Teachers in Ukraine earn up to ₴16 thousand, which is less than the average salary in the country, — MP

Teachers' salaries in Ukraine currently do not exceed 70% of the national average. Archive photo: NikVesti

In Ukraine, the average teacher's salary is currently only 60-70% of the national average, while in most European countries this figure reaches 100-110%.

This was announced by Serhii Babak, chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Education, Science and Innovation.

According to him, even with all the additional payments and allowances, teachers receive an average of 14-16 thousand hryvnias.

«Average teacher salaries are among the lowest among the most common professions. Even with additional payments and allowances, they do not exceed 14-16 thousand hryvnias on average, while the average salary in the country is almost 26 thousand hryvnias (data for August 2025 — note),» said Serhii Babak.

The most difficult situation is for young teachers — without seniority and category, they earn only 8-9 thousand hryvnias.

«The Soviet principle of a low base rate plus numerous allowances and fixed surcharges is non-transparent, confusing, and subjective factors play a large role in such calculations. In addition, a low base rate means no chance for young people. Will a young specialist wait until he or she has gained experience and is promoted? Most likely, and this is what is happening now, they will simply go looking for another job that is more financially attractive,» the MP said.

He emphasised that the teaching profession loses its prestige when the level of pay does not even reach the national average.

«Now, for the first time, we have a real chance to change this. I will insist that the salary of a Ukrainian teacher at a school rate should be 19-28 thousand hryvnias. I have submitted a corresponding amendment to the State Budget for 2026,» said the Committee Chairman.

As a reminder, the Government has increased the monthly supplement for teachers from the frontline areas, including Mykolaiv region, to four thousand hryvnias.