Also called: ZK Engineer, ZK Proof Engineer
Builds math-based systems that prove something is true without revealing the private details.
You write code that lets someone prove they are over 18 without showing their birthday, or prove a payment is valid without revealing the amount. It is cutting-edge math turned into software.
Mostly crypto and privacy startups; pay often includes tokens or stock.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Master's degree, about 6 years after high school. Strong math and computer science; many have a master's or PhD.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school, Self-taught. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Computer Science, Mathematics.
Growing faster than average. Small, fast-growing niche.
Low risk for 10 years. Zero-knowledge proofs need rare math and cryptography skill; AI assists coding, but experts are scarce.
Classes: AP Calculus BC, AP Computer Science A, Number theory or math club.
Official data: O*NET occupation 15-1252.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.