The income gap between Ukrainian and European workers has reached 6.3 times
The average annual salary in the European Union in 2025 reached 41,500 euros. In Ukraine, this figure is estimated at approximately 6,600 euros, creating a 6.3-fold income gap. This was reported by Minfin, according to the portal PromPolitInform.
A significant imbalance in wage levels creates risks for the Ukrainian labor market, in particular by stimulating the outflow of skilled personnel abroad. This difference is especially noticeable when compared with Central and Eastern European countries, which are the most common destinations for labor migration flows.
Researchers point out that even in EU states with the lowest income levels, such as Bulgaria, the average annual salary is approximately 2.5 times higher than the estimated Ukrainian level. Overall, the average income of a worker in Ukraine is about 16% of the pan-European average.
Methodological specifics of comparison
Experts emphasize the conditional nature of such calculations due to differences in statistical data collection methods. Eurostat indicators take into account full-time equivalent employment, while Ukrainian figures are based on national state statistics.
Furthermore, comparing nominal amounts in euros does not account for such critical factors as differences in the cost of living, tax burdens, and the actual purchasing power of citizens. Therefore, such estimates are largely indicative.
Domestic market dynamics
According to current statistics, the average salary in Ukraine reached 31,000 hryvnias in October 2026. Despite an 18% year-on-year increase in income, the market is showing a downward trend in the total number of vacancies by nearly 20%.
Analysts note that wages have shown a gradual positive trend over the last year. While average figures hovered between 25,000 and 26,000 hryvnias at the beginning of the period, they approached the 30,000 hryvnia mark by autumn. The most notable income growth was recorded in categories such as industrial climbers, directors, and content creators, while offers in popular market segments range from 24,000 to 40,000 hryvnias per month.
Photo: Minfin
