In 1977–1979, while serving in the Soviet Army in the German Democratic Republic (Group of Soviet Forces in Germany), Saltykov played and sang in an army band.

After the army he enrolled into the Petersburg State Transport University, graduating in 1985 with a degree in electrical engineering.

In 1983, Viktor Saltykov with the rock band Manufaktura took part in the first Leningrad Rock Festival and won the Grand Prix of the festival as the best singer.

It is with Forum that Viktor performed his most famous songs (White Night, Little Island, Uleteli listya).

Since 1990, as a solo artist, Saltykov released four studio albums; his old material has been re-released in numerous compilations.