In 2026, the average salary in Ukraine may rise from the current 26,000 to 30,000 hryvnias; however, the situation with the minimum wage remains critical. According to OBOZ.UA, the government plans to raise the minimum wage only from 8,000 to 8,647 UAH, which is below the level required to cover citizens’ basic needs.
Source: OBOZREVATEL
Experts estimate that about 1.5 million Ukrainians work for the minimum wage. Some receive unofficial bonuses, but for most — especially in small towns and the public sector — 8,000 hryvnias is their real income. This level does not allow people to rise above the poverty line.
European recommendations stipulate that the minimum wage should be at least 50% of the median salary — currently about 12,000 hryvnias. Moreover, it should not be lower than 11,200 UAH, which corresponds to the actual subsistence minimum.
The Federation of Trade Unions of Ukraine has already appealed to the government to raise the minimum wage from January 1, 2026, to at least 50% of the projected average — approximately 12,195 UAH.
However, the government will likely maintain the current growth rate, meaning the minimum wage will remain below the real needs of Ukrainians despite the gradual increase in average salaries.
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