The notion that every IT professional earns top wages persists in some quarters, yet it doesn’t stand up to careful examination. This view was discussed by Kliment Kuzmin, chief executive of the studio behind Oasis Application digital solutions and the Products School startup academy, in conversations with socialbites.ca about what people can realistically expect in today’s market. He notes that take-home pay in tech varies widely based on specialization, experience, and location of employment.
Current data show an average monthly income in the IT sector around 150,000 rubles, but actual earnings hinge on multiple factors. Historically, Moscow and Saint Petersburg have offered the strongest salaries, yet regional gaps have narrowed in recent years. On average, differences between regions hover around 10 percent, signaling a more competitive field across the country. Still, the typical monthly figure is often closer to 50,000 rubles, while seasoned professionals in large organizations can reach substantially higher levels, sometimes near one million rubles per month when responsibilities expand. Kuzmin stresses that the myth of universal sky-high pay is misleading and that context matters greatly .
According to the expert, practical factors such as experience and a visible portfolio play a crucial role in wage assessments. Entry-level workers generally earn less, with salaries in the early stages typically ranging from 30,000 to 60,000 rubles. Salary growth tends to accelerate as professionals climb the career ladder and develop specialized expertise. He warns against assuming that completing a short course automatically leads to immediate earnings in the high five figures or six figures. Those elevated incomes are attainable only for a select group with substantial business experience and proven results .
Education remains a stable determinant in the IT field. Employers continue to prize solid university training as a foundation for career progression. A strong educational background often correlates with greater opportunities to specialize, lead projects, and command higher compensation over time. Kuzmin emphasizes that building a durable skill set requires sustained effort, ongoing learning, and deliberate portfolio development. Only after achieving real proficiency can a professional expect meaningful salary growth and broader career options .
The discussion also touches on how professionals should approach long-term career planning. Building a robust portfolio, pursuing continuous learning, and actively applying skills to meaningful projects are essential steps. The path to higher earnings typically combines technical depth, leadership capability, and the ability to translate technical work into tangible business outcomes. In practice, developers, analysts, and engineers who demonstrate impact, reliability, and adaptability tend to fare better in salary discussions and promotions. Kuzmin suggests focusing on mastering relevant frameworks, programming languages, and problem-solving approaches while accumulating real-world results that can be shown to potential employers or partners .
There is no single formula for success, but the overarching message is clear: IT compensation is variable and heavily influenced by personal momentum. Investors and employers look for professionals who deliver value over time, not just those who finish a course and expect instant returns. The industry rewards those who invest in education, build a strong portfolio, and participate in projects that yield measurable outcomes. This combination remains the most reliable driver of earnings growth in the IT sector today, according to Kuzmin .
In summary, the current state of IT salaries reflects a broad spectrum of possibilities. Beginners may notice modest wages, while regional differences and company scale can shape earnings potential. As experience grows and portfolios mature, salaries can rise substantially. The practical takeaway is straightforward: success in IT hinges on continuous learning, tangible results, and steady advancement up the career ladder rather than quick, guaranteed windfalls. Kuzmin reiterates that sustained commitment to education and professional development remains the surest route to steady financial progress in the field .