Largest Russian IT Companies Reduce Job Vacancies By 15-18% In 2024

The number of IT job vacancies in Russia dropped by 5% in 2024 compared to 2023, according to data from Habr.Career. Among the three largest Russian IT companies—Lanit, MTS, and VimpelCom (Beeline brand)—vacancies declined by 15-18%. The reduction primarily affected developer roles.

At the same time, demand for specialists in artificial intelligence (AI) rose by 43%. This trend highlights the growing focus on AI technologies despite the overall decrease in hiring.

Mixed Trends Across Industries

While major IT firms reduced their hiring, IT vacancies in non-IT sectors grew by 12% in 2024. Data from HeadHunter and SuperJob revealed that government organizations were the biggest contributors to this increase, with 45% more IT job postings over the year.

However, the transport and logistics sector saw a 9% drop in IT vacancies compared to 2023.

Economic Factors Driving Changes

Experts point to economic challenges as a key reason for reduced hiring in large IT companies. Independent telecom analyst Alexey Slukin explained that companies are avoiding heavy investments in projects without quick payback potential.

VimpelCom, which focuses on AI and automation, reported that optimizing processes has reduced the need for some roles. Despite fewer vacancies, the company claims its workforce remains steady at over 26,000 employees.

MTS also confirmed fewer job postings, citing reduced investments in less profitable ventures such as MTS Auto and MTS Smart Home. The company stated it employs about 10,000 IT specialists.

Lanit, on the other hand, attributed the reported drop in vacancies to changes in their job posting platform, asserting that their staffing remains stable with 9,000-10,000 employees.

Positive Sentiment Among IT Workers

Despite fluctuations in the job market, a Calltouch study found that 85% of IT professionals in Russia are satisfied with their jobs. Additionally, efforts are underway to develop a system for certifying IT specialists’ skills through State Services, ensuring their credentials meet industry standards.