According to Avito Rabota data for January–August 2026, surveyors became the highest-paid blue-collar professionals in Russia. Employers offered an average monthly salary of 159 642 ₽, which is 43% higher than in the same period of 2025.
Drywall installers ranked second with an average offer of 151 569 ₽ per month, a 7% increase. Automotive specialists also saw high demand: car painters were offered 150 070 ₽, while body repair technicians and engine mechanics received offers of 150 000 ₽ per month.
The metallurgical industry currently offers the highest salaries by sector at 170 076 ₽ per month. Production of electrical and optical equipment follows with 169 174 ₽, and transport engineering offers 162 600 ₽ per month.
The surge in salary offers is attributed to a general labor shortage in construction and manufacturing. Roman Gubanov, director of development at Avito Rabota, noted that companies are raising pay to attract and retain qualified personnel.
Candidate activity also shifted significantly. From January to August 2026, the number of applications for road foreman positions rose by 112%, while interest in zootechnician and various locksmith roles increased by 96% to 105%.
