In recent years, Polish employees have enjoyed increasingly higher wages. The national average wage, or the average gross salary in the enterprise sector, has been steadily rising. In 2024, it stands at almost 8,000 PLN gross. Let’s explore what these figures mean and the forecasts for 2025.
What is the National Average Wage?
The national average wage, also known as the average salary, represents the typical wage level in Poland. It is calculated by the Central Statistical Office (GUS) and published monthly, usually in the middle of the following month.
GUS calculates the national average salary by considering the enterprise sector, summing up gross personal wages, fees paid to certain groups for work under employment contracts, and profit-sharing payments. The total sum is then divided by the average number of employees during the given period.
It’s important to note that the national average wage is only an indicative figure and doesn’t reflect the real wages of many individuals. Poland exhibits significant wage disparities depending on region, industry, job position, and other factors.
Growth of the National Average Wage in 2024
According to the Central Statistical Office, the national average wage in January 2024 was 7,768.35 PLN gross, marking a 12.8% increase compared to the same period in 2023. This notable rise reflects dynamic wage growth in the Polish economy.
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Factors Contributing to the Increase in the National Average Salary
A key factor was the significant 17.8% increase in the statutory minimum wage, which rose to 4,242 PLN gross in January 2024. This hike particularly impacted sectors such as administration and accommodation, where average wages are relatively low.
Moreover, Polish companies are adjusting salaries in response to changes in the labor market to attract and retain employees. With a growing demand for specialized skills, employers are willing to raise wages, especially in critical areas such as finance, IT, and engineering.
National Average Salary, Inflation, and Employment
Despite the significant wage growth, experts caution that not everything is as "rosy" as it seems. Although wages have grown much faster than inflation, which was 3.9% in January 2024, part of this growth may result from the minimum wage hike rather than a real increase in productivity.
Additionally, GUS data shows that employment in the enterprise sector fell by 0.2% year-on-year during the same period, which could indicate that companies are becoming more cautious with new hires.
Forecast for the National Average Wage in 2025
Looking ahead, forecasts for the national average wage in 2025 are intriguing. According to the Multi-Year Financial Plan for the State, the average gross wage in the national economy is expected to rise to 7,824 PLN.
Factors Affecting the Forecasted National Average Salary
Wage growth in 2025 will largely depend on government decisions regarding the minimum wage increase. Projections suggest the minimum wage could rise to 4,510.90 PLN gross, representing a 5.6% increase compared to 2024.
Inflation, predicted to be around 4.1% in 2025, will also play a crucial role. If the government decides to adjust the minimum wage only by this inflation rate, without factoring in two-thirds of the forecasted GDP growth, the increase will be smaller.
Differences in Net Salaries
Analyzing the projected gross national average of 7,824 PLN, we can estimate an employee’s take-home (net) pay after deducting social insurance contributions and income tax advances.
Assuming the employee lives in the same city as their workplace, they will receive approximately 5,736 PLN net. Meanwhile, an individual commuting from another town would take home around 5,742 PLN net.
These estimates may change if the government decides to increase the tax-free allowance, leading to even higher net wages.
Minimum Wage and the National Average Salary
Changes in the minimum wage directly influence the national average wage. Data shows that the 17.8% increase in the minimum wage in 2024 significantly contributed to the rise in the average salary in the enterprise sector.
See: Minimum salary in Poland in 2024
Market Trends
Observed changes in the national average wage and minimum wage reflect broader trends in the Polish labor market, such as the increasing importance of key skills and evolving hiring dynamics.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
What is the national average?
In Poland, the national average wage refers to the average gross monthly earnings of employees across the national economy. This figure is calculated and published by Statistics Poland (Główny Urząd Statystyczny, GUS) and serves as a key indicator of the country's economic health and labor market trends.
What is the average salary in Poland?
As of 2024, the average gross monthly salary in Poland is approximately 7,978.79 PLN, equivalent to about €1,870. After mandatory deductions, the net monthly salary is around 5,769.26 PLN, or €1,355.
How much is the minimum wage "net"?
From January 1 to June 30, 2024, the minimum wage (gross) was 4,242 PLN. After deducting contributions and income tax, employees received 3,221.98 PLN net. From July 1, 2024, the gross minimum wage increased to 4,300 PLN, meaning the net take-home pay is 3,261.53 PLN.
