Salary Insights and Compensation Trends in Poland for 2025: What Expats Need to Know

Poland continues to be one of the most attractive destinations for professionals from around the world. The country’s robust economy, growing job market, and increasing demand for skilled workers make it an appealing choice for expats. Whether you’re planning to move to Poland or are already settled here, understanding the salary landscape is crucial to negotiate a fair wage, manage your finances, and plan your career trajectory.

This Salary Survey Guide for Poland 2025 offers key insights into salaries by industry, role, and region, helping you make informed decisions about your job search, salary expectations, and long-term career plans.

Photo by Giorgio Trovato on Unsplash

Key Salary Insights for 2025

1. General Salary Trends

Poland’s salary landscape in 2025 reflects steady growth, despite the challenges posed by inflation. Over recent years, salaries have grown at a steady rate of 4–6% annually, in line with the country’s post-pandemic recovery and its integration into the global economy.

The average gross monthly salary in Poland is expected to reach around 6,500 PLN (1,400 EUR) in 2025, showing steady growth across several key industries, especially in tech and finance.

However, there remains a noticeable income disparity between regions. Major cities like Warsaw, Krakow, and Wroclaw offer higher salaries compared to smaller towns or rural areas. This is due to the concentration of multinational companies and the high demand for skilled professionals in these urban centers.

Source: Statistics Poland (GUS)

2. Salary by Industry in Poland

The salary potential in Poland varies significantly by industry. Let’s break it down by some of the most in-demand sectors in 2025.

• Technology & IT: The IT sector remains one of the most lucrative fields. In 2025, a mid-level software developer can expect a salary ranging from 12,000–18,000 PLN per month, with senior developers and specialists commanding salaries upwards of 20,000 PLN. IT managers can earn between 15,000–25,000 PLN monthly, and cybersecurity experts can expect to earn around 14,000–18,000 PLN.

• Finance & Banking: Finance professionals are in high demand. Entry-level financial analysts can expect salaries starting from 6,000–8,000 PLN, while senior roles, like investment bankers, can earn 12,000–18,000 PLN or more. Risk managers and accountants fall into a similar range, with salaries between 12,000 PLN to 20,000 PLN for experienced professionals.

• Sales & Marketing: Sales managers can earn between 8,000–14,000 PLN, with performance bonuses that can push earnings even higher. Digital marketing specialists typically earn 6,000–12,000 PLN, while senior positions in marketing management may earn up to 15,000 PLN or more.

• Healthcare & Legal: In healthcare, doctors in Poland earn between 10,000–15,000 PLN, with specialists like surgeons earning more. Legal professionals also have good earning potential, with lawyers earning between 7,000–15,000 PLN and senior lawyers in international firms potentially earning upwards of 18,000 PLN.

Source: Devire— Salary Data

3. Salary by Experience Level

Your experience level can make a significant impact on your salary expectations. Here’s a breakdown of how salaries vary by experience level:

• Entry-Level (0–2 years): Entry-level salaries in Poland typically range from 4,000 PLN to 6,500 PLN, depending on the industry. Roles like customer service, junior marketing, or administrative positions fall within this range.

• Mid-Level (3–5 years): With a few years of experience, professionals can earn anywhere from 6,500 PLN to 12,000 PLN. This range typically applies to roles like project managers or junior consultants.

• Senior-Level (5+ years): Senior professionals, including managers and directors, can command salaries of 12,000 PLN or more, with high-demand sectors like IT and finance offering 18,000 PLN to 30,000 PLN per month or higher for highly experienced professionals.

Source: Hays Poland Salary Guide

4. Salaries by Region

The salary you can expect also varies depending on where you work in Poland. Here’s a regional breakdown:

• Warsaw: As the capital and economic hub of Poland, Warsaw offers some of the highest salaries, especially in sectors like finance and IT. Salaries here generally range from 7,000 PLN to 10,000 PLN.

• Krakow & Wroclaw: These cities are growing tech hubs, offering salaries between 6,500 PLN and 9,000 PLN for most skilled professionals. The presence of international firms raises the salary floor here.

• Other Regions: In smaller cities like Poznan, Gdansk, and Lodz, salaries generally range from 5,000 PLN to 7,000 PLN, although the cost of living is lower in these areas.

Source: PwC Poland Salary Trends

5. Contract Types in Poland: Full-Time, B2B, and Contract

One critical aspect to consider when evaluating salaries is the type of contract.

• Full-Time: This is the standard employment model, where employees are entitled to benefits like paid vacation, health insurance, and pension contributions.

• B2B (Business-to-Business): In Poland, many expats work under a B2B model, where they are considered independent contractors. This type of contract typically offers higher gross salaries, as employers do not have to provide benefits. However, individuals on B2B contracts are responsible for their taxes and social security contributions.

• Contract (Temporary): Temporary contracts are common in sectors like retail, manufacturing, and hospitality. These contracts often offer lower salaries compared to full-time or B2B, and they come with limited benefits.

The choice of contract can have a major impact on your overall earnings and work-life balance. Understanding the pros and cons of each is key to making the best decision for your career.

6. Taxation and Social Security

Poland follows a progressive tax system, with the following brackets:

• 12% for income up to 120,000 PLN.

• 32% for income exceeding 120,000 PLN.

Social security contributions are deducted directly from your salary and cover healthcare, pensions, and unemployment insurance. These deductions can reduce your net salary, so it’s important to factor them in when evaluating offers.

Source: Ministry of Finance, Poland

7. Cost of Living Considerations

While the cost of living in Poland is lower than in many Western European countries, inflation has been increasing in recent years, particularly in areas like housing, utilities, and food.

Rent in cities like Warsaw and Krakow can range from 2,500 PLN to 4,500 PLN for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, while smaller cities offer more affordable options. Utilities and transportation costs also vary by region but are generally lower than in Western Europe.

Source: Numbeo — Cost of Living in Poland

Conclusion

Poland’s salary landscape in 2025 reflects an economy in recovery, with steady wage growth across multiple industries. However, inflation continues to impact purchasing power, so it’s important to stay aware of the economic factors at play when negotiating your salary. Expats moving to Poland or planning to relocate need to consider regional salary differences, contract types, and cost-of-living factors to ensure they make informed decisions that align with their financial goals.

Ultimately, salary expectations will vary based on experience, skills, and negotiating power. Be prepared to adjust your expectations and negotiate the best deal possible — your earning potential in Poland can be significantly influenced by these factors.

In 2025, Poland remains an attractive destination for expats and professionals. The salary landscape continues to grow across various industries, though inflation and regional differences are important factors to consider when negotiating compensation. By understanding the trends and taking into account the cost of living, the type of employment contract you have, and other important considerations, you can ensure that your salary expectations align with the opportunities available in this dynamic market.

If you’re considering a move to Poland or negotiating your salary, it’s essential to research specific industry benchmarks, contract types, and regional differences to make informed decisions and make the most out of your career in Poland.