The Ukrainian labor market has stabilized by over 90% over the past year, but the shortage of skilled workers remains a pressing problem. Employers are forced to raise salaries to attract experienced staff, while many companies lack the resources to train new employees.
The average salary in Ukraine is currently UAH 23.5 thousand, although in Kyiv this figure reaches UAH 26.5 thousand. Salaries are growing the fastest in the telecommunications (+9%), insurance (+7%) and media (+7%).
State Statistics Service data for the last quarter of 2024 indicate an overall increase in salaries of 25.6%. The largest growth is noted in the following areas:
- aviation – +50.6% (up to UAH 54.6 thousand);
- telecommunications – +39.2% (up to UAH 57.5 thousand);
- agriculture – +33.9% (up to 20.2 thousand UAH);
- postal activities – +33.7% (up to UAH 17.9 thousand).
The high level of salaries in these industries is due to an acute shortage of personnel. Employers are competing for specialists who are immediately ready to perform work tasks.
The only sector where there is competition for jobs is IT. Remote jobs are in the greatest demand:
- Front-end developers
- graphic designers
- copywriters
- video editors
- translators
At the same time, the market is oversaturated with candidates for these positions, which makes it difficult to employ young professionals.
The end of the war will lead to the demobilization of hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian soldiers, but most veterans will not return to their former jobs. According to the National Institute for Strategic Studies:
- 50% of veterans want to start their own business;
- 12% already have their own business;
- 10% are willing to work as employees.
Some companies are developing veteran reintegration programs, but most employers are not willing to invest in training. The best option may be government support for veterans starting businesses.
The Ministry of Economy of Ukraine is already offering grants for starting their own business for combatants in the amount of UAH 250,000 to UAH 1 million.
