So you're thinking about working in Poland, or you got a job offer, and you're wondering: How much can I actually earn? Because let's be honest – salary is important. You need to know if you can afford to live, if the offer is fair, and what to expect in different sectors and cities.

Here's the thing: Salaries in Poland vary widely. They depend on your sector, your experience, your city, your company, and your skills. What you can earn as a recent graduate in IT in Warsaw is very different from what you can earn as an entry-level worker in retail in a smaller city. And understanding these differences is crucial for making informed decisions.

This guide will break down salary expectations in Poland – what you can earn in different sectors, how location affects salaries, how experience matters, and what's realistic for different situations. We'll cover everything from entry-level positions to experienced roles, from minimum wage to high-paying sectors. Because knowing what to expect helps you negotiate better, make better career decisions, and plan your finances.

The Reality: What Affects Your Salary

The factors: Your salary in Poland depends on many factors, and understanding them helps you set realistic expectations.

Sector:

  • IT and technology: Usually highest salaries
  • Finance and business: Good salaries
  • Engineering: Good salaries
  • Marketing and communications: Moderate to good
  • Retail and hospitality: Lower salaries
  • Teaching: Moderate salaries

Experience:

  • Entry-level (0-2 years): Lower salaries
  • Mid-level (2-5 years): Moderate salaries
  • Senior (5+ years): Higher salaries
  • Specialized skills: Can command premium

Location:

  • Warsaw: Highest salaries (but also highest costs)
  • Kraków, Wrocław, Gdańsk, Poznań: Moderate to good salaries
  • Smaller cities: Lower salaries (but also lower costs)

Company type:

  • International companies: Often higher salaries
  • Large Polish companies: Moderate to good salaries
  • Small companies: Lower salaries
  • Startups: Variable (may offer equity instead of high salary)

Skills and qualifications:

  • In-demand skills: Higher salaries
  • Language skills: Can be valuable
  • Certifications: Can increase salary
  • Specialized knowledge: Premium

Pro tip: Don't just look at salary – consider the whole package: benefits, work-life balance, career opportunities, and cost of living in your city.

Reality check: Salaries in Poland are lower than in Western Europe, but so is the cost of living. Your purchasing power may be similar or even better.

Understanding Polish Salary Terms

Gross vs. Net:

  • Gross (brutto): Salary before taxes and deductions
  • Net (netto): Salary after taxes (what you actually receive)
  • Important: Job postings usually show gross salary, but you receive net

How to calculate net from gross:

  • Net is usually about 70-75% of gross (depending on income level)
  • Lower income: Higher percentage (less tax)
  • Higher income: Lower percentage (more tax)
  • Pro tip: When discussing salary, always clarify if it's gross or net. Most job postings show gross.

Monthly vs. Annual:

  • Salaries are usually discussed per month in Poland
  • Annual salaries are less common
  • When comparing, make sure you're comparing the same time period

Benefits:

  • Health insurance (usually included)
  • Retirement contributions (usually included)
  • Vacation days (usually 20-26 days per year)
  • Some companies offer additional benefits

Pro tip: Always ask about the complete compensation package, not just the base salary. Benefits can add significant value.

Minimum Wage and Entry-Level Salaries

Minimum wage (2024):

  • 4,242 PLN per month (gross) - approximately €930
  • Net: About 3,100 PLN (€680) per month
  • Applies to full-time employment contracts
  • Usually increases annually

What this means:

  • This is the legal minimum
  • Most professional positions pay more
  • But some entry-level positions may be close to minimum wage
  • Especially in retail, hospitality, and some service jobs

Entry-level salaries (typical ranges):

Sector Gross (PLN/month) Net (PLN/month) Gross (EUR/month) Net (EUR/month)
IT (Junior) 4,000-8,000 2,900-5,800 €880-1,760 €640-1,280
Business/Finance 3,500-6,000 2,600-4,400 €770-1,320 €570-970
Engineering 4,000-7,000 2,900-5,100 €880-1,540 €640-1,120
Marketing 3,000-5,000 2,200-3,700 €660-1,100 €480-810
Retail 2,500-4,000 1,900-2,900 €550-880 €420-640
Hospitality 2,500-4,000 1,900-2,900 €550-880 €420-640
Teaching 3,000-5,000 2,200-3,700 €660-1,100 €480-810

Note: These are rough estimates. Actual salaries vary based on many factors.

