Socio]demographic determinants of professional mobility in Russia

This article examines the socio–demographic determinants of occupational mobility in Russia amid a contracting labor market and a growing structural labor shortage. The study examines the relationship between age, gender, education level, and willingness to change professions or industries. The methodological basis is a comparative analysis, interpretation of Rosstat data, materials from the All–Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VTsIOM), the International Labor Organization (ILO), and the results of sample labor force surveys. The study demonstrates that demographic factors determine mobility more strictly than is typically reflected in employment policy. In 2024, the average age of the Russian worker reached 42.5 years, the share of those employed under 35 decreased to 27.4 percent, and one–fifth of all employed people are over 55. Given these parameters, willingness to change professions objectively declines, as barriers to retraining and transition costs increase with age. Gender and education level act as modifying variables. Men demonstrate a higher declarative willingness to relocate and change jobs, while women are more likely to maintain their occupational niche due to family pressures. A high level of education correlates with increased mobility potential, but does not in itself guarantee a transition. The results indicate a gap between the structure of job openings and the characteristics of the workforce, which cannot be closed without targeted changes to working conditions and retraining systems.