Ukraine to Raise Salaries for Culture Workers and Librarians by 70% from January 2027

The Ukrainian government has adopted a decision to significantly raise salaries for culture workers and librarians, effective January 1, 2027. The announcement was made by Culture Minister Tetiana Berezhna and her deputy Bohdana Laiuk-Neborakova.

The decision stipulates that for most employees of state and municipal cultural institutions, as well as the Ukrainian Cultural Fund and the Ukrainian Book Institute, base salaries will increase by 70%. For those already receiving coefficient-based increments, the raise will be 40%.

The increase will affect over 118,000 people across Ukraine. Tariff categories in the cultural sector have not been revised since 2009, meaning workers in categories 1 through 14 were effectively paid at the minimum wage level regardless of qualifications or experience.

According to the State Statistics Service of Ukraine, in 2025 the average monthly salary for workers in libraries, archives, museums, and other cultural institutions was 22,721 hryvnias, compared to the national average of 39,758 hryvnias. This gap led to an outflow of personnel and loss of professionals.

The minister announced that the next step will be a transition to a modern remuneration system where pay depends on professionalism, responsibility, and performance.

It is recalled that in February 2026, Ukrainian librarians demanded a review of their wages and social status. As of January 2026, their base salary did not exceed 8,000 hryvnias.