Regional wage differentiation in Russia: causes and consequences

Abstract

The issue of wage differentiation remains a key topic in socio-economic development research. In Russia, this problem is particularly acute due to significant regional inequality, which is among the highest among major global economies. The aim of this study is a comprehensive analysis of the key factors determining wage differentiation across Russian regions and an assessment of their impact on the level of income inequality. The research reveals serious socio-economic consequences of the existing disparity: increased outmigration of skilled labor from economically depressed regions and structural distortions in the national labor market. An analysis of statistical data and existing trends indicates that the established interregional inequality in wages not only persists but also shows a tendency to intensify, despite the ongoing measures of state regulation.