The government promises teachers a salary of 20,000: what is wrong with the reform.

According to inkorr.com: The government of Ukraine promises a significant increase in teachers' salaries - up to 50% by 2026, which is expected to raise the average salary to 20,000 hryvnias. This seems like a salvation for tired educators, but experts warn that this is only a superficial change in a system that has many problems. This was reported by 'Mirror of the Week'.

Average teacher salary in 2025

As of September 2025, the median salary for teachers is 12,500 hryvnias, which is 8.7% higher compared to last year (11,500 hryvnias). This is one of the lowest salaries in the country. For specialists of the first qualification category with bonuses, it is about 13,906 hryvnias, and for the highest category - 14,759 hryvnias.

“Sounds good. But let's look at the amounts to which these percentages will be added to really face the challenges that Ukrainian educators are facing,” advises Andriy Pavlovskyi, an expert on social policy.

Proposed salary increase for teachers in 2026

The government plans a two-stage salary increase: by 20% from January 1, 2026, and by another 30% from September 1. Thus, the average teacher's salary should reach 20,000 hryvnias. However, many teachers are skeptical: 'Now it is 12,500 hryvnias, it will be 18,750. And the average in the country in September 2025 will be 25,500 hryvnias?!'

This amount is significantly lower than the national average (26,499 hryvnias in July 2025) and lags significantly behind salaries in neighboring countries. For example, in Poland, teachers receive the equivalent of 57,000–83,000 hryvnias.

Salary of other educators in Ukraine

The situation with other educational positions is similar:

• Kindergarten teachers: 14,500 hryvnias (+11.5% by 2024);
• Tutors: 400 hryvnias per hour (+33%);
• University lecturers: on average 18,000–22,000, but with scientific degrees.

Even these increases cannot compensate for inflation and rising prices for food, utilities, and education for children.

“The promised 50% increase in 2026 will certainly be a step forward, but a very small one, barely noticeable. Without comprehensive reform and a fundamental change in the state's attitude towards education, the situation will not change,” emphasizes Pavlovskyi.

The educational sector in Ukraine is in a difficult position. Major issues with staff leaving for abroad, where salaries are significantly higher, lead to a shortage of teachers. There are currently over 20,000 vacancies in schools alone. In 2024, the government already raised salaries by 20%, but this effect was temporary: real purchasing power has fallen due to 15% inflation.