Average salary in Poland compared with Europe – country comparison

The average salary in Poland is growing faster than the EU average, although nominal earnings remain considerably lower. In 2024, Poland’s average annual salary was EUR 21,246 compared with EUR 39,808 across the EU. Statistics Poland data for April 2026 show an average gross monthly salary of PLN 9,651.59 and a median of PLN 7,695.

---

What is the average salary in Poland in 2026?

According to Statistics Poland (GUS) data published on 7 October 2026, the average gross monthly salary in Poland’s national economy reached PLN 9,651.59, approximately EUR 2,209, in April 2026.

This represented an increase of 5.5% year on year.

The median gross monthly salary was PLN 7,695, approximately EUR 1,761, and increased by 6.0% year on year.

The average exceeded the median by PLN 1,956.59, or approximately 25.4%. This difference shows why both measures are relevant when assessing salary levels and payroll costs in Poland.

Company size also matters. The median reached PLN 9,098.87 in organisations employing at least 1,000 people, compared with PLN 4,806 in businesses with up to nine people working.

EUR conversions are based on the NBP exchange rate of 22 October 2026: EUR 1 = PLN 4.3685.

---

How does Poland compare with other EU countries?

Eurostat’s latest comprehensive comparison available in October 2026 covers 2024. The average annual full-time adjusted salary in the EU reached EUR 39,808, up 5.2% from 2023.

Ranking of average salaries across EU countries

Country	Average annual salary (EUR)
Luxembourg	82,969
Denmark	71,565
Ireland	61,051
Belgium	59,632
Austria	58,600
Germany	53,791
Finland	49,428
Sweden	46,525
France	43,790
Slovenia	35,133
Spain	33,700
Italy	33,523
Malta	33,499
Lithuania	29,104
Cyprus	27,611
Estonia	26,546
Portugal	24,818
Czechia	23,998
Croatia	23,446
Latvia	22,262
Poland	21,246
Romania	21,108
Slovakia	20,287
Hungary	18,461
Greece	17,954
Bulgaria	15,387
EU average	39,808

Source: Eurostat – Average full-time adjusted salary per employee (nama_10_fte), 2024 data. The comparison covers 26 EU countries. The Netherlands was excluded due to methodological differences.

Poland’s result was close to Romania’s and higher than Slovakia, Hungary and Bulgaria. