In the western regions of Ukraine, a significant transformation of the labor market is observed. The main demand from employers is focused on drivers, salespeople, loaders, and laborers in the construction sector. At the same time, the highest salaries in the region are offered in the Defense Forces — ranging from 70,000 to 110,000 hryvnias, which significantly exceeds the salary levels for civilian specialties. Among civilian professions, drivers (30–37.5 thousand UAH) and construction workers (up to 27.5 thousand UAH) lead the way.
This is reported by Finway
Trends in the Labor Market of Western Regions
Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Zakarpattia, and Volyn regions traditionally stand out for their high labor mobility. A significant portion of the residents in these regions either work locally or go abroad or to other regions of Ukraine for work. However, over the past two years, the situation has changed noticeably: the defense sector has become significantly more influential, and salaries in many fields have increased by tens of percent.
According to recent analytics, the western regions are actively seeking workers in logistics, manufacturing, skilled trades, retail, as well as construction and finishing works.
Demand and Salaries: Who Are the Leaders
Employers in Lviv, Volyn, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Zakarpattia regions have the greatest need for drivers, salespeople, construction laborers, and loaders. A notable feature of the past year has been the sharp increase in vacancies in the Defense Forces: in August 2025, their number in Lviv region increased by 375% compared to the same period last year. The salary offers here are the highest: Ivano-Frankivsk — 110,000 UAH, Lviv — 75,065 UAH, Volyn — 75,000 UAH, Zakarpattia — 70,000 UAH.
“Service in the Defense Forces today offers the highest earnings in the region: Ivano-Frankivsk region — 110,000 UAH; Lviv region — 75,065 UAH; Volyn region — 75,000 UAH; Zakarpattia region — 70,000 UAH.”
In traditional sectors, average salaries are also rising: loaders in Volyn earn from 18,000 UAH (+14%), in Lviv — up to 26,000 UAH (+24%), in Zakarpattia — up to 24,500 UAH (+44%). Salespeople in all regions have a growth of 20–25%: in Lviv — about 21,000 UAH, in Zakarpattia — 21,500 UAH, in Ivano-Frankivsk — 18,000 UAH, in Volyn — 17,500 UAH. Drivers show a steady salary increase of 5–9%, with the highest rates in Lviv (37,500 UAH) and Volyn (35,000 UAH). Laborers in construction in Ivano-Frankivsk and Zakarpattia have salaries of 27,500 UAH (+30%), in Lviv — at a similar level, while in Volyn — a drop to 12,500 UAH (–29%).
The labor market in the west of the country is characterized by similar priorities for both employers and job seekers: the most responses are received for advertisements for drivers and laborers in construction. Young people and students are actively looking for temporary or first jobs, especially in Lviv, where popular categories include “Entry-Level Jobs” and vacancies in retail and manufacturing (specifically, sorters, packers, and wrappers).