Minister Forecasts End of Salary Race, Lists In-Demand Jobs
The sharp surge in salaries is giving way to a new reality. In 2026, we should not expect a repeat of the «salary race,» said Labor Minister Anton Kotyakov. But this does not mean that growth will stop. Simply, the labor market stakes are changing, and those who meet the new requirements will come out on top.
What Will Happen with Salaries
«That is, we should not expect the same rates of increase that we have seen in the last two years. After all, they partly compensated for the low base effect, including that formed during the pandemic. But salaries will still continue to increase, including in real terms,» said the minister.
According to the minister, the system of labor market management and specialist training should be built on an understanding of future needs. The key task is not just to train for in-demand professions, but to purposefully develop technological thinking in youth, as traditional specialties will continuously transform under the influence of new technologies.
Who Will Remain in Demand
qualified workers;
IT specialists;
doctors;
teachers;
engineers;
scientists.
Where Reductions Are Possible
While demand is growing in some areas, in others, «quiet optimization» may continue. HR expert Galina Bobkova predicts that a wave of reductions, although not as large-scale as last year, could affect a number of professions:
bank employees;
copywriters;
layout designers;
marketers;
analysts;
HR specialists;
accountants.
What Course to Take
And if you are just thinking about a future profession, the head of the operational staff of the independent trade union «New Labor» Alexei Nezhivoi recommended entering almost all high-tech industries.
«If a child has an inclination towards chemistry, mathematics, physics, biology, programming — go ahead. Because the IT industry will now be at the forefront of all scientific and technological progress,» said Nezhivoi.
Passive Income
For those who dream of not working but living off passive income, there is bad news. To receive 100,000 rubles (about $1,000 at current rates) monthly from a deposit, you first need to earn about 10 million rubles (approximately $100,000 at current rates). And that is not so easy. Against the backdrop of these figures, the forecast for salary growth looks modest. According to the Bank of Russia, the nominal wage on average across the economy in 2026 will increase by 8.4%. Real growth will be about 2.7%.
