Ethereum core developers are facing a salary gap compared to market rates. On average, these developers earn around $140,000. However, the market salary for similar roles stands at nearly $359,000. This significant disparity prompts concerns about talent retention and motivation within the Ethereum community. The Protocol Guild, a notable group focusing on sustaining Ethereum’s ecosystem, has distributed over $33 million since 2022. Contributions from projects such as EigenLayer and Ether.fi have helped increase total developer compensation to about $207,121. With conditions like these, the Ethereum community must consider how to bridge this gap to attract and maintain top talent. The ongoing conversation about fair compensation in the crypto sector is critical as it impacts the long-term viability of blockchain initiatives.