Russians' Incomes Show Significant Growth: Average Salary to Exceed 100 Thousand Rubles

This prediction was made by Igor Balynin, an associate professor at the Department of Public Finance at the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, in an interview with RIA Novosti, based on data from wage growth in 2024. According to the expert, last year the average salary reached nearly 88 thousand rubles, which is 18% higher than the previous year. If the trend continues, a similar or even greater increase can be expected in 2025.

"In 2024, the average salary was 87,952 rubles. The increase compared to the previous year was about 18%. I believe that this year, the average salary indicator will surpass the 105 thousand ruble mark. If this happens, we will see a nominal increase of 19%," Balynin stated.

It is important to note that wage growth is outpacing inflation, which means a real increase in the population's purchasing power. This, in turn, positively impacts the standard of living of Russians, allowing them not only to meet basic needs but also to save or spend money on personal goals, Balynin clarified.

It is worth mentioning that the Ministry of Economic Development expects the average salary to reach nearly 133 thousand rubles by 2028, with a growth of about 17% in 2025. However, under the baseline scenario, real wage growth, adjusted for inflation, will be more modest—around 7% in 2025—gradually declining by 2028.