Average Salary in Russia (2025)

Average Salary in russia

Understanding the average salary in Russia (2025) is essential for professionals, businesses, and expats planning to work in the country. Russia has a diverse economy driven by energy, mining, manufacturing, IT, and services. While the wages are lower compared to Western countries, the cost of living in Russia is also more affordable, creating a balanced lifestyle for many workers.

In this guide, we’ll explore Russia’s salary data, minimum wage, industry-specific earnings, and how the cost of living vs salary compares in 2025.


Average Salary in Russia: An Overview

In 2025, the average salary in Russia is approximately 1,000,000 RUB per year (about 83,000 RUB per month, or $900–$950 USD per month). Actual wages vary widely depending on industry and city.

  • Median Salary: 60,000 RUB/month ($680)
  • Top 10% Earners: Above 200,000 RUB/month (~$2,250)
  • Entry-Level Workers: Around 30,000–40,000 RUB/month (~$350–$450)

Moscow and St. Petersburg offer the highest wages, while smaller cities and rural regions pay significantly less.


Industry-Wise Salary Breakdown in Russia (2025)

  • Oil & Gas / Mining – 150,000–250,000 RUB/month
  • IT & Technology – 100,000–180,000 RUB/month
  • Engineering & Manufacturing – 70,000–120,000 RUB/month
  • Healthcare (Doctors & Nurses) – 60,000–150,000 RUB/month
  • Education – 40,000–70,000 RUB/month
  • Hospitality & Retail – 30,000–60,000 RUB/month

High-paying jobs are concentrated in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and resource-rich regions like Tyumen and Sakhalin.


Minimum Wage in Russia (2025)

As of 2025, the minimum wage in Russia is set at 19,242 RUB per month (~$215). This baseline wage is reviewed annually by the government and varies slightly across federal regions.

Despite being low compared to Western standards, subsidies and lower living costs in smaller cities help balance household expenses.


Cost of Living vs Salary in Russia

While the average wage in Russia may seem modest compared to developed economies, the cost of living is significantly lower:

  • Housing in Moscow is expensive, but other cities like Kazan, Novosibirsk, and Yekaterinburg are much cheaper.
  • Food, transportation, and utilities cost less than in Europe or the USA.
  • Example: A monthly salary of 80,000 RUB in Moscow offers a middle-class lifestyle, while the same amount in a smaller city provides a very comfortable standard of living.

This makes Russia an affordable place for both locals and expats, depending on location.


Salary trends in 2025 show steady growth in:

  • Technology & IT sectors (due to digital transformation)
  • Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals (driven by demand for medical services)
  • Logistics & E-commerce (growing after digital expansion)

However, retail, education, and public-sector jobs remain stagnant compared to private industries.


How Russia Salaries Compare Globally

Compared to the average salary worldwide, Russia ranks lower than Western Europe, North America, and East Asia. However, in terms of purchasing power parity (PPP), Russian salaries provide decent value due to the lower cost of living.


Conclusion

In summary, the average salary in Russia (2025) is around 83,000 RUB per month ($950 USD), with strong variations across industries and regions. While wages may be modest compared to developed countries, the cost of living vs salary balance allows many workers to maintain a comfortable lifestyle.

For anyone planning to work in Russia, understanding average wage in Russia, minimum wage levels, and salary trends is essential to make informed career and financial decisions.

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