Average salary offers in the Russian mechanical engineering sector rose by 54% year-on-year between January and August 2026, reaching 150,600 ₽ per month. The highest-paid roles include electric gas welders at 177,000 ₽, gas cutters at 165,000 ₽, and milling machine operators at 145,000 ₽.
Employer demand for specific roles has surged, with gas cutter vacancies increasing by 103% and quality control positions by 76%. Job seeker interest also grew significantly, with responses to locksmith-repairman vacancies rising by 107% and production line operator roles by 99% compared to the previous year.
The automotive market is shifting toward domestic production. By the end of summer 2026, Russian brands and locally assembled foreign models accounted for approximately 55% of new car listings on Avito, up from less than 43% a year earlier. Lada remains the most represented brand.
Market leaders note that companies are raising salary offers to compete for skilled labor, as approximately two-thirds of engineering firms report staff shortages. The rise in domestic vehicle production and the availability of localized models like Haval and Tenet are driving both market supply and demand.
