Teacher Salary Increase
Ukrainian teachers will see their salaries increase by 30% starting January 1, 2026. Minister of Education and Science Oksen Lisovyi announced this on Facebook, stating that additional funds have been allocated in the state budget to implement this decision. This move is part of broader efforts to improve the education sector's appeal and stability.
An additional sum of 53 billion hryvnias has been earmarked in the draft state budget for 2026 specifically for raising teacher salaries. The Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine will oversee the implementation to ensure every educator receives the actual pay increase. Oksen Lisovyi emphasized the importance of all elements of the state decision coming together correctly for the January payroll calculations.
Changes to Minimum Wages
Also effective from January 1, 2026, the national minimum wage in Ukraine will rise from 8,000 to 8,647 hryvnias. The hourly minimum wage will increase from 48 to 52 hryvnias, and the general subsistence minimum will grow from 2,920 to 3,209 hryvnias. These changes are enshrined in the 'Law on the State Budget for 2026'.
Lisovyi noted that the state decision to raise pay is transitioning from budget figures into real money for people, a crucial moment for teachers. The Minister stated: 'Today, together with the government, we are working on the mechanism for how these funds will be used to increase salaries.'
The salary increase for teachers, along with the rise in the minimum wage and subsistence level, reflects the state's aim to improve economic conditions for the population, particularly educators. This decision could positively impact teacher motivation, professional activity, and the recruitment of new personnel into the education field. Ensuring these changes are implemented without delay and meet the stated deadlines will be a significant test for state institutions in 2026.