MINIMUM AND AVERAGE SALARY IN POLAND

Given the significant gap between Poland's wage level and that of more developed Western European countries, the local government makes every effort to create a favourable climate on the Polish labour market. Every year the minimum and average wages in Poland increase. To date, the authorities have managed to overcome the "psychological barrier" and provide local residents with an average net income exceeding €1,000 per month.

About what salary in Poland is interested in a large number of foreigners from different countries. Employment in Polish companies today is very popular, but sometimes the official data on wages do not quite correspond to reality. For example, the salary in Poland for foreigners is often underestimated, which incidentally has a very negative impact on the income of Poles themselves. Next, let's find out how much they really earn in Poland in 2024.

Minimum wage in Poland

According to official data from the Polish government, the minimum wage in Poland in 2024 (from 1 January) is 27.7 Polish zlotys per hour (about 6.5 euros). Polish workers should receive at least PLN 4,242 (€995) monthly. If underpayment is detected, employers face fines of between 240 and 7,000 euros. Compared to 2023, the minimum wage in Poland increased by 752 PLN (€175) or 17.7%.

Important. From 1 July 2024 it is foreseen to increase the minimum wage in Poland to 4,300 PLN per month/28.1 PLN per hour.

The real minimum wage in Poland, i.e. relative to price increases, has increased by more than 40% over the last 10 years. This is one of the best indicators in the European Union. Unemployment in Poland in 2024 is kept at 3-5%, with the rate among young people reaching 10-15%. About 17.3 million of the country's 40 million inhabitants are officially employed, while 845.3 thousand are unemployed. More than 1.3 million Poles earn minimum wages.

The lowest hourly wage rates in Poland are recorded in the catering, trade and hospitality sectors. Up to 30% of workers in these sectors receive the minimum wage, i.e. no more than PLN 27.7 (EUR 6.5) per hour. Some Polish companies employing a lot of unskilled labour, as well as small businesses in Poland, quite often resort to various "grey schemes". For example, paying wages in envelopes.

Average salary in Poland

According to the Polish Central Statistical Office, before taxes (gross), the official average salary in Poland in 2024 is 7,978.79 PLN per month, equivalent to 1,870 euros. After all compulsory tax and social contributions (net), a Polish employee is left with PLN 5,769.26 (about €1,355). In general, the average wage in Poland is growing twice as slowly as the minimum wage.

Real salaries in Poland largely depend on the level of qualification, experience and profession of the employee, as well as the line of work and the specific region. For example, in some settlements of Shidlowiecki district unemployment exceeds 30%, which is 12 times more than in the city of Poznan. All this is also reflected in the level of remuneration. Therefore, it is preferable for foreigners to look for a job in Warsaw, Krakow, Wroclaw and other large cities where average salaries are higher than in the country.

You can calculate the exact salary (gross/net) in Poland using an online calculator. Below, we highlight the average monthly income of Polish workers before taxes by sector and after taxes by occupation.

The highest salaries in Poland were recorded in the field of information and communication, and the lowest in the accommodation and meals sector.

Payroll taxes in Poland

Over the last decades, the tax system in Poland has changed significantly and has moved closer to European standards. Payroll taxes are levied in favour of the state on a monthly basis in the form of advance payments. The employer is responsible for controlling the tax liability. Payroll taxes in Poland are paid by both local citizens and foreigners working in Polish companies on the basis of a labour contract.

Income tax rate in Poland in 2024 :

• Annual income from 0 to 120,000 PLN – 12% (minus 3,600 PLN)

• Annual income over 120,000 PLN – 10,800 PLN + 32% from the amount exceeding 120,000 PLN

Social contributions from salary in Poland in 2024:

• Health insurance – 9%. At the same time, 7.75% is a tax credit, so in fact the employee is charged 1.25%.

• Pension Fund – 27.52% (11.26/16.26%)

• Disability insurance – 8% (1.5/6.5%)

• Health insurance – 2.45% (employee)

• Accident insurance – 0.67-3.33% – more than 9 employees and 1.67% up to 9 employees (employer)

• Labor Fund – 2.45% (employer)

In total, the amount of social contributions directly from the salary of an employee in Poland is about 15.1%.

HIGHEST PAID OCCUPATIONS IN POLAND

• Programmers

• Doctors

• Lawyers

• Chief Executive Officers (CEOs)

• Bankers, financiers

• Engineers

• Aviation pilots

• Sales specialists

• Marketing experts

• Business consultants

Cost of living in Poland

Compared to most Western European countries, life in Poland is quite affordable. Even in major population centres, property rental prices are reasonable, including the capital Warsaw.

Basic costs in Poland:

• Rent: 700-800 euros per month for a one-bedroom flat in the centre.

• Utility bills: 200-250 euros per month.

• Food: 150-200 euros per month per person.

• Transport: 20-30 euros per month by public transport or 100-150 euros per month by car.

• Internet/mobile phone: 20-25 euros per month.

• Clothing and leisure activities: 300-400 euros per month.

Frequently asked questions about salaries in Poland:

1. What is the average salary in Poland?

• Before taxes, the average salary in Poland in 2024 is PLN 7,978.79 per month (€1,870).

2. What is the minimum wage in Poland?

• From 1 July 2024, the minimum wage in Poland is PLN 4,300 (€1,000).

3. What is the highest earning job in Poland?

• The highest paid professions in Poland are programmers, doctors and lawyers.

4. What is the lowest paying job in Poland?

• Representatives of unskilled labour – cleaners, waiters, cooks' assistants, loaders, shop assistants, maids and so on – earn the least in Poland.

5. What is the average salary of programmers in Poland?

• The average income of programmers in Poland is estimated at 20,000-30,000 euros per year.

6. What is the payroll tax in Poland?

• The income tax rate in Poland depends on the annual income and varies from 12% (income up to 120,000 PLN) to 32% (income over 120,000 PLN).

7. What is the average salary in Warsaw?

• The average salary in Warsaw in 2024 is PLN 9,646.92 per month (€2,260).

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