USDC Dominates 63% of Crypto Salaries in 2024 as Blockchain Payroll Gains Momentum

Blockchain-native payroll systems are gaining traction as firms increasingly issue salaries in stablecoins, with USDC emerging as the dominant asset in the sector. According to a recent survey by Pantera Capital, Circle’s USDC accounted for 63% of salaries paid in digital assets in 2024, significantly outpacing USDt, despite the latter’s trading volume dominance [1]. This trend reflects a broader shift in the crypto industry toward institutional trust in dollar-backed stablecoins, particularly for compensation purposes.

The number of professionals receiving salaries in crypto has tripled in the past year, with 9.6% now opting for stablecoin compensation. This shift underscores growing confidence in blockchain technology as a reliable infrastructure for financial operations, especially in payroll processing. Additionally, 88% of vesting schedules for token-based compensation are now set for four years, up from 64% the previous year [1]. This indicates a stronger emphasis on long-term employee alignment with company objectives, a common trait in traditional equity compensation structures.

Circle has been aggressively expanding USDC’s use cases beyond trading, positioning it as a core component for institutional payments, payroll, and B2B financial infrastructure. In March 2024, the company partnered with Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), the parent company of the New York Stock Exchange, to explore integrating USDC and tokenized funds into global derivatives markets [1]. The same year, Circle applied for a federal trust bank charter with the US Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, aiming to provide regulated infrastructure for stablecoin-based services.

Regulatory developments have also supported this trend. In July 2025, President Donald Trump signed the GENIUS Act into law, establishing a bipartisan regulatory framework for stablecoin issuers. Advocates of the bill highlighted USDC as a model for compliant digital dollar issuance [1].

Zebec, a platform supporting blockchain-based payroll, reported surpassing $41 million in monthly payroll volume in August 2025. The platform enables real-time payouts in multiple blockchains, including USDC, ALGO, and ETH [2]. Additionally, Zebec’s corporate card integration, facilitating $52 million in monthly transactions, demonstrates the increasing utility of blockchain infrastructure in traditional financial workflows.

The adoption of stablecoins in payroll is not merely a technological advancement but also a strategic decision for firms seeking to reduce friction in cross-border payments, lower costs, and enhance transparency. The preference for USDC over other stablecoins in this context signals its growing role as a bridge between traditional and decentralized financial systems, offering the benefits of blockchain without the volatility of assets like Bitcoin or Ethereum.

Analysts suggest that this trend could accelerate the mainstream adoption of blockchain-based financial tools, particularly as companies seek more efficient and secure methods to manage workforce compensation [1]. The expanding role of stablecoin issuers like Circle and Tether in shaping the future of digital payments is also becoming evident.

As blockchain payroll systems gain momentum, questions around regulatory clarity, data privacy, and the long-term viability of digital assets in enterprise environments will need to be addressed. However, the current data highlights a clear preference for USDC in this sector, signaling a significant shift in how businesses approach digital remuneration.

[1] Pantera Capital Report. https://en.coinotag.com/usdc-dominates-crypto-salaries-in-2024-signaling-shift-toward-blockchain-payroll-systems/

[2] TikTok. Zebec Just Hit $41M Payroll Volume! Is This the STRIPE of .... August 2025. https://www.tiktok.com/@forrrestunfiltered/video/7535230576861777174