Salaries in January 2026: who will earn more and who will lose thousands.

According to ТСН: At the beginning of 2026, certain changes will occur in the income of the population in Ukraine. The traditional January "quiet" will affect earnings in the private sector, while budget employees will receive an increase due to the rise in the minimum wage and special payments.

Experts predict that the average salary may decrease by 2,500–3,000 UAH in January.

"Dead season": why incomes in the private sector will fall

Experts note that after the December peak, when 13th salaries, bonuses, and annual rewards were paid, January will see a decrease in incomes. Among those who will suffer the most are:

• Sales and service: Employees whose incomes depend on production percentages will face difficulties.

• Reason: The first half of January is traditionally not active for business, leading to a decrease in consumption.

Oleg Pendzin notes that in January, the average salary may return to the level of November last year, approximately 27,000 UAH, while the real cash deficit will only be felt in February when receiving January payments.

Budget sector: a trend for increase

Unlike the private sector, employees in the budget sphere will receive an increase from January 1. The main factor is the planned increase in the minimum wage.

• Healthcare workers: The salary of a higher category therapist, considering all bonuses, will increase by 2,000 UAH and reach 23,000 UAH (gross). Doctors will receive approximately 1,540 UAH more than last year.

• Educators: From January 1, salaries for teachers and scientific-pedagogical staff will increase by 30%. The next raise (another 20%) is planned for September.

"It is currently being clarified whether the 30% supplement will be calculated on the entire salary or only on the base salary"

Optimistic forecast

Financial analyst Andriy Shevchishin believes that despite the initial difficulties of the year, the overall average indicator across all sectors in January will amount to 27,750 UAH. This is less than December but higher than the average indicators of autumn.

Thus, there is a gap in Ukraine between the incomes of private sector workers and budget employees. While budget employees can count on significant increases, companies operating in a market environment will face difficulties due to the traditional decrease in consumption activity in January. The labor market situation remains complex, and further changes in salaries are predicted, requiring changes in strategies for many professions.