Negotiating Pay for Remote Blockchain Jobs: How to Handle the Geographic Gap?

Hey everyone,

I'm in the middle of interviewing for a few exciting remote blockchain jobs and could use some collective wisdom on a common hurdle.

For those with remote blockchain jobs, how do you handle the geographic pay gap when negotiating with US or European companies?

I'm trying to frame my arguments and would love to hear how others approach this. Specifically:

When you discuss salary, do you anchor your expectations to the company's location (e.g., a Bay Area benchmark) or your own? How do you justify your approach?
What are your best tactics for remote work negotiation when a recruiter brings up your lower cost of living as a reason for a lower salary offer?
Are there any particular data points or arguments that have proven effective in countering geographic pay policies, especially in the competitive market for global crypto jobs where talent is the primary asset?

Really appreciate any personal stories or negotiation strategies you can share. It's a tricky topic to navigate.

Thanks

Geographic pay policies in remote blockchain hiring are evolving. Some companies still localize pay, adjusting for cost-of-living, but others are shifting toward skill- and contribution-based compensation models to attract top-tier talent globally.

When negotiating, ask for transparency on how pay is determined—request to see the company’s compensation philosophy or pay bands, and challenge any blanket assumptions about your region by referencing your role’s global market value.

Use data from multiple geographies to demonstrate that blockchain expertise is a premium asset, and suggest creative solutions like performance bonuses or international benchmarking to bridge gaps. Remember, your negotiation approach can set a precedent for others in your region, so advocate confidently.

What’s the most creative or effective argument you’ve used to challenge a company’s geographic pay policy, and how did leadership respond?