In this study, we explore the evolution of the job structure in the Russian economy during the first 20 years of this century. Does it change through a consequent substitution of relatively worse (in terms of quality) jobs by better jobs? Or through the destruction of middle-quality jobs? Or do we observe stagnation and conservation of the job structure? Structural change of this sort can be brought by various factors among which technological progress and international trade that shape demand for labour of different quality and complexity play a special role. In search for clues to these questions, the authors use large data sets that cover two sub-periods divided by the 2008/2009 crisis. The estimates presented in the paper allow rejection of the polarization hypothesis and they document a fast upgrade of the job structure during the first sub-period and a stalemate during the second one. Apparently, risks of job polarization are likely to be minimal until economic growth is recovered and a movement to the technological frontier is accelerated.