Ukraine to Increase Social Workers' Salaries by 150% Starting January 2026.

Pay Rise for Social Service Employees

According to Novyny.live: A new decree mandating a significant salary increase for employees in the social and rehabilitation services sector will take effect on January 1, 2026. The Ukrainian Cabinet of Ministers adopted this resolution on December 26, 2025. The measure will raise official salaries by approximately 150%, achieved through a salary coefficient increase of 2.5. This reform is part of broader efforts to strengthen Ukraine's social safety net and retain critical personnel.

New Salary Figures

Under the new pay structure, a social manager at the 15th tariff grade will receive a salary of 20,607 hryvnias, a substantial increase from the previous 8,243 hryvnias. A social work specialist at the 12th tariff grade will now earn 16,932 hryvnias, up from 6,773 hryvnias. A junior nurse at the 4th tariff grade will receive 10,145 hryvnias, compared to the former salary of 4,058 hryvnias.

The Ministry of Social Policy, Family, and Unity of Ukraine stated, 'This signifies an increase in official salaries of approximately +150%.'

The primary goal of this salary adjustment is to improve the financial well-being of social service workers, who perform a vital role in society.

Additionally, certain categories of employees may be eligible for seniority-based salary supplements. These include:

• Accountants
• Civil servants
• Medical and educational workers
• Academic and teaching staff
• Other public sector employees

The pay raise for social workers represents a crucial step in supporting the social sector and enhancing working conditions.

This government initiative is expected to significantly boost motivation among social service professionals, who often face financial hardship. Higher salaries could help attract new specialists to this essential field and improve the quality of social services provided in Ukraine. This move also reflects a broader trend of improving living standards for public sector workers, a key component of the state's social policy.