Agriculture specialists in Ukraine received a significant salary increase in the first half of 2025, with the highest income growth observed for agronomic services. According to a study by Agrohub, 79% of agricultural companies have already raised wages and rates for crop and livestock personnel, while the remaining 21% plan to do so by the end of the year. This is reported by Latifundist.
Which specialists in the agricultural sector received the largest salary increases
The study covered 14 of the largest Ukrainian agricultural holdings with a land bank of about 2 million hectares and a staff of over 65,000 people. The results show that the agronomic service demonstrates the highest income growth rates among key staff categories.
The structure of salary increases was as follows:
-
Agronomists: 81% of companies raised salaries by 15-25%
-
Engineering service: 54% of companies increased salaries by up to 20%, 18% - by over 25%
-
Land service: 63% of companies implemented indexations of up to 15%, 27% - up to 20-25%
-
Elevator personnel: approaches vary from moderate indexations to no changes
Salary growth in livestock farming in Ukraine
In livestock farming, the situation has developed unevenly. Among 55% of participating companies in the study that have livestock in their business structure, the most significant income growth was recorded in dairy and meat cattle breeding - primarily by 15-20%. Meanwhile, there were almost no changes in pig farming.
How the salaries of mechanics and drivers of agricultural machinery improved
Among personnel on a combined pay system, the highest increases were received by mechanics - mainly over 25%. Drivers received increases of up to 20%, and elevator staff - up to 15%. Piece rates for mechanics and drivers increased by 10-20%, for elevator personnel - up to 15%.
Most market participants raised salaries starting from April 2025. Among the key reasons companies cite the need to align pay with market standards, increased competition for personnel, inflation expectations, and better financial results for the season than anticipated.
Earlier we wrote, why fruits became more expensive in Ukraine.