Teachers are among the lowest-paid professions: how much do they get paid in Ukraine and why?
3 October 18:40
The teaching profession remains one of the lowest paid in Ukraine. The median salary in September 2025 amounted to UAH 12,500, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports, citing research by OLX Job analysts.
Despite the increase in teachers’ incomes in 2025, their earnings are still half the average in Ukraine.
Teacher salaries: there is growth, but it does not save
In September 2025, the median teacher salary was UAH 12,500, which is 8.7% higher than in 2024 (UAH 11,500). However, this level remains significantly lower than the average salary in the country, which was UAH 26,499 in July. That is, teachers earn more than half as much as the average worker in Ukraine.
The growth in demand for teaching vacancies is indicative of the competition in the market: the number of responses to education ads increased by 44%, while the number of vacancies remained stable. This means that more and more people are willing to work in schools, even for relatively low pay.
Educators and tutors: the situation with salaries is slightly better
Compared to teachers, kindergarten teachers have slightly higher incomes. In 2025, their median salary reached UAH 14,500, which is 11.5% more than last year (UAH 13,000). The demand for this profession has also increased: the number of responses to vacancies has risen by 12%, and the number of ads has increased by 20%.
The situation is quite different among tutors. They mostly work at an hourly rate and can earn much more. The average cost of one hour of classes in 2025 is 400 UAH, which is 33% more than in 2024 (300 UAH/hour). The number of responses to tutor vacancies has increased by 78%, and the number of offers has increased by 23%. This indicates that the demand for individualized learning in times of war and instability is only growing.
Read also: Salaries of 35-40 thousand UAH: the reality of Ukrainians or the Government’s forecast on paper?
Salaries of teachers in Ukraine and Europe: a comparative analysis
The problem of low remuneration of Ukrainian teachers is especially noticeable in comparison with neighboring countries. In Poland, the salary of a teacher, depending on the category and length of service, ranges from 5,000 to 7,300 zlotys (approximately 57,000 to 83,000 UAH). That is, a Polish teacher earns 4 to 6 times more than a Ukrainian one. This difference creates risks for labor migration: qualified professionals may leave Ukraine in search of better working conditions.
Experts emphasize that the problem of teachers’ salaries goes beyond economic indicators and concerns national security.
The situation with teachers’ salaries today looks critical. Low salaries pose a risk of staff outflow and a drop in the quality of education. This is especially dangerous in times of war, when teachers fulfill not only an educational but also a social mission: they support children, create a sense of security and stability in them, and play a key role in strengthening national identity,” said Maria Abdullina, Head of OLX Work.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education and the government recognize the problem and are planning steps to address it. The draft state budget for 2026 already includes UAH 53 billion to raise teachers’ salaries. There are two stages: from January 1, 2026, a 30% increase, and from September 1, another 20% increase.
This increase will be a significant step forward, but experts doubt that it will radically change the situation. After all, the average salary in Ukraine is growing rapidly, and even after the increase, teachers may remain in the group of the lowest paid professions.
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Therefore, despite the positive dynamics of salary growth in the education sector, the situation remains difficult. The labor market is showing an alarming signal: the teaching profession is attracting more and more candidates, but the level of pay does not allow it to compete with other industries. Without systemic changes and a comprehensive government policy, the risks of staff outflow and a decline in the quality of education will remain extremely high.
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