Pro tip: Entry-level salaries are just the starting point. With experience and skills, your salary will grow. Don't get discouraged by starting salaries.

Reality check: Entry-level positions often pay less than you might hope, but they're stepping stones. Focus on gaining experience and skills, and your salary will increase.

Salaries by Sector: What You Can Earn

IT and Technology

Why it pays well: IT is one of the highest-paying sectors in Poland, with strong demand for skilled professionals.

Salary ranges:

Level Gross (PLN/month) Net (PLN/month) Gross (EUR/month) Net (EUR/month)
Junior (0-2 years) 4,000-8,000 2,900-5,800 €880-1,760 €640-1,280
Mid-level (2-5 years) 8,000-15,000 5,800-10,900 €1,760-3,300 €1,280-2,400
Senior (5+ years) 15,000-25,000+ 10,900-18,200+ €3,300-5,500+ €2,400-4,000+

Factors affecting salary:

  • Programming languages and technologies
  • Specialization (frontend, backend, DevOps, etc.)
  • Company size and type
  • Location
  • English skills (often required, can increase salary)

Pro tip: IT salaries in Poland are competitive internationally. If you have IT skills, you're in high demand.

Reality check: IT salaries are high, but so are expectations. You need to keep learning and stay current with technology.

Business and Finance

Why it pays well: Business and finance positions are in demand, especially in larger cities and international companies.

Salary ranges:

Level Gross (PLN/month) Net (PLN/month) Gross (EUR/month) Net (EUR/month)
Entry-level 3,500-6,000 2,600-4,400 €770-1,320 €570-970
Mid-level 6,000-12,000 4,400-8,800 €1,320-2,640 €970-1,940
Senior 12,000-20,000+ 8,800-14,600+ €2,640-4,400+ €1,940-3,220+

Positions:

  • Business analyst
  • Financial analyst
  • Accountant
  • Consultant
  • Project manager

Pro tip: International companies often pay more and value English skills. Focus on these if you want higher salaries.

Engineering

Why it pays well: Engineers are in demand, especially in manufacturing, construction, and technology sectors.

Salary ranges:

Level Gross (PLN/month) Net (PLN/month) Gross (EUR/month) Net (EUR/month)
Entry-level 4,000-7,000 2,900-5,100 €880-1,540 €640-1,120
Mid-level 7,000-12,000 5,100-8,800 €1,540-2,640 €1,120-1,940
Senior 12,000-18,000+ 8,800-13,100+ €2,640-3,960+ €1,940-2,880+

Specializations:

  • Software engineering
  • Mechanical engineering
  • Civil engineering
  • Electrical engineering

Pro tip: Engineering salaries are good, and there's demand for skilled engineers. International companies often pay more.

Marketing and Communications

Why it pays moderately: Marketing is growing, but salaries vary widely depending on role and company.

Salary ranges:

Level Gross (PLN/month) Net (PLN/month) Gross (EUR/month) Net (EUR/month)
Entry-level 3,000-5,000 2,200-3,700 €660-1,100 €480-810
Mid-level 5,000-10,000 3,700-7,300 €1,100-2,200 €810-1,610
Senior 10,000-15,000+ 7,300-10,900+ €2,200-3,300+ €1,610-2,400+

Positions:

  • Marketing specialist
  • Social media manager
  • Content creator
  • PR specialist
  • Digital marketing

Pro tip: Digital marketing skills are in high demand. If you have these skills, you can command higher salaries.

Retail and Hospitality

Why it pays less: These sectors typically have lower salaries, but they're also more accessible.

Salary ranges:

Level Gross (PLN/month) Net (PLN/month) Gross (EUR/month) Net (EUR/month)
Entry-level 2,500-4,000 1,900-2,900 €550-880 €420-640
Supervisor 4,000-6,000 2,900-4,400 €880-1,320 €640-970
Manager 6,000-10,000+ 4,400-7,300+ €1,320-2,200+ €970-1,610+

Positions:

  • Sales assistant
  • Cashier
  • Waiter/waitress
  • Hotel staff
  • Store manager

Pro tip: These sectors are good for entry-level work and part-time jobs, but salaries are lower. Use them as stepping stones.

