Ukrainian Wages Reach 27,500 UAH, Revealing Significant Regional Pay Gaps

Average Wage Increase in Ukraine

According to ХВИЛЯ: At the start of 2026, Ukraine's labor market shows an average wage increase to 27,500 UAH, which is 22% higher than the previous year. This positive trend occurs despite a 7% reduction in the number of available job openings. The highest salaries are found in the following cities:

• Kyiv
• Lviv
• Uzhhorod
• Dnipro
• Chernivtsi

Kyiv remains the leader with an average salary of 32,500 UAH, reflecting a 23% annual growth rate. Lviv holds second place with an average of 30,000 UAH, also showing a 22% increase. Uzhhorod, with a similar growth rate, has an average wage of 27,500 UAH. Dnipro reports an average salary of 27,000 UAH, a 20% rise. Chernivtsi rounds out this list with a salary of 25,700 UAH and 18% growth.

Regional Earnings Disparities

Significant wage growth of 25% over the year is also observed in Rivne, Ternopil, and Khmelnytskyi. In contrast, wage growth rates remain lower in frontline and de-occupied territories. For instance, in Kherson, salaries rose by only 1%, to 20,000 UAH. In Sumy, the wage is 20,000 UAH, and in Kryvyi Rih it is 20,500 UAH.

Mykolaiv saw a 10% wage increase, while incomes in Odesa grew by 16% to 25,300 UAH. Salaries in Kharkiv rose by 20% to 24,000 UAH. The average salary for remote work in January 2026 was 33,500 UAH, with remote workers' incomes growing by 12%.

Thus, the Ukrainian labor market continues to evolve, reflecting changes in economic conditions.

The rise in Ukraine's average wage indicates positive labor market trends, even with fewer job listings. This is likely driven by increased demand for skilled personnel, particularly in the tech sector, and post-crisis economic recovery. However, regional disparities in wage growth highlight that some areas still require attention and support to improve economic conditions. The situation in frontline zones remains particularly challenging, which can affect the overall state of the country's labor market. The ongoing conflict continues to create a stark economic divide between safer western regions and areas closer to the fighting.