Inside the dark web job market

This report analyzes 2,225 dark web job postings (Jan 2023–Jun 2025), showing a parallel labor market where developers, penetration testers, money launderers, and reverse engineers (highest salaries) are in demand, with many generalist job seekers and a notable presence of teenagers. It highlights alignment with the legitimate market—skills over formal education, background checks, and synchronized supply-demand shifts—while noting the shadow market’s informality and speed; it forecasts rising average age and qualifications of job seekers as broader economic forces influence both markets.