The Arctic and Far Eastern regions topped the list of Russian federal subjects by salary levels and distribution from January to August 2025, according to statistical data published by RIA Novosti.

The Chukotka Autonomous Area ranked first, with 36.5% of employees earning more than 200,000 rubles a month. Typical salaries in the region range from 112,000 to 268,000 rubles.

In the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Area, which placed third nationwide, 24.7% of workers earn above 200,000 rubles, with salaries typically ranging between 95,000 and 198,000 rubles.

The Magadan Region also ranked high, with 20.4% of employees earning over 200,000 rubles and salaries generally ranging from 91,000 to 188,000 rubles.

The Nenets Autonomous Area completed the top five, with 17.1% of its workforce earning more than 200,000 rubles. Salaries in the region typically range from 76,000 to 168,000 rubles.

Eight Arctic Zone regions made it into the top 20 overall: the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) (14.3%, 7th place), Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area (12.2%, 9th place), Murmansk Region (10.5%, 11th place), Krasnoyarsk Territory (8.1%, 15th place) and the Komi Republic (6%, 19th place).

Experts note that high salaries in these regions are linked to the dominance of the resource sector, northern wage bonuses and compensation, as well as intense competition for skilled personnel.