Russians Move for Higher Pay and Careers
A significant number of Russians are relocating to major cities and resource-rich regions for higher wages and career opportunities, with salary being the primary factor in job selection, according to multiple surveys.
Consensus
- Salary is the main factor influencing Russians' decisions to change jobs or relocate.
- Many Russians are moving to large cities and resource-rich regions for better job opportunities.
- A substantial portion of respondents in surveys are open to relocating for career advancement or higher pay.
- The desire to move is hindered by personal commitments such as housing, children, and social ties.
Points of divergence
- 86% of respondents in the hh.ru survey cited wage growth as the main reason for relocation. — riamo
- Workers in construction, extraction, production, transportation, and logistics are particularly mobile. — riamo
- High-paying shift work is most common in the first half of 2026, with high pay compensating for remote locations and long separations from family. — riamo
- Darya Mitina, head of the independent union 'New Labor,' noted that people also move for education and medical care, worsening regional staffing shortages. — riamo
- 16% of Russians have side jobs outside their primary employment, according to a platform lawyer. — vesti
- 23% of respondents are currently seeking additional income, and 25% do not want extra workloads. — vesti
- Sakhalin Oblast, Yakutia, and Altai Region had the highest pay for side jobs as of August. — vesti
- 59% of Russians said salary is the most important factor when choosing a job. — tg_moscash
- After salary, respondents ranked 'reasonable boss' and 'company stability' as top priorities. — tg_moscash
Coverage (5 sources)
- Russians travel to megacities and resource regions for work — РИАМО
- Less than a quarter of Russians have side work — Вести
- Half of Russians agree to lower salary for work closer to home — Вести
- Salary is most important when choosing a job: so answered 59% of Russians — Московский кэш
- Research: most Russians choose jobs based on salary level — Вести