Every third Russian is ready to switch from an office job to a skilled trade.

      Office workers are increasingly looking towards skilled trades

      Numbers: what the survey showed

      The research revealed an interesting trend. Every third working Russian (29%) is potentially ready to switch from office work to a skilled trade, provided that the employer guarantees employment.

      The most desired trades among office employees are:

      - confectioner and baker — 11% (one in ten);

      - cook and seamstress — 9% each;

      - also in the top: electricians, welders, installers.

      Why the office is looking towards the shop

      Research Director Maria Ignatova explains: “Interest in skilled trades is linked to the demand for stability and clear career prospects.” And the main argument is money. In April 2026, the average offered salary in skilled trades reached 100,070 rubles. This is 16,066 rubles (or 19.1%) higher than the median salary in Russia. Skilled trades today are genuinely competing with office jobs in terms of pay, and often winning.

      Expert opinion: “potentially ready” does not equal “actually changing”

      Professor Alexander Safonov from the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation urges caution. “Potentially ready” and “actually changing professions” are different things. Office employees, unfamiliar with the real nature of physical labor, often speculate in the subjunctive mood: “if only.” De facto, mass changes of professions occur only in extreme cases — under pressure of circumstances.

      What is really behind the statistics

      Behind the figure of 29% lies more of a social demand for respect and decent pay than a readiness to go to the shop tomorrow morning. Office workers are tired of “flexible schedules” without overtime pay and want clear KPIs. But the romance of “working hands” crashes against harsh reality: 12-hour shifts, harmful conditions, and lack of career growth beyond a master.

      The trend towards skilled trades is a real signal to the labor market. Salaries are rising, prestige is returning. But there will be no mass exodus of office workers to the shops as long as working conditions remain incomparable. However, every third person has at least considered it — and that is already significant.

      Photo by the author

      Yulia Kazamarova

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      Every third Russian is ready to switch from an office job to a skilled trade

      Office workers are increasingly looking towards skilled trades

      Numbers: what the survey showed

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      Every third Russian is ready to switch from an office job to a skilled trade

      Office workers are increasingly looking towards skilled trades

      Numbers: what the survey showed

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