Rapid rise in labor costs: which professions showed the highest salary growth rates – the market continues to overheat
11 December 2025 20:12
OLX Job analysts have released data on changes in median salaries in Ukraine over the past four years. The study shows a significant shift in the labor market: incomes in blue-collar jobs and trade have grown the most, and some professions have shown an increase of more than 300%, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
The leader was the segment of handymen, where wages increased by 384% and reached UAH 23 thousand in October 2025. The second place was taken by painters with a salary of UAH 47 thousand (215%), and the third place was taken by bricklayers (157%, UAH 47.5 thousand).
Where the growth was the highest
The group of professions with the most dynamic increase in median salaries includes
- handymen – 384% (UAH 23 thousand)
- painters – 215% (UAH 47 thousand)
- bricklayers – 157% (UAH 47.5 thousand)
- fitness trainers – 151% (15 thousand UAH)
- designers in PR and advertising – 150% (25 thousand UAH)
- electricians – 145% (35 thousand UAH)
- foremen – 144% (50 thousand UAH)
- plasterers – 140% (60 thousand UAH)
- plumbers – 137% (UAH 41.5 thousand)
The top ten are dominated by blue-collar occupations, which is an indicator that the labor market is experiencing an acute shortage of technicians and craftsmen.
Those who didn’t make it to the top, but also made significant gains
The trends outside the top ten are no less revealing. Over the past four years
- marketers – 132% (UAH 25.5 thousand)
- electricians (other category) – 131% (30 thousand UAH)
- bakers – 130% (30.5 thousand UAH)
- dentists – 129% (40 thousand UAH)
- builders and tilers – 125% (45 thousand UAH)
- couriers – 122% (30 thousand UAH)
- managers of hotel, restaurant and tourism business – 119% (UAH 29.5 thousand)
- tutors – 113% (thousand UAH)
- helpers – 105% (22.5 thousand UAH)
In fact, in most industries – from trade to medicine and creative professions – salary growth exceeded 100%.
What it means for the labor market
OLX Job data indicates an active redistribution of demand. The fastest rising wages are for those who are most in demand on the market – craftsmen, technical specialists, and construction workers. An increase of more than 200%, and in some places almost 400%, demonstrates a deep structural shortage of personnel.
At the same time, the significant growth in creative, medical, and service professions is indicative of a broader trend – employers are raising wages to retain staff in a competitive environment.
