Ukrainian Teachers to Receive 40% Pay Rise in 2026.

Pay Increase for Ukrainian Educators

According to Novyny.live: Ukrainian teachers are set to receive a 40% salary increase, effective at the end of January 2026. This move, mandated by Cabinet of Ministers Decree No. 1749 dated December 26, 2025, aims to improve the financial standing of educators amidst the country's ongoing challenges. The raise applies specifically to base salary rates, not to total income which includes mandatory supplements. This policy is part of broader efforts to support the nation's vital education sector.

How Base Salaries Are Calculated

Teacher salaries in Ukraine are determined using a Unified Tariff Schedule with 25 pay grades. Most classroom teachers typically fall within grades 10 to 14, while school principals are placed in grades 14 to 18. The base calculation amount for 2026 will be 3,470 UAH. This results in the following minimum base salaries:

• Pay grade 12: 7,356 UAH;
• Pay grade 14: 8,397 UAH;
• Pay grade 16: 9,681 UAH;
• Pay grade 18: 11,138 UAH.

In addition to this increase, a previous government decree (No. 1286, November 8, 2024) established a monthly supplement of 2,000 UAH for all pedagogical staff. Teachers working in frontline communities receive a higher supplement of at least 4,000 UAH per month. These combined measures are designed to enhance the material well-being of teachers, which is seen as a crucial step for strengthening Ukraine's educational system.

Raising teacher salaries in Ukraine is a vital measure for stimulating pedagogical work and attracting new professionals to the education sector.

Source: Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine

Within the context of Ukraine's economic pressures and social transformation, this decision is expected to improve working conditions for educators and, consequently, the overall quality of education. The government's goal is to create more competitive compensation for teachers, which could positively influence the long-term development of the country's education system.