Minor workers in Ukraine have the right to the same salary as adults, even despite a shortened working time. This applies in cases where work is performed at full capacity. This was reported by the State Labor Service. As noted by "Sud.ua".
The department emphasizes that if a minor works on a piece-rate basis, the same rates apply as for adults. If, however, due to a shortened working day the actual workload is lower, the employer is obliged to pay the difference to the full salary level.
Salary of minor workers with reduced working hours
For school students, vocational schools, and college students working during their free time, a different approach applies. Payment is made proportionally to the hours worked or the amount of work performed. At the same time, companies have the right to establish additional bonuses for such workers.
Working hours for teenagers are limited by law:
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16–18 years old – no more than 36 hours per week;
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15–16 years old – up to 24 hours;
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14–15 years old – up to 12 hours, and during vacations – up to 24 hours.
Rights and restrictions for workers under 18 years
Legislation prohibits involving minors in harmful and dangerous work, underground conditions, night shifts, and overtime, as well as work on weekends. There are also restrictions on lifting heavy objects.
In addition, teenagers have a number of guarantees:
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annual leave lasting 31 calendar days;
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mandatory medical examination;
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prohibition of establishing a probation period;
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dismissal only with the consent of the child affairs service.
The employment contract with minors is concluded exclusively in written form. All these norms remain in force even during martial law, ensuring equal rights and social protection for youth in the labor market.
It is worth noting that the average salary in Ukraine for the results of 2025 amounted to 20,787 UAH. This is 8.3% more than a year earlier, however, the figure remains about 23% lower than the data from the State Statistics Service. This was reported by the head of the parliamentary committee on finance, Danilo Hetmantsev.