A paradoxical situation has developed on the Slovak labor market: the number of vacant jobs in May 2026 exceeded 140,000 for the first time in history. At the same time, many people, especially in the eastern regions, complain about difficulties finding employment.
The gap between the west and east of the country is so large that experts talk about "two Slovacias." While companies in the Bratislava region are looking for almost 71,000 employees, in the Prešov region, there are only about 3,200. This inequality affects everything from salaries to the chances of finding a job in your field.
Two Slovacias: Where There Are Jobs and Where There Are Not
The contrast between the regions of Slovakia is striking. According to data analyzed by Slovak economic publications, the labor market operates in two different realities.
- West (Bratislava Region): The unemployment rate here is one of the lowest in the country – about 3.2%. The average salary is almost 1950 euros. Companies are actively looking for both highly qualified specialists and workers.
- East (Prešov Region): The situation here is completely different. The unemployment rate reaches almost 8%, which is almost three times higher than in the capital region. The average salary is about 1285 euros, which is more than 660 euros less.
This imbalance leads to the productive population moving from the eastern regions to the west or abroad, which further deepens the economic problems of the east.
Which Specialists Are Most Needed?
Overall, across the country, the highest demand is for assembly workers in mechanical engineering. However, market needs vary greatly depending on the region.
In the Bratislava Region, the most acute shortages are for:
- Fitters and specialists in operational maintenance.
- Practical nurses and medical assistants.
- Carpenters.
In the Prešov Region, it is most difficult to find:
- Truck drivers for international transport.
- Doctors without specialization.
- Electromechanics.
The problem is not that there are no vacancies, but that there is a huge gap between the skills of candidates and the needs of employers. While dozens of people may apply for one administrative or marketing position, technical, medical, and blue-collar vacancies remain unfilled for months.
What Does This Mean for Ukrainians in Slovakia?
The situation on the labor market opens up certain opportunities but requires flexibility and a realistic assessment of your chances.
- Geography Matters. If you are looking for a job, your chances are significantly higher in the western regions, especially if your specialty is related to manufacturing, construction, IT, or medicine.
- Demand for Blue-Collar and Technical Professions. People with experience in fitting, electrical work, construction, or with a C+E driver's license have a high chance of employment throughout the country.
- Competition in Office Fields. For those with experience in administration, marketing, or humanities, the job search may be longer and more difficult due to high competition. This is especially true for the eastern regions.
- Consider Retraining. Given the long-term trends in the labor market, investing in education or courses for an in-demand technical or medical specialty can significantly increase your competitiveness.
The Slovak labor market needs workers, but this demand is very uneven. Success in finding a job directly depends on your qualifications and willingness to work in the regions and industries where the shortage of staff is most acute.
