Main points
- The average salary in Ukrainian business increased to 39,777 hryvnias in 2025, but the real increase was only 2–3% due to high inflation.
- The highest salaries were recorded in the IT, tobacco, and pharmaceutical industries, while salaries grew fastest in construction and real estate.
How salaries in business soared and why inflation “ate” them / Unsplash
In 2025, salaries in Ukrainian business increased significantly, but the real effect for workers was much more modest. Real salaries were reduced by inflation, and labor productivity was also affected.
What is the average salary in business?
According to an analysis of the financial performance of more than 2,300 large and medium-sized companies, conducted using data from YouControl, the average salary increased by 20% – from 33,190 hryvnias in 2024 to 39,777 hryvnias in 2025, Forbes writes.
For comparison, according to the State Statistics Service, the average salary in the economy as a whole also showed a similar increase – by 21%, to 25,946 hryvnias.
However, behind these figures lies a less optimistic picture. Why salaries “grew, but it seems like they didn't”:
- First, inflation accelerated sharply in 2025 – from 6.5% to 12.7%.
- Secondly, at the end of 2024, the military levy increased from 1.5% to 5%, which directly reduced the “net” incomes of workers.
As a result, real wage growth, taking into account these factors, was only 2-3% compared to 15.5% a year earlier. That is, nominal incomes increased, but purchasing power remained almost unchanged.
Where are the highest salaries in Ukraine?
As for industries, the highest salaries are traditionally recorded in the IT, tobacco, and pharmaceutical industries. In particular, in pharmaceuticals, the average salary exceeded 58 thousand hryvnias per month.
Instead, salaries grew the fastest in construction and real estate, by 30-31%. This is due to the market's activation and staff shortage.
Average salaries / Forbes infographic
Another indicator – labor productivity – grew more slowly. Revenue per employee increased by only 14%, which is significantly lower than the growth rate of wages.
This imbalance is observed in most industries and indicates tension in the labor market. The exception was mechanical engineering: here productivity increased by almost one and a half times while wages increased by 26%, which is partly explained by the sector's work for defense needs.
What does this mean?
- business is forced to raise salaries due to staff shortages;
- efficiency is not keeping up with costs;
- The economy is operating under pressure.
So, the increase in wages in Ukraine in 2025 is more of a forced step than a sign of an economic breakthrough. Formally, workers earn more, but the real standard of living changes much more slowly.
How will business salaries change in 2026?
The Confederation of Employers expects wage pressure to increase in 2026. The reason is not only the departure of young people aged 18-22, but also a general shortage of workers due to war and migration. According to the European Business Association (EBA), 94% of companies surveyed set themselves the goal of increasing wages in 2026.
It is estimated that three out of four companies plan to raise salaries to retain employees and attract new professionals,
– the association explains.
At the same time, the market is most short of workers, technicians, and specialized personnel. Because of this, candidates can expect higher salaries, especially at the beginning of their careers.
In general, as she told Channel 24 Maria Abdullina, in 2026 the situation on the labor market will likely remain tense due to the intensification of the demographic and personnel crisis. According to research results, back in September 2025, 40% of employers expected the personnel situation to worsen.
Maria Abdullina
Head of the OLX Jobs category, Head of the HR Committee of the European Business Association
Among large enterprises with over 250 employees, such expectations were higher – 60%. The impact of allowing men aged 18–22 to leave was felt by 41% of employers, most of all by representatives of large businesses (59%).
According to Ms. Maria, among the reasons for this impact are the dismissal of young employees and the difficulty of finding new candidates.
In the long term, this may increase competition for professionals who are already working and encourage companies to increase wages, primarily for critical specialties,
– she adds.
Businesses are now more actively adapting their HR policies, attracting women, internally displaced persons, older candidates, and veterans.
What else do you need to know about salaries in Ukraine?
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The average salary in Ukraine in March 2026 was 30,356 hryvnias, which is 7.2% more than in February. The highest salaries were registered in Kyiv (49,381 hryvnias) and Kyiv region (29,997 hryvnias).
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From May 1, 2026, military benefits will remain unchanged, including salaries, bonuses, and allowances. Payments depend on salary, rank, years of service, as well as additional tasks, service in an active combat zone.
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In 2026, teachers' salaries in Ukraine will be increased by 30% from January 1 and by 20% from September 1. This will allow young teachers to receive 12-13 thousand hryvnias.