BISHKEK - Kyrgyzstan led the Eurasian Economic Union in wage growth in the first quarter of 2026. According to the Eurasian Economic Commission, the average monthly nominal accrued wage in the country reached 46,700 soms, 15.8% higher than the same period last year, Economist.kg reports.
Thus, Kyrgyzstan demonstrated the highest nominal wage growth among the EAEU countries, ahead of Russia, where the figure increased by 15.1%, Belarus (13.2%), Kazakhstan (9.1%), and Armenia (2.9%).
However, after accounting for inflation, the growth rate was more moderate. Real wages in Kyrgyzstan grew by 5.2%, the third highest in the union after Russia (8.7%) and Belarus (7%). At the same time, real wages in Kazakhstan fell by 2.3%, and in Armenia by 1.2%, indicating a decline in purchasing power.
Despite strong income growth, Kyrgyzstan remains the lowest-paying country in the EAEU in absolute terms. In dollar terms, the average monthly wage in the republic was $534. By comparison, in Russia this figure reached $1,367, in Belarus $975, in Kazakhstan $927, and in Armenia $813.
Experts note that the high rate of wage growth in Kyrgyzstan reflects a gradual increase in household incomes and expanding economic activity. However, the persistent gap with other EAEU countries indicates that convergence in wage levels will require further productivity growth, investment, and sustainable economic development.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
June 17, 2026