AI Skills Pay Off: Data Scientists Top the Salary Charts in Russia

A new analysis of job postings from hh.ru reveals which AI-skilled professionals are commanding the highest paychecks in Russia. Data scientists lead the pack with an average monthly salary of 200,000 rubles, followed by programmers and developers at 126,200 rubles. The study, conducted in the first half of 2026 and reviewed by RIA Novosti, examined over 21,600 vacancies where employers explicitly listed artificial intelligence expertise as a key requirement.

Sales and client relations managers with AI know-how can expect around 110,300 rubles per month, while marketing and internet marketing managers average 91,000 rubles. Creative roles also see a premium: copywriters, editors, and proofreaders who work with AI earn about 83,400 rubles monthly, matching the pay for video operators and editors. Designers and artists with AI skills are close behind at 83,300 rubles.

At the lower end of the spectrum, teachers with AI expertise earn an average of 74,200 rubles, while SMM and content managers take home 73,200 rubles. Secretaries, executive assistants, and office assistants who can handle AI tools earn the least among the listed roles, with an average salary of 66,200 rubles. The data highlights a clear hierarchy: technical AI roles command the highest wages, while support and creative positions still benefit from—but earn less for—their AI proficiency.