles in aggregate.

The NCA report lands as Washington debates the industry's regulatory future. The Senate prepares to vote on the 616-page Crypto Clarity Act, a measure that could reshape compliance requirements for the very employers this study counts. Separately, a crypto PAC recently topped $986,000 in Michigan primary spending, signaling how much the industry is willing to spend to protect its political position.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice.