Teachers’ Salaries in 2025: Why Ukrainian Educators Still Don’t Receive the Promised 24,000 UAH
In 2025, Ukrainian teachers once again find themselves between expectations and reality. Although Article 61 of the Law of Ukraine “On Education” guarantees that the base salary of a teacher must be no less than three minimum wages, or 24,000 UAH, the real situation is far different.
Minister of Education and Science Oksen Lisovyi openly admitted that there is not enough funding in the state budgetto fulfill this legal provision. During a Q&A session in the Verkhovna Rada, he stated:
“Currently, unfortunately, the budget does not have sufficient funds to fulfill Article 61 of the Law ‘On Education’ regarding the remuneration of pedagogical and scientific-pedagogical workers. That is, teachers should be receiving 24,000 hryvnias.”
Despite the declared legal standard, the real base salary for a teacher remains around 6-7 thousand UAH, depending on their pay grade. For most educators, this amount serves only as a foundation, with the addition of:
- bonuses for years of service (from 10 to 30%);
- prestige bonuses (up to 30%);
- payment for class supervision;
- incentive payments (at the discretion of the school administration);
- a hardship bonus, which has become a central topic in 2025.
The Minister of Education noted:
“We have a set additional bonus for working in difficult conditions, which this year amounts to 2,000 hryvnias. These funds are also included in the budget for next year.”
Starting in September, this amount will increase to 2,600 hryvnias, but after taxes, teachers will receive about 2,000 hryvnias in hand. This is the only guaranteed raise the government can provide under the current limited budget.
Why Article 61 is not being fulfilled
Article 61 of the Law “On Education” clearly states that the base salary of a teacher must not be lower than three minimum wages. In 2025, the minimum wage is 8,000 UAH, so the teacher’s base salary should be at least 24,000 UAH.
However, this provision remains declarative, as its implementation depends on the state budget’s capacity. In the context of a full-scale war and critical defense expenditures, education has once again become a secondary priority.
Lisovyi acknowledged:
“I think the draft budget will include a specific figure. These negotiations are not yet complete. Much will depend on defense needs.”
What teachers actually earn
According to the latest data, the average teacher salary in Ukraine is between 12,000 and 15,000 UAH, depending on:
- qualification category;
- teaching experience;
- involvement in additional responsibilities (such as inclusion, methodical work);
- location of employment (urban or rural, school status, availability of incentive bonuses).
These figures include all possible additional payments. Even in the best-case scenario, teacher salaries rarely exceed 18,000 UAH, which is still far below the promised 24,000.
Will there be a raise anytime soon?
The Minister of Education confirmed that the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Finance are working together to explore salary increases. But this is a possibility, not a guarantee.
“We want to find resources to increase not only bonuses but also base salaries. It’s too early to talk about exact numbers. It will depend on the structure of the 2026 budget.”
Until then, teachers will remain in a situation where their actual income does not match the legal standard or the complexity of their work, which now includes not only teaching but also adapting to online learning, supporting students psychologically during wartime, and ensuring safe learning environments.
A 24,000 UAH salary is not a dream it’s a legal standard that isn’t being fulfilled. In practice, teachers receive about half that amount, even with all bonuses included.
The 2,600 UAH bonus announced for September is a gesture of support, but it doesn’t solve the systemic problem. In a context where education receives leftover funding, the teaching profession is gradually losing its appeal, especially for young specialists.
The cost is known. The solution also. What’s missing is the political will and budgetary resources to make the Law “On Education” not just a declaration but a reality for those who shape the country’s future every day.
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