Trends and wage growth for blue-collar professions in Poland

The Polish labor market has undergone significant changes in recent years. Stable economic growth has led to a record-low unemployment rate in 2023 and an increase in wages. But let’s take it step by step.

The overall situation in the Polish labor market

According to official statistics, the current minimum wage in Poland as of July 1, 2023, is 3,600 zlotys (approximately 800 euros) per month.

However, according to Salary Explorer data, the average annual salary for a Polish worker is around 90,800 zlotys. Nevertheless, it’s important to consider various factors:

• Industry type.
• Job type (full-time, temporary or seasonal work, remote, etc.).
• Employee’s level of experience.
• Employee’s level of education.
• Region where the employee is located.
• Gender.

For example, salaries are higher in the capital city compared to other parts of the country. Also, among the wage leaders are Krakow, Wroclaw, Poznan, and Gdansk.

As in other countries, the higher an employee’s level of qualification, the higher their potential earnings. For instance, a month of work as a laborer can yield an average salary ranging from 13,800 to 35,500 zlotys, depending on work experience.

In Poland, public sector employees earn about 9% more than private sector employees.

Women need to be prepared for the fact that despite Poland having one of the lowest gender pay gaps among EU countries, they still earn an average of 7% less than men in the same position.

What Salary Can Skilled Labor Professionals Expect in Poland?

The average national wage increase across all professions and industries in Poland is approximately 8% every 1.5 years. However, according to Statista forecasts, a growth of 12% can be expected in 2023 alone.

Several factors have contributed to this:

1. Economic Growth and Inflation

Poland has become a true economic powerhouse in Europe, maintaining steady growth over the past years. This has been made possible through active investment, development of innovative sectors, and attracting foreign funds. However, the country also faces inflationary pressure, leading to rising prices for goods and services. This naturally affects wage growth as companies aim to provide their employees with an acceptable level of income to offset this difference.

2. High Demand for Workforce

The growth of Poland’s economy has led to an increase in the number of rapidly developing enterprises and industries. Examples include automobile manufacturing, information technology, food production, and agriculture. This results in a continuous demand for professionals with varying levels of experience and qualifications, leading to competition for their attention.

3. Migration Flow and Competition

Poland has been open to foreign workers for many years and continues to attract migrants due to easy access to work visas and opportunities in highly developed sectors. The ongoing war in Ukraine has also contributed to an influx of people seeking employment, creating competition in the job market. This prompts employers to raise wages to attract and retain quality employees.

4. Social Aspect and Decent Working Conditions

Society increasingly recognizes the importance of providing decent working conditions and fair compensation. Trade unions and public organizations actively engage in discussions on these matters and demand improvements for workers. This pressure also contributes to wage growth across various economic sectors.

Which blue-collar professions are in high demand in Poland? According to research commissioned by the Minister of Family and Social Policy, there are 30 shortage professions identified across the country, predominantly in construction, medical/care, production, and logistics sectors. These vacant positions not only provide opportunities for workers but also shape the prospects for the labor market development in Poland.