In 2023, the demand for freelancers across Russia surged, nearly doubling according to a study cited by Avito Services through Reedus. The shift signals a broader move among small and medium-sized businesses to outsource specialized work on a project basis rather than maintain full-time hires, a trend highlighted by Alexander Semochkin, head of the Business and Economic Services category at Avito Services.
Creative freelancers have become particularly sought after. The data show a sharp uptick in demand for SMM specialists, rising 399% from May to October compared with the same period the year before. Marketers follow closely, with a 273% increase in demand for their services. Designers also feature in the top tier of requested skills, with interest up around 181%.
During the first half of 2023, Russian freelancers connected with local clients generated about 5.3 billion rubles, a 53% year-over-year increase. The average monthly income for freelancers serving Russian clients hovers around 100,000 rubles. For those taking orders from foreign companies, earnings are significantly higher, averaging roughly 319,000 rubles per month.
According to the Federal Tax Service, the number of self-employed individuals in Russia reached around 9 million. The landscape indicates several cities stand out as particularly attractive for freelancers, underscoring regional variations in supply and opportunity.
Overall, the market trend reveals a robust localization of freelance work, with increasing numbers of professionals leveraging flexible arrangements to meet both domestic and international demand. This dynamic is fueling growth in specialized digital services and prompting more businesses to consider freelance talent as a strategic option for project-based needs. (Source: Avito Services; Reedus; Solar Staff)