The most profitable areas for the self-employed are named

The largest increase in income among Russian self-employed professionals is demonstrated by software technical support experts. This is evidenced by data from a study of the Console platform for automating relationships with the self-employed, which was reviewed by Izvestia on January 26.

The average remuneration for an order in this category, according to the report, increased by 60% and reached 33,136 rubles. This rapid growth is explained by an increase in the number of companies transferring business processes to work with the self-employed due to a shortage of personnel and rising costs.

The areas related to transport also demonstrated high performance. Thus, the average receipt for a cargo transportation service amounted to 16 129 rubles, which corresponds to an increase of 18%. The segment of repair and maintenance of vehicles increased the average bill to 19,794 rubles, showing an increase of 16%.

Experts note that the demand for such performers is growing due to an increase in the number of service companies, courier services and small businesses that need fast and affordable logistics.

Stable growth is also observed in the areas related to intellectual services. The average receipt for customer search services increased to 8851 rubles (+14%), and the consulting service rose to 9911 rubles for the service provided (+10%).

"2026 will be the time of professionalization of the self-employed market. On the one hand, companies are starting to turn to task—specific performers more often, which reduces costs and increases flexibility. In 2026, we expect rapid growth in income and demand for the self-employed in the areas of software technical support, logistics services, online commerce and transportation," says Alexander Avdeev, project manager for the development of a platform for automating relations with the self—employed and IP Console.

Profit and business: Russians' incomes from entrepreneurship have reached a record

What is the reason for this and what do people earn from?

Arina Yusupova, Deputy head of Console's legal department, told Izvestia on November 11 that self-employed Russians working through digital platforms would receive additional social guarantees and rights. Thus, the new law "On the Platform Economy", which will enter into force in October 2026, will establish clear rules of operation for all market participants — from large marketplaces to couriers and taxi drivers.

The bill is intended to protect the rights of the self-employed, who have so far remained the most vulnerable category in the rapidly growing platform economy. For businesses, the new rules mean stricter control over the registration of relationships with the self-employed.

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