The expert named professions with high demand in the labor market until the end of 2026

Until the end of 2026, Russian companies will maintain a high demand for specialists in industry, construction, digital technologies and urban development. Vladislav Bykhanov, CEO of Cornerstone HR company, told Izvestia about this on August 6.

"We do not expect a new wave of massive cuts. On the contrary, many companies are starting to return to previously postponed projects. The easing of monetary policy and the gradual reduction of the key interest rate create conditions for the launch of new production facilities, construction and business expansion. And this means a new demand for specialists," Bykhanov said.

Mechanics who are engaged in maintenance of equipment, production lines and complex production complexes will remain one of the most in-demand specialists. According to the expert, modern industry requires more qualified personnel, so the demand for such workers will continue to grow.

There is also a high interest in specialists in the oil and gas industry and industrial engineering. Companies are looking for process engineers, designers, automation specialists, industrial construction and production project managers.

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The field of digital financial technologies will become a separate area of growth. Companies will need blockchain developers, information security specialists, compliance experts, and analysts capable of working with new digital tools.

The expert also noted the growing demand for specialists in the development of the urban environment: landscape architects, designers, specialists in landscaping and landscaping.

Another trend will be the increasing business interest in offline trading. Against this background, there may be a growing need for store managers, retail development specialists, marketers, and customer service staff.

Bykhanov called the development of the real sector of the economy the main trend of the labor market. According to him, the most in demand will be specialists who are able to participate in the launch of production facilities, the construction of infrastructure and the implementation of long-term projects.

Oksana Semenova, director of Financial Institutions at Cornerstone, a career consultant, told Izvestia on July 19 that the use of artificial intelligence in job search had led to changes in the labor market and increased distrust between employers and candidates. According to her, applicants are increasingly faced with doubts about the reliability of their resumes, and employees are faced with the inconsistency of companies' promises with real conditions. The expert cited the spread of generative AI as one of the reasons: according to an internal assessment by Cornerstone consultants, more than 60% of resumes applying to work in 2026 have signs of using neural networks.