Poland continues to strengthen its position as one of Central Europe’s most dynamic and fast-growing economies. With steady wage growth, increasing foreign investment, and expansion in high-skill sectors such as technology, manufacturing, and business services, Salaries in Poland in 2026 reflect a shifting labor market that rewards both local and international talent.
Whether you are a job seeker, employer, or expatriate evaluating opportunities in the Polish labor market, this comprehensive salary guide provides a detailed look at average wages, regional differences, top-earning careers, and economic outlook for 2026.
Economic Overview of Poland in 2026
Poland enters 2026 with stable economic performance driven by strong exports, digital transformation efforts, and major investments in infrastructure, energy, and manufacturing. Key macroeconomic highlights include:
- GDP growth between 3% and 4%, supported by domestic demand.
- Low unemployment, hovering around 5%.
- Growing wages, especially in IT, engineering, logistics, and business services.
- Increased foreign investment, particularly from the EU and Asia.
While inflation remains a challenge, wage increases have helped maintain purchasing power, especially in urban centers such as Warsaw, Kraków, and Wrocław.
Average Salary in Poland in 2026
The national average salary in Poland in 2026 is estimated at:
PLN 7,200 – 7,800 gross per month
(Approximately PLN 86,000 – 94,000 per year)
By experience level:
- Entry-level workers: PLN 4,200 – 5,500
- Mid-level professionals: PLN 6,500 – 9,000
- Senior-level and technical specialists: PLN 10,000 – 15,000+
Although Poland’s salaries remain lower than those in Western Europe, rapid wage growth is narrowing the gap.
Salaries by Sector in Poland (2026)
1. Technology & IT Sector
Poland’s IT market is booming, with strong demand for developers, cybersecurity experts, and data specialists.
| IT Role | Average Salary (PLN/month) |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | 10,000 – 17,000 |
| Data Analyst | 8,000 – 13,000 |
| DevOps Engineer | 12,000 – 20,000 |
| Cybersecurity Specialist | 12,000 – 18,000 |
The country’s thriving tech hubs—Warsaw, Kraków, Gdańsk, and Wrocław—attract global companies and remote workers alike.
2. Finance & Banking
Poland has become a major financial and shared-services center, with strong growth in corporate finance, auditing, and fintech.
| Finance Role | Average Salary (PLN/month) |
|---|---|
| Financial Analyst | 7,000 – 12,000 |
| Accountant | 6,000 – 10,500 |
| Risk Manager | 12,000 – 20,000 |
| Investment Advisor | 14,000 – 25,000 |
Demand is particularly high for multilingual professionals.
3. Engineering & Manufacturing
Poland remains a European manufacturing powerhouse.
| Engineering Role | Average Salary (PLN/month) |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineer | 8,000 – 14,000 |
| Electrical Engineer | 9,000 – 15,000 |
| Automation Engineer | 10,000 – 17,000 |
| Production Manager | 12,000 – 22,000 |
Industries such as automotive, aerospace, machinery, and green energy are driving wage increases.
4. Healthcare
Poland’s healthcare salaries continue to rise as the system undergoes modernization.
| Healthcare Role | Average Salary (PLN/month) |
|---|---|
| Nurse | 5,000 – 7,000 |
| General Practitioner | 15,000 – 25,000 |
| Pharmacist | 6,500 – 10,000 |
| Medical Technician | 4,500 – 7,500 |
Doctors and specialists remain among the country’s highest earners.
5. Education
Education remains one of the lower-paying sectors, though wages have grown gradually.
| Education Role | Average Salary (PLN/month) |
|---|---|
| Primary School Teacher | 4,500 – 6,000 |
| Secondary School Teacher | 5,000 – 7,000 |
| University Lecturer | 7,000 – 12,000 |
Public schools follow government pay scales; universities offer more competitive wages.
6. Retail & Hospitality
These sectors have some of the lowest salaries but benefit from strong job availability.
| Role | Average Salary (PLN/month) |
|---|---|
| Retail Sales Assistant | 3,800 – 5,000 |
| Cashier | 3,600 – 4,800 |
| Waiter/Waitress | 3,800 – 5,500 |
| Hotel Receptionist | 4,000 – 6,000 |
Wage growth is expected as minimum wage increases continue through 2026.
Regional Salary Differences in Poland (2026)
1. Warsaw
- Highest salaries in the country
- Average: PLN 9,000 – 11,500
- Strong in finance, IT, and business services
2. Kraków
- Major tech and outsourcing hub
- Average: PLN 7,000 – 9,500
3. Wrocław
- Fast-growing tech & engineering sector
- Average: PLN 6,800 – 9,200
4. Gdańsk & Tricity
- Strong in maritime, logistics, and IT
- Average: PLN 6,500 – 9,000
5. Smaller Cities & Rural Areas
- Average salaries: PLN 4,500 – 6,000
- Lower living costs balance out lower wages
Cost of Living in Poland 2026
Poland’s cost of living remains affordable by EU standards, though inflation has raised prices in recent years.
Housing
- Warsaw rent (1-bedroom): PLN 3,000 – 4,500
- Other major cities: PLN 2,200 – 3,500
- Small towns: PLN 1,500 – 2,300
Food & Groceries
- Moderate and generally affordable
Transportation
- Public transport inexpensive and efficient
- Car ownership remains costly due to insurance and fuel prices
Overall cost-of-living index: Moderate
Despite rising prices, Poland remains attractive for foreign workers due to good wages combined with affordable living.
Top-Paying Jobs in Poland in 2026
- Surgeons & Senior Medical Specialists – PLN 25,000 – 40,000+
- IT Directors – PLN 25,000 – 35,000
- Engineering Managers – PLN 20,000 – 30,000
- Finance Executives & Controllers – PLN 18,000 – 30,000
- Cybersecurity Experts – PLN 15,000 – 25,000
- Software Architects – PLN 16,000 – 24,000
These roles benefit from strong demand and limited supply of qualified professionals.
Wage Trends in Poland for 2026
Key trends shaping the Polish labor market include:
- Wage growth of 8–10% in high-demand sectors
- Continued increases in minimum wage, improving earnings in retail and hospitality
- Expansion of remote and hybrid work, especially in IT
- Growth in foreign investment, boosting salaries in business services and engineering
- Skill shortages, especially in technology and healthcare
These trends signal strong long-term wage growth across the country.
Conclusion
Poland in 2026 offers a dynamic job market with rising wages, expanding opportunities, and strong career prospects in technology, finance, engineering, and healthcare. While salaries vary by region and industry, the overall trend is positive, making Poland an attractive destination for both local and international professionals.
FAQ: Salaries in Poland 2026
1. What is the average salary in Poland in 2026?
The average salary is PLN 7,200 – 7,800 gross per month.
2. Which cities in Poland offer the highest salaries?
Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław, and Gdańsk offer the best-paying opportunities.
3. What jobs pay the most in Poland in 2026?
Medical specialists, IT directors, senior engineers, and finance executives.
4. Is the cost of living high in Poland?
It is moderate and generally lower than Western Europe.
5. Are salaries rising in 2026?
Yes. Most sectors are experiencing strong wage growth due to demand for skilled professionals.