Salaries are rising, but job openings are declining: what has changed in the blue-collar job market
30 March 16:55
Despite a noticeable increase in wages for blue-collar jobs, the number of job openings is expected to decline in 2026. At the same time, a shortage of workers persists in a number of fields.
These conclusions were reached by analysts from the OLX platform and the OLX Robota service, who studied changes in the market for so-called “blue-collar” professions, reports "Komersant Ukrainian".
Wages in blue-collar professions have risen
According to OLX Robota, median salaries for most blue-collar professions have risen by 10–40%.
The largest increases were recorded in the following professions:
- painter (construction) — 43% to 40,000 UAH;
- warehouse picker — 34% to 28,000 UAH;
- site foreman — 33% to 50,000 UAH;
- bricklayer — 32% to 56,000 UAH.
In a number of professions, the median salary exceeds 60,000 UAH. In particular, a plasterer can earn around 63,000 UAH.
Salaries rose more moderately—by 15–20%—for:
- electricians — to 30,000 UAH;
- welders (construction) — up to 35,000 UAH;
- production assemblers — up to 35,000 UAH;
- plumbers—up to 35,000 UAH;
- turners — up to 32,000 UAH.
Fewer job openings
Despite the rise in salaries, the number of job openings on the platform has decreased.
The sharpest decline in job postings from employers:
- welders (construction) — 89%;
- tiler — 52%;
- painter (manufacturing) — 47%;
- lathe operator — 37%;
- plasterer — 36%.
Demand has also decreased by 20–25% for:
- construction workers;
- bricklayers;
- mechanics;
- carpenters.
Where demand has, on the contrary, risen sharply
Certain professions have seen a rapid increase in employer demand.
Specifically:
- order picker — demand increased nearly 12-fold;
- welders (manufacturing) — more than 6 times;
- excavator operator — 47%;
- site supervisor — 11%.
This may indicate a shift in demand across different sectors—construction, manufacturing, and logistics.
Where is competition among candidates the highest
Demand among job seekers has also declined slightly, but still exceeds the number of vacancies.
The highest competition:
- packer — about 21 applications per vacancy;
- construction laborer — 18 applications.
Average competition (5–6 applications):
- painter;
- construction worker;
- order picker;
- tiler;
- facade specialist;
- plasterer.
Where the shortage of specialists is greatest
The lowest candidate activity is observed in specialized technical professions.
Only 1–3 responses per job opening are received for:
- plumber;
- site supervisor;
- excavator operator;
- electrician;
- welders;
- mechanic;
- turner;
- carpenter.
This means that employers have a harder time finding workers for the more specialized professions.
The Labor Market Paradox
Thus, a paradoxical situation is emerging in the blue-collar labor market:
- wages are rising,
- the number of job openings is shrinking,
- and there is still a shortage of candidates for some professions.
Entry-level positions remain more competitive among job seekers, while skilled specialists remain in short supply even as wages rise.
