In Ukraine, there is a sharp shortage of workers, especially in the field of physical labor, despite significant salary growth. Employers are struggling to find so-called 'blue-collar' workers – employees in manufacturing, the agricultural sector, and trade. This is evidenced by the analytics from OLX Work published on the website RBC-Ukraine.
How the demand for workers in Ukraine has changed
Analytics over the past four years shows that the list of deficit professions is constantly changing.
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In 2022, there were the fewest responses to vacancies abroad, especially for cooks, nannies, and welders, as well as in agriculture, banking, and real estate.
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In 2023, agronomists and salespeople were added to the shortages, while work abroad remained unattractive.
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In 2024, the greatest shortage of personnel was observed in manufacturing: they were looking for mechanics, designers, and technologists, as well as agronomists and salespeople.
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In 2025, the deficit persisted in manufacturing, trade, and real estate, while vacancies abroad again became less popular.
What salaries are offered in manufacturing
Salaries have increased significantly, but this has not resolved the problem:
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Agronomists: from 15,000 UAH in 2022 to 25,000 UAH in 2025;
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Production workers: from 15,000 UAH to 27,000 UAH.
The most significant salary growth occurred in 2025 due to increased competition for personnel. The demand for 'blue-collar' workers remains consistently high, especially in industry, manufacturing, and agriculture. Experts forecast that this trend will continue as the economy needs workers for stable functioning amid mobilization.
In-demand professions in Ukraine
The State Employment Service in 2025 offered over 309,000 vacancies, with a predominance of auxiliary workers, drivers, salespeople, cooks, and cleaners. At the same time, the demand for certain specialties, such as bandurists, mathematicians, greenhouse managers, or champagne makers, remained minimal. Technical and social professions are also in short supply:
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Electricians;
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Teacher assistants and educators;
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Plumbers;
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Repairmen;
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Waiters;
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Machine operators;
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Penitentiary system inspectors;
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Lathes.
Experts note that the shortage of personnel opens up new opportunities for job seekers, including the chance for higher salaries and stable employment.
Earlier, we reported on professions that will be relevant in 5 and 10 years.