Builders, IT women, logisticians: how Ukrainians will change the labor market in 2025
21 July 16:28
The fourth year of a full-scale war is changing not only the political but also the economic situation in Ukraine, particularly in the labor market. The changes taking place concern both average salaries and shifts in demand for certain vacancies. One of the most influential trends has been the increase in the number of women working in “male” positions.
The results of a recent OLX Jobs survey provide a clear picture of how the war is changing the labor market, as well as how improving conditions for women can positively impact the economy, reports "Komersant Ukrainian".
According to the survey, 53% of respondents indicated that their salary is less than the average by 25% or more – up to 15 thousand UAH. Thus, the majority of Ukrainians still receive a salary that does not meet the standards of the national economy. The average salary in Ukraine as of June 2025 was 24 thousand 609 UAH, which is 4% more than in 2024.
The distribution of income among respondents is as follows:
- 31% receive from 15 thousand to 30 thousand UAH;
- 10% – from 30 thousand to 50 thousand UAH;
- 6% – more than 50 thousand UAH.
These figures indicate an uneven distribution of income in Ukraine, particularly among those who work in the few high-paying areas.
In which sectors the number of women at work in 2025 has increased
One of the biggest changes in the labor market is the increase in the number of women holding positions in professions that have traditionally been considered “male” in Ukrainian society. According to the survey, 39% of respondents said that they had not noticed any significant changes in the professional composition over the past year. However, 37% said that there were more women in various positions. In addition, 21% of respondents reported a significant increase in female workers in certain industries, while 16% indicated that the number of female workers in those industries had not increased by much.
The key areas where women have increased their workforce are:
- logistics and Transportation – 42%;
- security and Defense Forces – 32%;
- business management positions – 29%; IT and programming – 28%; and
- IT and programming – 28%;
- construction and working professions – 19%.
The trend of increasing numbers of women in technical and managerial occupations is indicative of changing societal and market priorities. Such changes are important to create an inclusive labor market where opportunities for women and men are equal.
Read also: Ukrainian labor market: which professions are in trend and which are losing popularity
Why women choose new professions
Demand for personnel and labor shortage have become the main reasons why employers have become more focused on the employment of women. This is evidenced by 30% of respondents. However, the main factor that has changed the labor market is the change in priorities due to war. With the country facing martial law, flexibility and adaptability have become critical to work effectively in the new environment.
Challenges for women in the labor market: wages and lack of flexibility
Despite the positive trend in women’s employment, most women still face significant barriers to realizing their full potential. 52% of respondents said that low pay was the main challenge. Other important factors are:
- lack of flexible schedules – 32%;
- difficulty in combining work and family – 43%;
- stereotypes on the part of employers – 34%;
- lack of self-confidence – 23%.
Lack of support or motivation from employers is also a problem: only 9% of respondents experience it, 28% experience it only “formally”, and another 36% find it difficult to answer this question.
Interviewees identified the introduction of flexible schedules (42%) and the creation of government and business support programs (25%) as important steps to alleviate the situation. They also emphasized the importance of educational programs and courses (14%) that would help women transition into new professions and provide equal opportunities in the labor market.
Ukraine’s labor market is undergoing significant changes, and although the situation is still far from ideal, it is clear that women are becoming an important part of the new economic model. Their active participation in sectors previously considered “male” and rising wages is a signal of growing potential. However, for this process to be sustainable and effective, further steps are needed to support equal opportunities for all workers, regardless of gender.
The survey was commissioned by OLX in July 2025. A total of 3,513 respondents were asked for their opinions. Among them 58% were women and 42% were men. According to the rules of the survey, most of the questions were answered only by women. The age category that was surveyed is predominantly 31-40 years old (36%) and 41-50 years old (27%). 13% fall into the 21-30 years old category.
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