Reality check: Retail and hospitality pay less, but they're also more accessible and can be good starting points. Don't expect high salaries in these sectors.

Teaching and Education

Why it pays moderately: Teaching salaries vary depending on the type of institution and your qualifications.

Salary ranges:

Type Gross (PLN/month) Net (PLN/month) Gross (EUR/month) Net (EUR/month)
Language schools 3,000-6,000 2,200-4,400 €660-1,320 €480-970
Public schools 3,500-6,000 2,600-4,400 €770-1,320 €570-970
Universities 4,000-8,000+ 2,900-5,800+ €880-1,760+ €640-1,280+
Private tutoring 40-100 PLN/hour 30-75 PLN/hour €9-22/hour €7-17/hour

Pro tip: If you're a native English speaker, language teaching can be a good option. Private tutoring can be very profitable.

Salaries by City: Location Matters

The reality: Where you work significantly affects your salary. Larger cities pay more, but costs are also higher.

Warsaw (Highest Salaries)

Why it pays more: Warsaw is the capital and economic center, with many international companies and higher costs of living.

Salary premium: Usually 10-30% higher than smaller cities

Typical ranges (entry-level):

  • IT: 5,000-9,000 PLN gross
  • Business: 4,000-7,000 PLN gross
  • Marketing: 3,500-6,000 PLN gross
  • Retail: 3,000-4,500 PLN gross

Pro tip: Warsaw has the highest salaries, but also the highest costs. Make sure the salary increase justifies the higher living costs.

Kraków, Wrocław, Gdańsk, Poznań (Moderate to Good)

Why they pay moderately: These are major cities with good job markets, but not as expensive as Warsaw.

Salary premium: Usually similar to or slightly below Warsaw

Typical ranges (entry-level):

  • IT: 4,000-8,000 PLN gross
  • Business: 3,500-6,000 PLN gross
  • Marketing: 3,000-5,000 PLN gross
  • Retail: 2,500-4,000 PLN gross

Pro tip: These cities offer a good balance – decent salaries with more reasonable living costs than Warsaw.

Smaller Cities (Lower Salaries)

Why they pay less: Smaller cities have fewer opportunities and lower costs of living.

Salary discount: Usually 10-30% lower than major cities

Typical ranges (entry-level):

  • IT: 3,500-6,000 PLN gross
  • Business: 3,000-5,000 PLN gross
  • Marketing: 2,500-4,000 PLN gross
  • Retail: 2,500-3,500 PLN gross

Pro tip: Lower salaries in smaller cities are often offset by lower living costs. Your purchasing power may be similar.

Salaries by Experience Level

The progression: Salaries increase with experience, but the rate of increase varies by sector.

Entry-Level (0-2 years experience)

What to expect:

  • Lower salaries
  • Focus on learning and gaining experience
  • Salary is less important than opportunity
  • Typical range: 2,500-6,000 PLN gross per month

Pro tip: For your first job, focus on experience and learning, not just salary. A good first job that teaches you skills is worth more than a slightly higher salary.

Mid-Level (2-5 years experience)

What to expect:

  • Moderate to good salaries
  • More responsibility
  • Better opportunities
  • Typical range: 5,000-12,000 PLN gross per month

Pro tip: This is when you can start negotiating better salaries. Your experience is valuable, and employers will pay for it.

Senior (5+ years experience)

What to expect:

  • Good to high salaries
  • Leadership opportunities
  • Specialized roles
  • Typical range: 10,000-25,000+ PLN gross per month

Pro tip: Senior positions often come with additional benefits – bonuses, equity, better work-life balance. Consider the whole package.

Salary Negotiation: How to Get What You're Worth

Should you negotiate? Yes, but be realistic and professional.

When to negotiate:

  • When you have a job offer
  • When you have other offers or options
  • When the offer seems low
  • When you have unique skills or qualifications

How to negotiate:

  • Research – Know what similar positions pay
  • Be professional – Respectful and polite
  • Have reasons – Why you deserve more
  • Be flexible – Consider the whole package
  • Know your bottom line – What's the minimum you'll accept

What to negotiate:

  • Base salary – The most important
  • Benefits – Vacation days, health insurance, etc.
  • Start date – If you need time
  • Remote work – If applicable
  • Professional development – Training, courses

Pro tip: For your first job, negotiation may be limited. But it's worth trying, especially if you have other offers or unique qualifications.

