Salaries in Poland vary significantly depending on the region, and analysing these differences can provide valuable information about local labour markets. In some regions, salaries are noticeably higher, which is often due to a dynamic economy and a greater number of attractive jobs in rapidly developing industries. In other parts of the country, where the labour market is less developed, the average salary can be considerably lower.
What is interesting is how these differences influence people’s decisions about where to work and live. If you are wondering which regions offer the best career opportunities, find out how salaries vary across different parts of Poland.
Average salary in Poland in 2024 – how has it changed over the years?
The average salary in Poland is an important indicator for assessing the situation in the labour market and the condition of the economy. According to Statistics Poland (GUS), in September 2024 the average monthly gross salary in Poland amounted to PLN 8,116 (data as of December 2024). This figure reflects changes resulting from inflation, wage pressure and economic dynamics. Salary growth was noticeable in industries such as IT, energy and construction, although regional and industry differences still remain significant. Such data highlights both the challenges and opportunities in the Polish labour market.
A comparison of average salaries with previous years shows a clear upward trend. In 2023, the average gross salary amounted to PLN 7,155, representing an increase of almost PLN 1,000 year on year. In 2022, the figure was even lower, at approximately PLN 6,346. The upward trend is linked to inflation, wage pressure and rising living costs, which encourage employers to increase salaries. However, the real purchasing power of salaries also depends on current inflation rates.
Regional salary differences – where can you earn the most?
Salaries in Poland vary significantly depending on the voivodeship. As of September 2024, average gross salaries in individual regions of the country show considerable differences. Central voivodeships and those with large metropolitan areas, such as Mazowieckie, Małopolskie and Dolnośląskie, stand out with the highest salaries, while eastern and southern regions of the country record lower average wages.
Which voivodeship offers the highest salaries?
- Mazowieckie – PLN 9,239
- Małopolskie – PLN 8,503
- Dolnośląskie – PLN 8,478
- Śląskie – PLN 8,264
- Pomorskie – PLN 8,230
- Wielkopolskie – PLN 8,200
- Zachodniopomorskie – PLN 7,171
- Świętokrzyskie – PLN 7,089
- Polskie – PLN 7,435
- Lubelskie – PLN 7,632
- Kujawsko-Pomorskie – PLN 7,359
- Lubuskie – PLN 7,359
- Łódzkie – PLN 7,231
- Podlaskie – PLN 7,006
- Podkarpackie – PLN 6,985
- Warmińsko-Mazurskie – PLN 6,869
These salary differences between voivodeships highlight the importance of local labour markets, the presence of large cities, foreign investment and the industries that dominate a given region. The concentration of higher salaries in major metropolitan areas such as Warsaw, Kraków and Wrocław is clearly visible in the rankings, but smaller cities in other parts of Poland can also offer attractive employment conditions, especially in selected industries.
Check out the job offers we can provide!
Salaries by industry – which sectors offer the highest pay?
Based on data presented by Statistics Poland (GUS) in June 2024, salaries across individual industries in Poland vary significantly, reflecting both the nature of each sector and its competency requirements. The most profitable sector is the information and communication technology industry, where the average gross salary amounted to as much as PLN 14,709.03. This is more than twice the national average, confirming that industries related to new technologies are highly valued in the labour market. The second highest-paying sector is financial and insurance activities, where the average salary was approximately PLN 12,000 gross, which also distinguishes this sector from the others.
At the opposite end of the spectrum are sectors such as education, healthcare and social assistance, as well as arts, entertainment and recreation. In these areas, average salaries ranged from approximately PLN 5,000 to PLN 6,000 gross, which is significantly below the levels achieved in more profitable industries. Differences in median salaries further highlight these disparities – in industries dominated by high pay, the differences between average and median salaries are considerable.
Construction, as well as transportation and storage (section H), rank in the middle of the list, with average gross salaries of approximately PLN 7,000–8,000. The same applies to wholesale and retail trade, which, despite employing a large number of people, is still characterised by moderate salary levels.
This data indicates significant differences in salaries in Poland, which depend on the nature of the work as well as the region and level of education. Employees in the IT, finance and insurance sectors can expect the highest salaries, reflecting the growing demand for specialists in these fields. Meanwhile, public sectors, despite their important social role, remain among the lower-paying areas, which presents a challenge for labour market policy.
Check out the available job offers in Poland!
Factors affecting salary levels in Poland
The level of salaries in Poland depends on a number of different factors that influence how much employees are paid for their work. First and foremost, the industry in which a person works plays a key role. Employees in IT, finance or law can expect higher salaries than people employed in other industries. In particular, salaries in the IT sector are growing dynamically, and demand for highly qualified specialists is driving pay increases in this field.
Another important factor is the level of education and acquired knowledge. The higher the level of education, the greater the chances of earning a higher salary, especially when a person has specialised skills. Graduates of technical fields such as computer science or engineering are able to negotiate higher salaries. In addition, professional courses and certificates that confirm competencies can be an important advantage in salary negotiations.
The type of contract is also important – for example, people employed under an employment contract often receive better conditions than those working under civil law contracts. In addition, the location of the workplace also affects salary levels – in larger cities such as Warsaw, Kraków and Wrocław, salaries are generally higher than in more rural areas.
FAQ
What is considered a good salary in Poland?
A good salary in Poland is one that allows for a comfortable standard of living and savings, and its level depends on many factors such as industry, professional experience and region. In general, salaries close to the national average, which in 2024 amounted to approximately PLN 8,116 gross, are considered sufficient for comfortable living.
How much do employees in Poland earn per month?
The average salary in Poland in 2024 is approximately PLN 8,116 gross per month. Salaries in Poland vary depending on the industry, professional experience and location. In large cities such as Warsaw, Kraków and Wrocław, average salaries are higher, while in smaller towns or sectors such as agriculture, salaries may be below the national average.
How much does the middle class earn?
The middle class in Poland consists of people who earn approximately PLN 7,000 to PLN 12,000 gross per month. These salaries allow for a stable lifestyle, although they are not sufficient to maintain a luxurious standard of living. The middle class includes people with higher education, often with several years of professional experience, working in medium-sized companies or public institutions.
