Labor shortage forces Ukrainian employers to raise salaries, with the most significant increases observed in construction and among skilled trades. In August 2026, the average salary for a number of vacancies reached 50–67.5 thousand UAH, while in some professions, it doubled over the year, reports Novyny.LIVE.
Who offers 50,000 UAH
One of the most notable jumps was recorded for roofers. The average salary for such vacancies is 50 thousand UAH compared to 30 thousand UAH in August last year. The increase amounted to 67%. At the same time, the number of vacancies increased by 127%, indicating a significant demand for such workers.
The average salary for building engineers also rose to 50 thousand UAH. A year ago, they were offered around 30 thousand UAH. The number of vacancies during this time increased by 21%.
Metal structure installers can also expect an average of 50 thousand UAH. Over the year, their pay increased by 43%, while the number of job offers grew by 47%.
Furniture designers and project developers are offered the same. In August 2025, their average figure was 37.5 thousand UAH, meaning the salary increased by a third over the year.
Among other professions with high salaries:
art director – 67.5 thousand UAH, +69% over the year;
alpinist – 65 thousand UAH, +63%;
mason – 65 thousand UAH, +63%;
creative person – 60 thousand UAH, +100%;
furniture production technologist – 55 thousand UAH, +69%;
tuner – 53.5 thousand UAH, +53%.
The most dynamic increase among the listed professions is among creatives: the average salary doubled over the year.
The average salary in Ukraine increased by 20%
According to the Work.ua job portal, in August, the average salary that employers mention in job postings in Ukraine is 30 thousand UAH. This figure has not changed in the last three months.
At the beginning of 2026, the average offer was 27.5 thousand UAH, and at the beginning of spring – 28.5 thousand UAH.
In August last year, employers offered an average of 25 thousand UAH. Thus, over the year, salaries in job postings have increased by about 20%.
One of the reasons for the increase in wages remains the shortage of labor. This forces companies to compete for skilled specialists and improve hiring conditions, especially for representatives of skilled trades.
It should be noted that in Ukraine, the minimum wage is half of that in Moldova.