Mobilization and Staffing Shortages: Why the Salaries of Repair Masters in Kyiv Have Become Astronomical.

According to ТСН: In conditions of mobilization and high demand, the salaries of specialists engaged in apartment repairs in Kyiv have significantly increased, particularly for tilers, electricians, furniture makers, and air conditioning installers.

The Story of the Bathtub for $1.3 Million: Risks and High Prices

Social media is actively discussing a case where a tiler from Kyiv was offered to install an Italian bathtub worth over 1.3 million hryvnias for 5 thousand hryvnias. He refused, believing that such work costs no less than 40 thousand hryvnias. Moreover, even at this price, he wouldn’t agree to take on the job — the bathtub weighs 900 kilograms, and a strong crew is needed to lift it to the required floor. In case of damage, the compensation would be too high.

This case illustrates significant changes in the job market in the repair sector. Some Kyiv residents complain that they wait weeks for electricians or plumbers, who arrive in expensive cars.

Mobilization: From Five Masters, Only One Remains

Realtors note that the situation with specialists who perform repairs is complicated due to mobilization. One realtor recounts: "We had a team of 5 men who completed repairs in apartments rented out. Now only one master remains — the others have been mobilized. His workload is heavy, as the schedule is filled up two weeks in advance."

Another specialist corroborates the increase in repair service prices in Kyiv, noting that there are fewer masters available due to mobilization, and those that remain could be mobilized at any moment.

How Power Outages Affect Prices and Working Time

Prolonged power outages create additional difficulties for masters as they need to find generators or adapt to schedules when electricity is available in apartments. This extends the completion time and affects costs.

"I know a case where masters had to lift a generator to the 22nd floor for air conditioner installation. This required additional effort and fuel costs," recounts one of the residents.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Tiling Work

Clients in new apartments note that the cost of tiling services in Kyiv is indeed high. Many believe that the quality of work should match the price, and for complex installation work, they have to pay 10% of the market value of the object.

A specialist points out that every moment in the story with the bathtub for 1.3 million confirms that the tiler correctly assessed the risks.

Women are Taking on Male Professions: New Trends in the Market

Experts note that changes in the apartment repair sector continue. Previously, it was hard to find a good master, but now work in this field has become more prestigious, and mobilization has only deepened the problem. Now, when Kyiv residents need repairs after shelling, the demand for specialists has risen again.

Moreover, women are starting to master professions that are unusual for them. There are instances where women are becoming television repairers because their husbands cannot perform this work.

What Masters Earn: From 45 to 70 Thousand Hryvnias

According to expert information, the salaries of apartment repair masters have now increased. "Specialists can earn from 45 to 70 thousand hryvnias a month," they explain. "Offers on the market arrive regularly, and masters have reached the point where they choose clients themselves."

In wartime conditions, the demand for specialists remains consistently high, and competition noticeably decreases.

• Alpinists — from 70,000 UAH

• Concrete Workers — from 60,000 UAH

• Facade Workers — from 55,000 UAH

• Stonemasons — from 50,000 UAH

• Masons/Plasterers — from 60,000 UAH

• Handymen — from 1,500 UAH / day

• Electricians — from 70,000 UAH

Booking and “Golden Handed Masters”

Stories are emerging about masters who, despite mobilization, are earning a good income. For example, an electrician from Zaporizhzhia, working on auto-booking, has a stable income and refuses small orders, taking only substantial projects.

If a specialist is knowledgeable in their field and has advanced skills, they can find ways to continue working despite restrictions related to mobilization.