War and work: how Mykolaiv's labor market has changed over three years of conflict

In Mykolaiv, employers have reduced the number of job offers, which has led to a halving of vacancies compared to the pre-war period. However, average salaries have increased by 54%.

This is evidenced by data from the job search site work.ua.

Until February 2022, the labor market in Mykolaiv was active, with more than 1,500 vacancies per month. However, the war has made its own adjustments: the most rapid reduction in offers occurred in May 2022, when the number of vacancies reached a minimum.

At the end of 2024, the situation is gradually stabilizing, but it has not yet been possible to return to pre-war levels. Currently, only about 800 vacancies are offered in Mykolaiv, which is 54% of the level of early 2022.

Screenshot: work.ua

Despite the job cuts, the average salary in the city is showing steady growth. Since December 2021, the average income of employees has increased from 12 thousand to 18 thousand 500 hryvnias.

The largest growth is observed in the following professions:

• Account managers: +53% (UAH 27,500).
• Locksmiths: +34% (UAH 19,500).
• Sales managers: +25% (UAH 25,000).
• Sales representatives: +20% (UAH 30,000).

Significant salary increases were also recorded in the delivery, office management, and unskilled labor sectors. For example, couriers now receive an average of 15,000 UAH, which is 26% more than three years ago.

Screenshot: work.ua

Despite the positive salary dynamics, the lack of vacancies remains a significant challenge for Mykolaiv. The war and economic difficulties continue to affect the local labor market, and restoring pre-war employment levels will take time and additional efforts.

Currently, the average salary in Ukraine is UAH 22,500, which is 22% higher than in December last year. The highest salaries were recorded in Kyiv (UAH 25,000), Lviv (UAH 23,000), Uzhhorod (UAH 22,500), Dnipro (UAH 22,000), and Odesa (UAH 21,500).

The labor market analysis shows that IT specialists have good prospects in the labor market, but future psychologists and teachers should be aware of rather modest salaries. While the average salary of IT specialists ranges from 24 to 40 thousand hryvnias, psychologists earn an average of 19 thousand hryvnias. Teachers earn even less - 18 thousand hryvnias, and the salary of beginning teachers is almost at the minimum wage level - 6,693 hryvnias.

Анна Літман