From January through May 2023 the volume of responses to IT job openings in Russia rose to 23.4 million, a 44 percent increase over the same period a year earlier, according to Kommersant’s reporting based on HeadHunter statistics. Data from multiple outlets confirm a surge in interest in the IT field across the country, with the first quarter of 2023 showing a 59 percent rise in responses at MTS compared with the prior year. NtechLab also notes that the growth figure has effectively doubled in that timeframe.
NtechLab suggests that the heightened activity might be linked to the partial mobilization announced in the Russian Federation, a policy change that includes exemptions for IT workers from mobilization. Experts point out that the exemption plays a part in the trend, but the combination of government support measures and the ability to work remotely also feeds the momentum. Valentin Makarov, head of NP Russoft, adds that the policy climate and remote work options are key factors in the record interest seen in the IT sector.
HeadHunter data show that open IT positions followed the same upward trajectory, with the platform recording 274.9 thousand active job postings by the end of May, about 7 percent higher than the previous year. The surge in postings mirrors the rise in candidate responses, indicating a broader shift in the job market where technology roles attract significant attention from job seekers. The growth is seen across several subfields within IT, including software development, system administration, cybersecurity, and data analysis, suggesting a robust demand for technical talent in a volatile economic environment.
The broader context reveals that the IT sector in Russia has become a focal point for employment growth during the period in question. Many professionals are attracted to the potential for remote work arrangements, competitive compensation, and opportunities to contribute to critical digital infrastructure. The interplay between policy measures, remote work viability, and market demand helps explain why interest in IT roles has intensified and why more employers are posting vacancies as the year progresses.
Sources cited include HeadHunter for job posting and response statistics, MTS for early 2023 hiring activity, and NtechLab for industry-wide interpretation of the seasonal surge. These data points collectively illustrate a market where technology roles remain a durable source of employment and career resilience, even amid broader economic uncertainty. The trend aligns with a global pattern of growing reliance on information technology and digital services, underscoring the importance of technical skills for job seekers and employers alike. (Attribution: HeadHunter statistics via Kommersant coverage; MTS hiring data; NtechLab analysis; NP Russoft commentary).