In August 2023, demand for qualified IT specialists in Russia surged dramatically, rising more than threefold compared with the same period a year earlier. Analysts highlighted the trend as a leading indicator of the sector’s health, with hiring activity accelerating across various IT roles.
Alongside the growth in demand, salary offers in IT also moved upward. The average monthly salary for an IT specialist approached 60,000 rubles, a rise of about 23% over the previous year. In some cases, compensation could reach as high as 300,000 rubles per month, depending on qualifications and experience.
The sharpest jump in demand was observed among PC operators, where vacancies increased more than threefold year over year. Corresponding wages rose by about half, averaging around 50,000 rubles per month.
Similarly, the market for computer specialists expanded rapidly. The number of openings for these roles nearly doubled, with salaries climbing about 20% to roughly 72,800 rubles each month.
Programming professionals also saw stronger demand, rising by roughly 30%, while salary offers grew about 15% to an average near 73,000 rubles per month.
It emerged that employers were seeking talent across educational backgrounds. Both higher education and secondary vocational training were valued, with many candidates succeeding in building a solid IT career even with vocational qualifications.
Data from industry surveys indicate that employers in the IT sector are casting a wide net for talent, including those with tertiary degrees and those with secondary education. A recent survey of more than 10,000 Russian workers suggested that 67% of IT professionals view secondary vocational education as a promising path within the field.
Experts connect the sustained demand for IT specialists to the broader development of Russian tech firms following the withdrawal of several large Western vendors, along with government digitization initiatives that continue to push adoption and modernization across industries.
Nevertheless, the staffing gap remains substantial. Remarks from leading officials note that even with a growing IT workforce — reported to have increased by about 13% in 2022 — the sector still requires an estimated 500,000 to 700,000 workers to meet projected needs.
Additionally, Russia’s tax policy for remote workers has been a factor in shaping how IT staff are compensated and how remote collaboration is organized across regions.