Salaries for experienced IT specialists in Russia have returned to 2023 levels
In the first quarter of 2026, the Russian IT labor market underwent notable changes. According to the latest data, the median salary for Senior-level specialists reached 300,000 rubles after all taxes.
This figure is 17% lower than in previous periods of active sector growth. Thus, the incomes of highly qualified IT personnel have effectively returned to 2023 levels. Experts note that the labor market is gradually stabilizing following a period of sharp increases in salary offers.
Analysts attribute this dynamic to changes in hiring strategies at large technology companies. Employers have become more cautious in forming payroll budgets, prioritizing cost optimization and finding a balance between an employee's qualifications and their financial expectations.
Despite the decline in median values, demand for high-level professionals remains stable. Companies continue to need experienced developers and engineers, although competition for talent has become less aggressive than it was two years ago.
In the coming months, experts expect the current trend to continue. The IT labor market is entering a phase of maturity, where salary growth is becoming more predictable and tied to the real economic performance of companies.