Ukrainian men aged 25–34 who worked in Poland in 2025 had a median net income of about 6800 zlotys per month. For all employees in this age group, the figure was around 5300 zlotys. At the same time, the overall incomes of Ukrainians in Poland remain lower. This is reported by Minfin.
The data was provided by the Gremi Personal analytical center, referencing a Deloitte study commissioned by UNHCR. The difference for the mentioned group of men reached 1500 zlotys per month. It is about the median: half of the workers earned less than this level, half more.
Why do young Ukrainian men earn more than Poles
Gremi Personal explains that a higher monthly income does not necessarily indicate higher hourly pay. Additional shifts, work on weekends, and longer working hours influence the final amount.
The place of employment also matters. Ukrainians often work in small towns and industrial regions where there is a demand for production and physical personnel. Mobility and willingness to change employers may also affect earnings.
The choice of profession for work in Poland is determined by both the available job openings and requirements for candidates. Thus, comparing only monthly payments without considering hours, positions, and working conditions is insufficient.
At the same time, the indicator for men aged 25–34 does not reflect the situation of all Ukrainian workers. Overall, their median salary was about 85% of the median earnings in the Polish economy. In almost all age groups, Ukrainians earned approximately as much or slightly less than Poles.
Knowing Polish adds about 700 zlotys to earnings
According to the provided data, Ukrainian refugees who speak Polish fluently earn on average about 700 zlotys per month more than those who know it at a basic level. Language proficiency helps to apply for a broader range of positions.
However, high employment does not imply full utilization of professional experience. In 2025, 36% of refugees and 25% of pre-war migrants felt that their work was below their qualifications.
According to Deloitte and UNHCR, only about one-third of refugees with higher education work in positions that require it. Therefore, one of the main challenges remains employing Ukrainians in their field, rather than just finding any job.