Median Russian salary nears the 100,000 ruble mark
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In the midst of 2025, Russia has witnessed a significant increase in average monthly salaries. As reported by various sources, the tax-free average monthly salary now stands between 97,000 to 99,400 rubles, equating to approximately $1,240 to $1,243. This marks a nominal increase of about 14.5% annually and a real wage gain of approximately 4.2% after inflation.
This rise in wages is a stark contrast to two years ago, when wages were substantially lower due to economic disruptions from sanctions and inflation following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Regional Differences Persist
The regions with the highest salaries continue to be industrial and economic hubs, including Moscow and Saint Petersburg, as well as resource-rich areas where demand for labor is high. Sectors such as construction, industry, and IT have seen wage growth of 25–27% in recent years. These regions benefit from skilled workers and better employment opportunities, with middle-class growth particularly evident.
On the other hand, regions with the lowest salaries tend to be more rural or economically depressed areas where labor shortages are less acute and economic activities are limited. These locations lag in wage growth compared to the national average. Despite a tight labor market with unemployment at a historic low of 2.2%, disparities remain significant.
Financial Vulnerability Remains
While wages have risen, a large segment of the population still faces financial vulnerability. According to recent reports, 38% of the population has no savings, and only a small fraction is able to save reserves for multiple months. This underscores persistent income inequality despite wage increases.
Data from Various Sources
According to data collected in April 2025, the average monthly salary before tax was 99,400 rubles. This data was the result of a study that covered 95,400 organizations, excluding small businesses. However, the study did not provide information on the changes in salary distribution across different income levels, the industry distribution of the organizations, or the geographical distribution of the workers.
Regional Disparities
Regional disparities persist, with industrial centers and capital city regions paying substantially more than less developed areas. As seen in previous wage distribution data from 2023, Moscow and Saint Petersburg had average monthly salaries of 178,200 rubles and 159,400 rubles, respectively. Conversely, the lowest values were observed in Dagestan (45,400 rubles), Chechnya (43,100 rubles), and Ingushetia (39,600 rubles).
The highest average salaries were recorded in the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug (193,800 rubles), Moscow (178,200 rubles), and the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug (163,400 rubles).
In conclusion, the distribution of average monthly salaries in Russia in 2025 shows clear overall growth from two years ago, strongest gains in economically dynamic regions, persistent labor shortages pushing wages up, but ongoing disparities between richest and poorest regions remain significant.
- The rise in average monthly salaries, now ranging between 97,000 to 99,400 rubles, has evidently impacted the business sector, as well as the finance industry, given the increased purchasing power among the Russian population.
- Despite regional differences persisting, with certain industrial and economic hubs such as Moscow and Saint Petersburg boasting significantly higher salaries, the finance industry must acknowledge these disparities and make efforts to provide equal employment opportunities and compensation across Russia to reduce income inequality.
