The Ukrainian labor market in July 2026 demonstrates steady growth. The average salary across the country has reached the mark of 30,000 hryvnias. Experts note positive dynamics in all major cities, although the geography of income remains uneven: the traditional leaders in terms of wage levels are Kyiv and Lviv.
Data published by RBC-Ukraine in the material "Cost of Living. How much it really costs to live in the largest cities of Ukraine" is based on analytics from the Work.ua platform. Over the last year, average salaries in major cities have grown by approximately 20%.
Geography of Income: Who Earns the Most?
Despite the general growth, the gap between regions persists. Among the five largest cities in the country, the highest figures were recorded in Kyiv and Lviv. At the same time, Kharkiv has the lowest average wage level among this top five.
Particular attention deserves the dynamics in Lviv. It is here that salary indices showed the maximum increase — by 23% over the year. For comparison, the calculation of the average salary in Kyiv was based on an analysis of 53,653 vacancies posted on the platform over the last three months.
Which Professions Earn the Most?
Work.ua analysts note that the biggest jump in wages was recorded among representatives of mass professions. This indicates that wage growth is not limited to a narrow segment of highly qualified specialists but covers a wide range of working professions.
New Hiring Trends: Age and Labor Shortage
Wage growth is closely linked to the current situation in the labor market. Due to an acute shortage of personnel, Ukrainian employers are forced to reconsider their hiring approaches. Companies are increasingly paying attention to job seekers aged 50+.
The highest demand in this age category is observed in sectors critical for the functioning of the economy and daily life: drivers, salespeople, accountants, chefs, and medical workers. To support older people, a special project "Experience Matters" is operating in the country, aimed at helping them integrate into the modern labor market.
Alongside this, the labor market continues to adapt to the needs of different population groups. Previously, RBC-Ukraine had already addressed the topic of employment of minors, analyzing the vacancies available to them and the level of offered salaries.
