AI Skills Pay Off: Data Scientists Top Salary Rankings in Russia

If you're wondering which jobs with artificial intelligence expertise pay the most, a new study from hh.ru has the answer. Data scientists, software programmers, and developers are leading the pack, commanding the highest salaries among professions where AI skills are in demand. The research, based on over 21,600 job postings from the first half of 2026, shows that companies are willing to pay a premium for these specialists.

Data scientists come out on top, with employers offering an average salary of 200,000 rubles per month. Programmers and developers aren't far behind, averaging 126,200 rubles monthly. Sales and customer service managers with AI know-how can expect around 110,300 rubles, while marketing and internet marketing managers see offers averaging 91,000 rubles. For copywriters, editors, and proofreaders who can work with AI, the average is 83,400 rubles - a figure matched by video operators and editors. Designers and artists earn slightly less at 83,300 rubles.

Further down the list, teachers with AI skills average 74,200 rubles, while SMM and content managers earn 73,200 rubles. At the lower end, secretaries, executive assistants, and office assistants with AI capabilities receive about 66,200 rubles per month. The findings underscore a clear trend: the more technical your role, the bigger the AI salary boost. As businesses increasingly integrate artificial intelligence, these numbers hint at where the smart money is going.

Source: RIA Novosti