Labor market shortage in Ukraine: which jobs are most in demand and where is it easier to find work
There is a growing shortage of workers in Ukraine: there are two jobs for every applicant. Find out which professions are most in demand, why there is a shortage of workers, how the situation differs across regions, and what the forecasts are for the labor market until 2027
In August 2025, the Ukrainian labor market experienced a shortage of personnel. According to data from the Unified Job Portal, which combines offers from the State Employment Service and leading commercial websites, there were 241,000 vacancies available, while only 132,000 people were actively looking for new jobs. On average, there were two vacancies per applicant.
The most sought-after professions in Ukraine
An analysis of the offers shows that the following specialties are currently in the highest demand:
● salesperson;
● driver;
● cook;
● engineer;
● accountant;
● doctor;
● specialist (office and administrative positions);
● administrator;
● mechanic;
● electrician;
● loader.
These professions cover both the service and trade sectors, as well as technical specialties, without which industry and infrastructure cannot function.
Why is there a labor shortage in Ukraine?
Specialists from the State Employment Service explain the personnel shortage by two key reasons:
1. Military action. Mobilization makes it difficult to fill jobs that were predominantly held by men. The greatest shortage of personnel is observed among builders, electric and gas welders, mechanics, electricians, and drivers.
2. Structural changes in the economy. Often, applicants do not have the necessary qualifications or skills for the most scarce vacancies. This applies primarily to technical specialties, engineering professions, and the healthcare sector.
Thus, the labor market is facing both a quantitative and qualitative shortage of personnel.
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Regional differences in the labor market
The ratio of vacancies to applicants varies significantly depending on the region:
● In Kyiv, there are 24 vacancies per applicant, making the capital the leader in terms of opportunities.
● In the Lviv region, there are 4 vacancies per applicant.
● In the Kyiv region, there are 3.
● In the Mykolaiv region, on the contrary, the number of applicants is twice as high as the number of job offers.
This unevenness indicates an imbalance between regions, which is caused by economic activity, migration processes, and different levels of development of local enterprises.
Forecasts for the labor market in Ukraine
According to Roman Konoval, director of the labor market analysis and employment program effectiveness monitoring department, disparities in the labor market will continue. They are caused by military actions, migration, and structural changes in the economy.
However, gradual stabilization is expected. According to forecasts by the National Bank of Ukraine, the unemployment rate in the country will decline and stabilize below 10% in 2027. This means that supply and demand in the labor market will gradually balance out.
We remind you! Currently, most European Union countries have simplified rules for the employment of Ukrainians, but not all cities offer good conditions.
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