Ukraine's Minimum Wage and Public Sector Pay to Increase in 2026.

Revised Pay Scales for Minimum Wage and Public Sector Employees

According to TSN.ua: Starting January 1, 2026, Ukraine will raise its national minimum wage by 647 hryvnias to a gross amount of 8,647 hryvnias. After taxes, this will leave workers with a net income of 6,160 hryvnias. The government has also approved new salary rates for public sector employees, including educators, medical staff, and social managers. These adjustments are part of broader economic measures to support workers amid ongoing challenges.

Between 2.6 and 2.8 million people are employed in Ukraine's state sector. Under the new rules, the base salary for the lowest pay grade (Grade 1) will increase by 275 hryvnias from its current level of 3,470 hryvnias. Public sector wages are governed by a unified tariff scale consisting of 25 grades, which are grouped as follows:

• The first group (Grades 1–12) includes approximately 70–75% of all civilian public employees;
• The second group (Grades 13–18) accounts for about 18–20% of employees;
• The third group (Grades 19–25) covers 5–7% of the workforce.

According to Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 1749, salary rates for teaching staff will rise by 30%. Consequently, a beginner teacher at Grade 10 will earn a gross salary of 15,800 hryvnias. Doctors will receive a minimum gross salary of 35,000 hryvnias, which translates to a net income of at least 26,950 hryvnias. Social managers at Grade 15 will be paid a gross salary of 20,600 hryvnias.

These changes to public sector compensation reflect the government's efforts to improve the standard of living for state employees and to enhance working conditions in vital social service areas.

The increases to the minimum wage and public sector pay scales form part of a government strategy to support economically vulnerable groups and stimulate the domestic economy. Raising wages in key sectors like education and healthcare is expected to improve the quality of public services, boost employee morale, and potentially increase consumer spending, thereby contributing to broader economic growth.