Bitcoin Salaries Go Mainstream: 1 in 4 Companies Now Pay in Crypto

21 Nov

by Archer Whitmore 0 Comments

By July 2025, Bitcoin had surged past $123,000 — a level few thought possible just two years ago. And with that price jump came a quiet revolution in how people get paid. Rise Works’s 2025 Crypto Payroll Report found that one in four companies worldwide now offer employees the option to receive part of their salary in cryptocurrency. It’s not just tech startups in San Francisco anymore. From Berlin to Bangkok, businesses are rewriting paychecks — not with ink, but with blockchain.

The Hybrid Paycheck Is Now the New Standard

Forget all-or-nothing crypto pay. The real story isn’t about workers getting paid entirely in Bitcoin. It’s about balance. The typical 2025 payroll structure? Between 50% and 80% in traditional dollars, euros, or yen. Then 20% to 50% in stablecoins like USDC or USDT. And optionally, 5% to 10% in volatile assets like Bitcoin or Ethereum — for those who want to gamble on the next moon shot.

Why stablecoins? Because they don’t swing $10,000 in a day. Lano.io’s Employer’s Guide confirms over 90% of crypto payroll transactions now use stablecoins. Employees get the benefits of digital speed and low fees — without waking up to a 30% pay cut because Bitcoin dipped.

Gen Z Is Leading the Charge

Here’s the twist: it’s not the CEOs pushing this. It’s the interns.

According to Rise Works, 75% of Gen Z workers say they’d rather get paid in USDC than USD. Not because they’re crypto bros. But because they’ve seen how traditional banking fails them — delayed international transfers, hidden fees, frozen accounts. They want control. They want transparency. And they want their money to work for them, not just sit in a bank.

One tech founder in Lisbon told me: "My 22-year-old developer asked if he could get half his salary in USDC so he could stake it. Not to flip it. Just to earn yield. That’s not speculation. That’s financial literacy."

Regulations Are Finally Catching Up

For years, crypto payroll existed in a gray zone. Now, governments are stepping in — not to shut it down, but to organize it.

In January 2025, the IRS rolled out Form 1099-DA, requiring businesses to report all cryptocurrency transactions. Contractors? They now report crypto earnings on Form 1099-NEC. And starting in 2026, the reporting threshold jumps from $600 to $2,000 — meaning more freelancers will be pulled into the system, not fewer.

Meanwhile, the European Union enacted MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets), creating the first unified regulatory framework for digital assets across 27 countries. It’s not perfect, but it’s a start. And in Brazil, lawmakers are pushing Bill PL 957/2025, which would make voluntary crypto salary payments legal — a first in Latin America.

Why This Matters for Global Business

The numbers don’t lie. Companies using crypto payroll cut international transaction costs from an average of 6% down to under $5 per payout. That’s not a perk. It’s a lifeline for businesses hiring remotely.

Imagine a startup in Toronto hiring a developer in Nairobi. Traditional wire transfers? $45 in fees. 3-5 days to clear. Crypto payroll? $3. Instant. No middlemen. No currency conversion headaches.

And the talent pool? It’s global. No more saying "we can’t hire them because they’re in a country we can’t pay." With crypto, borders dissolve. Rise Works found Web3 salaries average over $103,000 annually — higher than most tech sectors — and companies using crypto pay attract 40% more applicants.

What’s Next? 35-40% Adoption by 2026

Analysts at BreakingCrypto predict crypto payroll will reach 35-40% of global businesses by 2026. Stablecoin volume? Could hit $20 trillion annually. Bitcoin? Still climbing. Targets range from $115,000 to $250,000 by year’s end.

But here’s the quiet truth: this isn’t about Bitcoin becoming money. It’s about payroll becoming modular. Workers get choice. Employers get efficiency. Regulators get visibility.

The September 2025 U.S. labor report showed nonfarm payrolls rose by 119,000 — more than double forecasts. Unemployment ticked up to 4.4%. Markets shrugged. Why? Because Bitcoin’s movement in 2025 isn’t driven by job numbers. It’s driven by ETF inflows, exchange liquidity, and institutional positioning. Payroll adoption? That’s the real signal.

Why This Isn’t a Fad

Remember when direct deposit seemed like magic? Now it’s basic. Crypto payroll is following the same path. It’s faster. Cheaper. More inclusive. And it’s being adopted not because of hype — but because it works.

Three years ago, paying in Bitcoin was a PR stunt. Today, it’s a competitive advantage.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does crypto payroll affect employees’ taxes?

Employees must report crypto payments at fair market value on the day they’re received. In the U.S., this triggers income tax and potentially capital gains if the asset is later sold. Form 1099-DA, effective January 2025, requires employers to report these transactions to the IRS. Stablecoins like USDC are treated the same as fiat for tax purposes, while Bitcoin and Ethereum are considered property, making record-keeping critical.

Why are stablecoins preferred over Bitcoin for payroll?

Stablecoins like USDC and USDT maintain a 1:1 peg to the U.S. dollar, eliminating the wild price swings that make Bitcoin risky for daily expenses. A 10% drop in Bitcoin overnight could erase a week’s pay. Stablecoins offer blockchain speed and low fees without the volatility — making them ideal for wages, rent, and bills. Over 90% of crypto payroll transactions now use stablecoins, according to Lano.io.

Which countries are leading in crypto payroll adoption?

The U.S., Germany, Singapore, and Brazil are top adopters. The U.S. leads in corporate usage, thanks to regulatory clarity from the IRS and MiCA’s influence. Germany and Singapore attract global Web3 firms with crypto-friendly policies. Brazil’s proposed Bill PL 957/2025 could make it the first Latin American nation to legally codify crypto salaries. Meanwhile, Ukraine and Nigeria see high individual adoption due to currency instability and remittance needs.

Can small businesses afford to implement crypto payroll?

Yes — and many already are. Platforms like Lano.io, BitPay, and CryptoPayroll offer plug-and-play solutions under $100/month. For businesses paying international contractors or remote workers, the savings on wire fees alone can pay for the system. One small SaaS company in Poland saved $1,200 in Q1 2025 by switching just 12 contractors to USDC payroll. The ROI is immediate.

Is crypto payroll legal everywhere?

No — but it’s becoming legal faster than ever. The U.S., EU, Japan, and Switzerland have clear guidelines. Countries like China and India still ban it outright. Brazil’s Bill PL 957/2025 would make it legal for voluntary payments. Employers must check local laws before offering crypto pay. The trend, however, is clear: regulation is following adoption, not blocking it.

What’s the biggest barrier to wider adoption?

Lack of understanding. Many HR departments still don’t know how to account for crypto wages. Accounting software hasn’t fully caught up. And some employees fear tax complexity. Education and integrated payroll tools are the real keys — not regulation or price. Companies that train their teams see 70% higher uptake than those that just offer it as a checkbox.

Tags: crypto payroll Bitcoin stablecoins global workforce hybrid compensation

Archer Whitmore

Hello, my name is Archer Whitmore, and I am an automobile enthusiast with a particular passion for rally racing. I have spent a considerable amount of time researching, driving, and studying various rally cars and techniques. My extensive knowledge in the field has allowed me to write engaging and informative articles on the subject. I enjoy sharing my experiences and insights with others who share my passion for rally racing. In my spare time, I also participate in local rally events to further refine my skills and stay connected to the community.