Salaries in Ukraine have increased by over 20%: which employees are most lacking in business?

Wages continue to grow in Ukraine, but the shortage of workers remains one of the main problems of the labor market. In July 2026, the average salary of a full-time employee reached UAH 32,243, which is 21.7% more than a year earlier.

Ukrainian employers are increasingly competing for workers, offering higher pay and better conditions. The shortage of personnel is affected by war, migration, mobilization and a reduction in the available labor force.

How wages have changed in Ukraine

According to the State Statistics Service, in July 2026, the average nominal salary of a full-time employee was UAH 32,243.

Compared to July last year, it increased by 21.7%. At the same time, compared to June 2026, the average salary decreased by 1.6%.

Thus, in annual terms, wages continue to grow significantly. One of the reasons for this is precisely the struggle of companies for employees.

Why businesses lack people

The shortage of labor has become one of the main factors in the growth of wages. Due to the war, some potential employees went abroad, some were mobilized. At the same time, enterprises need people for production, provision of services and economic recovery.

Because of this, employers are forced to raise salaries in order to attract new specialists and retain those who are already working.

Another problem is the mismatch of candidates’ skills with business needs. Even if there are job applicants, companies cannot always find a specialist with the necessary qualifications among them.

What workers are most in short supply

The most acute personnel shortage is observed in areas where specific practical and professional skills are required.

In particular, these include:

production;
construction;
transport;
logistics;
labor specialties.

Many of these vacancies require professional education, experience, or special training, so employers cannot quickly replace an employee with a new candidate.

Why raising salaries does not solve the problem

Even higher pay does not guarantee that an employer will quickly find the necessary specialist. The staff shortage is associated not only with salaries, but also with structural changes in the labor market.

Due to the shortage of people, companies are forced to change their approach to hiring: soften the requirements, take candidates without the necessary experience, and train them directly on the job.

What will happen to salaries next

The shortage of personnel may continue to support wage growth in Ukraine. As long as businesses have difficulty finding the right specialists, employers will have an incentive to offer higher pay and improve working conditions.

At the same time, growth will be uneven. Workers in those professions where the shortage of qualified personnel remains the most acute can benefit the most.