Polish Wages Hit 9,135 Zloty as Growth Rate Slows

Poland's Labor Market at the Start of 2026

According to ХВИЛЯ: Data from the start of 2026 shows the average gross wage in Poland reached 9,135 zloty in February, equivalent to over 108,000 Ukrainian hryvnias. However, the pace of wage growth has decelerated significantly, dropping to 6% over the past year from nearly 12% in 2024. This slowdown is occurring within the broader context of Central European economic integration and shifting labor dynamics. Several key factors are influencing the labor market:

• Increases to the statutory minimum wage;
• Shifts in employment structure;
• Uneven development across different economic sectors.

This analysis is provided by the Gremi Personal company's analytical center. Notably, as of January 1, 2026, Poland's minimum wage rose to 4,806 zloty. This hike, alongside widespread workforce restructuring at major companies, has been a primary driver affecting the average wage figure.

Significant sectoral variations exist: in the food industry, annual wage growth was only 3.62%, with an average gross wage of 7,511.3 zloty. Conversely, in the automotive sector, key specialists saw an 8.8% raise, with the industry's average gross wage standing at 9,842 zloty.

Inflation and the Role of Ukrainian Workers

Inflation in Poland was measured at 2.1% year-on-year in February 2026, a factor that also impacts workers' real purchasing power. Analyst Oleh Rudenko observes:

Therefore, part of the average wage increase is explained not just by higher pay, but by statistical effects-changes in employment structure and administrative decisions. - Oleh Rudenko

Ukrainian citizens constitute approximately two-thirds of all foreign workers in Poland, underscoring their substantial impact on the country's labor supply. Consequently, Poland's labor market presents a complex picture where wage increases occur against a backdrop of shifting employment patterns and a rising wage floor.

In summary, the early 2026 labor market analysis points to certain positive trends, yet the slowing wage growth raises concerns about economic stability. The rising minimum wage and the influence of Ukrainian workers highlight the importance of external factors in shaping the country's economic conditions. These developments are likely to influence employment and social policy in Poland for years to come.

As Poland navigates these complex labor dynamics, questions arise about when salaries will align with EU standards. Recent forecasts from the Finance Ministry suggest that achieving comparable wages may be on the horizon. For a deeper understanding of this critical issue, explore our analysis on when salaries in Poland will reach EU levels.