A 20% Pay Increase and a New Wage System Await Ukrainian Educators This September

Pay Overhaul for Teachers: What Changes on September 1

According to Рубрика — Суспільство: Ukraine is rolling out a major reform of teacher compensation starting September 1, 2023. Pedagogical and research-teaching staff will receive a 20% salary increase, while the old unified tariff grid is being abandoned. Under the new model, an educator’s base salary will be tied to their position and a benchmark figure based on the national average wage. This framework applies to schools, universities, inclusive resource centers, and state-run educational institutions.

Earlier this year, teachers had already seen their official base salaries rise by 30%. Now, educators working in person with children in front-line areas will keep receiving an extra 2,600 hryvnias per month. Faculty at colleges training specialists for the defense-industrial complex, energy, mechanical engineering, and metalworking sectors are also entitled to an additional 10% bonus on their base salary.

• defense industry
• energy sector
• mechanical engineering
• metalworking

As the new academic year begins, some 25,000 educational institutions across Ukraine are planning to operate. Shelter access is available for more than 82% of preschool children and 83% of schoolchildren. Over 9,000 preschools and 11,000 secondary schools have secure shelters. The Cabinet of Ministers has also promised gradual pay rises, monthly supplements, and a fresh approach to financing school bomb shelters.

Safety and Ceremonies: Wartime Rules for Schools

Prime minister Serhii Koretskyi explained that the new pay system covers primary, secondary, and higher education, as well as inclusive resource centers and state academies. For preschool and extracurricular programs, plus vocational and specialized pre-university education, local authorities are encouraged to raise teacher salaries from September 1, 2026.

“In communities facing a heightened risk of Russian strikes, there must be no mass gatherings,” Koretskyi said. “School assemblies and other celebrations should happen only if the security situation permits, shelters have enough room, and students can quickly reach them during an air-raid alert. Local communities should make these decisions on the ground. The safety of children and teachers matters more than any ceremony.”

These changes highlight the government’s effort to improve the teaching environment under wartime pressures. The pay hikes offer some relief to educators, but the success of the new salary structure will ultimately depend on whether sufficient funding backs all the promised measures-a key question as the war continues to strain state resources.

As the new academic year approaches, the focus on educational reforms extends beyond teacher salaries. The recent announcement of a significant increase in student scholarships starting September 1 highlights the government's commitment to enhancing the overall educational landscape in Ukraine. This dual approach aims to support both educators and students, ensuring a more robust learning environment amidst ongoing challenges.