Welders Become Russia’s Highest-Paid Blue-Collar Workers in 2026

The profession of a welder has become the highest-paid among blue-collar occupations in 2026, Alexander Safonov, professor at the Financial University under the Government of Russia said. Safonov linked this trend to several key factors, primarily a shortage of qualified workers and strong demand from employers across industrial sectors, RIA Novosti reports. Labor Shortage Drives Up Welding Salaries He added that the highest wages appear in rotational and shift-based jobs within private and industrial sectors.