Most Russian employers have no plans to raise wages this year, according to a survey by recruitment platform HeadHunter, as mounting financial pressure on businesses weakens one of the key drivers of consumer spending during the war economy.
Only 33% of companies increased salaries in the first half of 2026, while 59% left pay unchanged, HeadHunter said. Looking ahead, just 29% of employers plan further wage increases before the end of the year, while 58% intend to keep salaries at current levels, according to data provided to Forbes.
The figures suggest Russia's rapid wage growth, fueled by labor shortages, military recruitment and government spending since the start of the war in Ukraine, may be losing momentum as companies grapple with declining profits, sanctions and slowing economic activity.
Pay increases were most common in the energy sector, where half of surveyed organizations raised salaries. Food producers followed at 48%, ahead of telecommunications companies at 46%. Healthcare and pharmaceuticals reported a 44% share, while electronics manufacturers stood at 39%. Education, financial services, consumer services and the oil and gas sector each reported increases at 36%, while heavy machinery manufacturers lagged at 33%.
