The median wage in Russia is under RUR 27K ($400) per month as around 20% Russians earn under RUR 15K ($220), according to a RIA Rating research.
The median wage means that half of the population’s income is below this level and the other half is above that. Experts believe that this data is a more objective estimate of the situation in the labor market than the official data on the average wage, which stands at RUR 40K ($600). At the same time, the research shows that less than 4.5% of Russians have a high income of over RUR 100K ($1500) per month. Their number over the year has increased by only 0.3%. These citizens cannot be called wealthy; however, this level of income ensures median wealth and even financial prosperity, according to the researchers.
Experts documented a typical distribution of high and low salaries across Russian regions. Remote northern regions (Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Area, Chukotka and Nenets Autonomous Area) are leaders in the ranking. In Yamal, more than 27% of workers make over RUR 100K per month. Last year, the share was under 24%.
Outsiders include Caucasus republics, including Dagestan and Karachayevo-Circassia as well as several regions in Central Russia (Pskov, Tambov, Bryansk, Oryol, Ivanovo regions). Moscow was ranked fifth. Less than 18% in the capital have high earnings.