Key labor market trends for Q2-2026
– The number of employed in the economy grew by 0.2% over the quarter (in seasonally adjusted terms). The unemployment rate reached a new historical low – 2.1% of the labor force.
– The number of new jobs did not undergo major changes (seasonally adjusted), and overall labor market tightness did not intensify significantly. If the trend of declining vacancy numbers continues over the next two quarters, it will be possible to assert an easing of tightness.
– The labor market was active in construction and agriculture. A decline in activity was observed in information and communications.
– The average monthly accrued wage grew by 2.5% in real terms in Q2 relative to Q1-2026 (seasonally adjusted). Labor productivity increased by 0.8% in real terms over the same period, while in nominal terms it grew somewhat faster than the average wage.
– The median wage in May grew by 9.6% in real terms relative to the same period of the previous year and stood at 77.1% of the average wage in the corresponding month. The largest share of workers received wages in the range of 1,500.1–2,000 rubles (17.9%), and the share of low-wage workers stood at 22.8%.
– The real wage growth rate in the state commercial and budget sectors was slightly higher than the economy-wide average, as a result of which their relative level showed a slight upward trend. The share of payroll employment in the state commercial sector declined slightly and stood at 41.7% at the end of the quarter.