The amount necessary for complete happiness for modern “Balaganov shuras” has been named

“Dream income” turned out to be susceptible to inflation and psychological attitudes about the “comfort zone”

The canonical question from “The Golden Calf” has found an answer among modern Russians. On average, our compatriot needs to receive 215 thousand rubles a month to be happy. This is evidenced by data from a survey conducted by a popular employment service. It is curious that six months ago citizens indicated 200 thousand rubles as their desired income. The study also revealed that men need 30% more money to be happy than the fair sex, and young people need less than mature people. Who do you need to work to have a “dream salary” in modern Russia and what does the feeling of happiness depend on, MK found out from experts.

According to the study, Russian men would like to receive 244 thousand rubles a month, and women agree to an amount 30% less: for the fair sex, an income of 189 thousand rubles is enough to fully cover their needs. At the same time, the most modest demands were found among young people: for people under the age of 24, 160 thousand rubles per month is enough to be happy. The survey also revealed clear regional differences. Thus, Muscovites (267 thousand rubles per month) and residents of Vladivostok (250 thousand rubles per month) need the most money. Citizens from St. Petersburg took only third place with a “dream income” of 237 thousand rubles. The least demanding were the residents of Kirov, who valued their happiness at 178 thousand rubles of monthly income.

It is curious that just six months ago the average Russian needed “only” 200 thousand rubles to be happy, and a year ago – in March 2023 – compatriots indicated the amount of 195 thousand rubles as their “dream income”. Thus, over the past twelve months, requests for happiness levels increased by 10.2%, which is slightly more than annual inflation, which, according to the Ministry of Economic Development, amounted to almost 7.6% by March 4.

According to Alexander Safonov, a professor at the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Russians call 215 thousand rubles their “dream” salary because with this amount they can not only cope with rising consumer prices, but also make their material dreams come true. For example, buy a car (the average cost of a good car is at least 3 million rubles), pay a mortgage, go on vacation to the sea. This also includes caring for children, whose upbringing is expensive.

To receive a salary in the region of 250 thousand rubles, judging by the existing set of vacancies, you need to develop professional skills in the following areas of activity: civil aviation pilot; a plastic surgeon or ophthalmologist in a private clinic, a high-level programmer, an investment analyst, a courier with his own car, a crane operator, a drilling foreman, directors of departments in ministries, heads of institutions. But this list is far from complete…

“There are actually plenty of places with such a salary, it’s just that the question will depend on the competence of the applicant,” financial expert Alexey Krichevsky continues the conversation. — Now couriers receive a little less if they work 6-7 days a week. Without any problems, top sales managers can receive such a salary, or rather, bonuses. Dedicated construction specialists are also highly valued by the labor market.” In other words, the “dream income” of Russians cannot be called rare, “pulled out of thin air,” “unattainable,” or unrealistic in the current economic conditions, and not only in megacities. “As we see, the choice of profession and professional growth are important,” Safonov emphasizes. “And there are a variety of areas where the labor of well-paid specialists is used.”

However, to implement the plan to achieve a “happiness” wage for all Russians, our economy must change. Jobs should be connected to advanced technologies, and physical labor should become a thing of the past. The state budget should be more extensive, then it will become more generous with salaries for public sector employees, the professor is sure.

At the same time, according to financial analyst Andrei Vernikov, Russians will not receive high salaries in the coming years, because the Russian economy is still resource-based. For high wages, you need an economy with high added value: you need, figuratively speaking, to make chips, and not to sell oil and timber. High technology is always of great value. “At the same time, low salaries often do not prevent people from being happy,” the expert emphasizes. – If your neighbors get little and you get little, then you don’t feel deprived. But social inequality makes people unhappy.”

But you need to understand that when the average salary rises to the “happiness level,” prices will rise due to increased demand and this “level” itself will rise. “Therefore, on the one hand, everyone can definitely earn more,” says Krichevsky. – But, on the other hand, we should not forget about ordinary economic phenomena, such as inflation, and psychological changes in the “comfort zone” – the more we earn, the higher our needs. After all, needs will also change with increasing income and will affect the subjective perception of money for happiness.”