Russian IT specialists faced a decline in earnings this year, a shift highlighted by industry observers who analyzed data from HR company Ventra and summarized by media outlets. The early part of the year showed a pattern where wages for several IT roles dropped by about 15 to 25 percent on an annual basis, with average monthly figures around 150,000 rubles. This trend points to tightening salary growth in many segments of the tech sector, even as certain niches maintained higher compensation levels due to specialized demand. (DEA News)
The most lucrative paths within the sector remained in banking and retail technology, where IT professionals reported monthly earnings near 265,000 rubles and 240,000 rubles respectively. By contrast, specialists in game development earned roughly 149,000 rubles per month, while those in the medical tech field took home about 137,000 rubles. Industry analysts note that background industry factors, such as project lifecycle, client budgets, and risk profiles, contribute to these disparities. In manufacturing and related areas, salaries hovered around 105,000 rubles, reflecting broader market conditions and the emphasis on cost efficiency in some enterprise environments. (DEA News)
Observers say Russian companies are increasingly casting a wider net to hire entry-level IT professionals who bring fresh training and lower salary expectations. This practice is driven by the need to scale teams quickly, fill skill gaps across stacks, and manage early-career development paths within constrained payrolls. For newcomers, intensive upskilling and practical project exposure often compensate for shorter resumes, helping them advance into higher-paying roles as experience accumulates. (DEA News)
A separate report on the Moscow job market showed that beginner IT specialists, typically younger entrants to the field, saw average monthly salaries rise by about 5 percent in the first half of the year, reaching 91,488 rubles. In St. Petersburg, the figure stood at 75,564 rubles, marking a 15 percent year-over-year increase. Analysts attribute these gains to targeted hiring campaigns, localized demand for junior developers, and employers striving to attract new talent amid competitive markets. (Avito Work data cited)
Looking ahead, industry watchers suggest that the IT labor market will continue to evolve as companies balance cost considerations with the need for skilled workers. Training programs, internships, and employer-sponsored education could help bridge the gap between beginner salaries and the higher compensation levels earned by specialists with proven track records. At the same time, regional variations are likely to persist, with major cities displaying more balanced salary growth due to larger tech ecosystems and more frequent project opportunities. (Avito Work data cited)
In broader terms, the trend lines indicate a shift in how young people approach IT careers. The majority of high school students face uncertainty about which direction to pursue, influenced by perceived ease of entry, potential earnings, and the availability of hands-on experience during studies. As the tech sector remains a cornerstone of modern economies, families and educators alike are exploring pathways that offer practical skills, early work exposure, and a clear route to professional advancement. This evolving landscape suggests that informed choice, early training, and continuous learning will be key to long-term success in Russia’s IT arena. (General market observations)