OBJECTIVE: The aim: To determine the impact of the salary level and the legal mechanism for its regulation on the work efficiency of health care workers. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: The research materials cover the reports of international organizations, global and national statistical data and collective agreements. The research results and conclusions are based on the combined use of theoretical and empirical methods. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: The legal mechanism for regulating the remuneration of health care workers should be reformed on the basis of the concept of their work efficiency.