Ukrainians will continue to receive higher salaries in 2026, while the unemployment rate will gradually decrease. The National Bank explains this by the shortage of workers and the recovery of economic activity, although for businesses this will mean new pressure on costs and prices. This is reported by the National Bank of Ukraine in its inflation report.
Salaries of Ukrainians continue to rise
The NBU noted that real and nominal salaries in Ukraine continue to increase. This is most noticeable in the budget sector, where the rate of income growth remains high.
One of the main reasons for this growth is the regulator's mention of the shortage of qualified workers. Due to the lack of personnel, employers are forced to compete with each other and raise wages.
The National Bank also emphasized that additional costs for businesses are influenced by more expensive energy resources and the consequences of the previous weakening of the hryvnia.
Unemployment in Ukraine is expected to decrease
The regulator predicts a gradual improvement in the labor market situation. The decrease in unemployment will be facilitated by the recovery of certain sectors of the economy and the adaptation of businesses to wartime conditions.
Among the factors that will affect the labor market:
-
the return of some people to work;
-
increased demand for workers;
-
recovery of economic activity;
-
stabilization of enterprise operations.
At the same time, the shortage of personnel will remain one of the key challenges for the Ukrainian economy.
The NBU warns that the increase in salaries will support the purchasing power of the population, but at the same time may strengthen inflationary pressure due to increased business costs.
In March 2026, the average salary in Ukraine reached 30,356 hryvnias, which is 7.2% higher than in February 2026.