Getting a Bitcoin Salary — Is It Possible in the US and Canada?
More and more people are considering using Bitcoin as a means of investment, and as a form of direct income. In particular, some companies in the US and Canada are increasingly paying their employees in Bitcoin, and freelancers and remote workers are increasingly receiving compensation in Bitcoin.
So, is it realistically possible to get a Bitcoin salary in the US and Canada in 2025? Beyond the technical feasibility, we will summarize the key points that must be considered from a legal, tax, and real-life perspective.
1. Bitcoin Salary Cases Actually Exist
Bitcoin salaries are no longer just a theory. Real-world cases are steadily increasing, centering on some companies and the freelance community, and this trend is especially evident in the tech industry and remote work environments.
✔ Cases of American Sports Stars
NFL players Odell Beckham Jr. and Russell Okung have publicly declared that they will receive part of their salaries in Bitcoin. They believe in the long-term rise in Bitcoin's value and are trying something new, breaking away from traditional salary methods.
✔ Experiments in IT and blockchain companies
Not only cryptocurrency-related companies, but also some startups and IT companies are offering Bitcoin salary options for technical and marketing positions. Interest in these options is growing, especially among millennial and Gen Z employees, and some companies are using them as a differentiation strategy for recruiting talent.
✔ Choices for freelancers and remote workers
Some global freelancers working through Upwork, Fiverr, GitHub, etc. are receiving payments in Bitcoin from clients. Due to the nature of cross-border work, there are more and more cases where Bitcoin payments are preferred over traditional bank transfers because they are faster and cheaper.
⚠️ Practical constraints
Although Bitcoin salaries are practically spreading, there are still clear legal and practical constraints. In most cases, only a portion of the salary is paid in Bitcoin, or it is paid as a project-based compensation rather than a legal salary.
2. Legal and tax realities in the US and Canada
Let's take a look at the legal and tax realities that you must know before receiving a Bitcoin salary. Both countries are gradually clarifying their regulatory frameworks for cryptocurrencies, but there are still some complexities.
✔ Legally Mandatory Payments in 'Local Currency'
Both the US and Canada legally require that official salaries, including minimum wages, be paid in 'local currency (USD, CAD)'. However, it is possible to convert some or all of the payment into Bitcoin with the voluntary consent of the employee. This can be understood as a form of providing additional services after the employer has fulfilled its legal obligations.
✔ Bitcoin is also subject to income tax
Even if you receive your salary in Bitcoin, it is legally treated the same as cash income. Income tax is levied based on the exchange rate at the time of payment, and separate capital gains tax may be applied to profits and losses that occur when you sell Bitcoin later. Therefore, the risk of double taxation should also be considered.
✔ Increased tax and accounting complexity for employers
Since accounting processing, payroll reporting, and tax withholding can increase complexity, most companies prefer to pay only a portion of the total salary in Bitcoin. In addition, accounting uncertainty due to Bitcoin price volatility is an important factor that employers should consider.
3. Pros and Cons of Bitcoin Salary
✅ Pros
❌ Cons
4. Realistic alternatives — partial payment or freelance options
Practical compromises are mainly used rather than full Bitcoin salaries. These methods are ways to minimize legal and practical restrictions while taking advantage of the advantages of Bitcoin.
✔ Only a portion of the salary (e.g. 10-30%) is converted to Bitcoin
After payment in fiat currency, a portion is automatically converted to Bitcoin upon employee request. This is a balanced approach that ensures salary stability while also achieving the effects of Bitcoin investment. Many companies are providing employees with a choice through this method.
✔ Utilizing Bitcoin Payments in Freelance and Global Contracts
This is a method of selecting Bitcoin payment by service or project unit, rather than the legal salary concept. This is especially effective for cross-border work or one-off projects, and is used as a faster and cheaper payment method than traditional international remittances.
✔ Pay bonuses or incentives in Bitcoin
Basic salaries are paid in the traditional way, but there are increasing cases of performance bonuses or special incentives being paid in Bitcoin. This is a way to motivate employees while highlighting the company's innovative image.
5. Considerations when introducing Bitcoin salaries
To actually introduce Bitcoin salaries, the following factors must be carefully considered:
🔍 Build technical infrastructure
Technical foundations such as secure Bitcoin wallet management, private key security, and backup systems are required. Establishing automated processes that are linked to your payroll system is also an important consideration.
📊 Accounting and Tax Management
Professional tax knowledge is required, such as accounting methods that reflect Bitcoin price volatility, tax reporting procedures, and exchange rate standards. It is important to establish accurate procedures through consultation with a professional accountant or tax accountant.
⚖️ Legal Risk Management
You must meet legal requirements, such as modifying employment contracts, complying with labor standards laws, and various reporting obligations. We also need to have flexible plans to prepare for future regulatory changes.
🎯 Conclusion — Bitcoin Salaries Are Possible, But You Need to Be Prepared
As of 2025, getting paid in Bitcoin is already a reality for some in the US and Canada. However, due to institutional limitations, tax issues, and price volatility, there is still a long way to go before mass adoption.
If you are considering a Bitcoin salary, it is essential to ✔ understand the legal structure accurately, ✔ prepare tax reporting and accounting management plans, and ✔ choose a trustworthy employer or platform.
In the era of receiving a salary in Bitcoin, please prepare wisely after balancing the possibilities and risks.