Reality check: As a recent graduate, your negotiating power may be limited. But even small increases add up over time. Don't be afraid to ask.

Benefits: The Complete Package

What's usually included:

  • Health insurance – Usually mandatory and included
  • Retirement contributions – Usually mandatory
  • Vacation days – Usually 20-26 days per year
  • Sick leave – Usually paid

Additional benefits (varies by company):

  • Private health insurance – Some companies offer additional coverage
  • Gym membership – Some companies subsidize
  • Training and development – Courses, conferences
  • Flexible hours – Some companies offer
  • Remote work – Growing, especially post-COVID
  • Bonuses – Performance-based or annual
  • Meal vouchers – Some companies provide
  • Transportation – Some companies subsidize

Pro tip: Always consider the complete package, not just salary. Benefits can add significant value – sometimes 20-30% of your salary.

Reality check: Benefits vary widely by company. International companies often offer better benefits packages than small local companies.

Cost of Living vs. Salary: Can You Afford to Live?

The equation: Your salary needs to cover your living costs. Let's break it down.

Monthly living costs (typical student/young professional):

Expense Warsaw Kraków/Wrocław Smaller Cities
Rent (shared) 800-1,500 PLN 600-1,200 PLN 500-1,000 PLN
Food 600-1,000 PLN 500-800 PLN 400-700 PLN
Transportation 100-200 PLN 80-150 PLN 60-120 PLN
Utilities 200-400 PLN 150-300 PLN 120-250 PLN
Other 300-500 PLN 250-400 PLN 200-350 PLN
Total 2,000-3,600 PLN 1,580-2,850 PLN 1,280-2,420 PLN

Can you afford it?

Entry-level salary (net): 2,000-4,000 PLN per month

  • Warsaw: Tight, but possible with roommates and budgeting
  • Kraków/Wrocław: More comfortable, easier to manage
  • Smaller cities: Most comfortable, easier to save

Mid-level salary (net): 4,000-8,000 PLN per month

  • All cities: Comfortable, can save money

Pro tip: Your first job salary may be tight, but it's a starting point. As you gain experience, your salary will increase, and you'll be more comfortable.

Reality check: Entry-level salaries can be challenging, especially in expensive cities. But with experience, salaries increase, and it gets easier.

Salary Growth: What to Expect Over Time

The progression: Salaries typically increase with experience, but the rate varies.

Typical growth:

  • Year 1-2: Small increases, learning phase
  • Year 3-5: Moderate increases, gaining expertise
  • Year 5+: Larger increases, specialization, leadership

Factors affecting growth:

  • Performance – Good performance = better raises
  • Skills –** Learning new skills increases value
  • Company – Some companies pay better than others
  • Sector – Some sectors have better growth
  • Location – Larger cities have better opportunities

Pro tip: Don't stay in a job just for salary. Consider growth opportunities, learning, and career development. Sometimes a lower salary with better opportunities is worth more long-term.

Reality check: Salary growth isn't automatic. You need to perform well, learn new skills, and sometimes change jobs to maximize your salary growth.

The Bottom Line

Salary expectations in Poland vary widely, but understanding the ranges helps you set realistic expectations and negotiate better.

What this means for you:

Entry-level salaries may be lower than you hope, but they're starting points. With experience and skills, your salary will grow. Focus on finding opportunities that help you learn and grow, not just the highest starting salary. And remember – salary is important, but it's not everything. Consider the whole package: benefits, work-life balance, career opportunities, and cost of living.

But more importantly: Salaries in Poland are lower than in Western Europe, but so is the cost of living. Your purchasing power may be similar or even better. And Poland offers other advantages – growing economy, career opportunities, good quality of life, and a chance to build your career in a dynamic market.

So research, negotiate, and make informed decisions. Because understanding salary expectations helps you make better career choices and plan your financial future in Poland.

Powodzenia! (Good luck!) Go out there and get the salary you deserve. You've got the skills, you've got the education, and now you know what to expect.