Salary increases in Ukraine no longer guarantee employers a greater number of candidates. In several sectors, the median salaries rose by 6-26% in July 2026 compared to July of the previous year, however, the number of responses to job vacancies remained unchanged or decreased. This is evidenced by a study from OLX Work.
The most noticeable gap was recorded among vacancies for students and those starting their careers. Salaries rose almost by a quarter, while candidate activity fell by more than 26%.
Where salary increases in 2026 did not increase the number of candidates
In the category of «Education / Translation», the median salary grew by 20.7% over the year - from 14,500 to 17,500 UAH. However, the number of responses remained at the level of 6.9 per ad.
In manufacturing and labor specialties, salaries increased by 26.4% - from 22,750 to 28,750 UAH, but the number of responses decreased by 9.4%.
An even more difficult situation with candidates is observed in the category of «Career Start / Students». The median salary increased by 24.7%, to 24,938 UAH, while the number of responses fell by 26.3%.
OLX Work recorded a similar trend in other sectors:
- cleaning and domestic staff - salary +18.2%, responses -7.5%;
- vehicle service and car washes - salary +16.7%, responses -4.5%;
- agriculture - salary +15.9%, responses -7.2%;
- retail, sales and procurement - salary +15.8%, responses -22.4%;
- administrative staff, HR and secretariat - salary +14%, responses -10%;
- logistics, warehouse and delivery - salary +11.5%, responses -5.1%;
- beauty, fitness and sports - salary +11.3%, responses -24.3%;
- security and safety - salary +9.6%, responses -14.7%;
- real estate - salary +6%, responses -5.7%.
Why higher salaries no longer guarantee workers in 2026
Data shows that the hiring problem is not limited to the size of the salary. The shortage of staff is exacerbated by mobilization, migration abroad, and demographic changes.
Candidates increasingly value exemptions from mobilization, flexible or hybrid schedules, working conditions, and employer stability. Therefore, even a significant salary increase may not be enough to increase the number of applicants.
Employers must broaden their offerings to candidates - improve working conditions, invest in training, and attract veterans, older people, and women to the profession.
The OLX Work study is based on a comparison of indicators for July 2026 and July 2025.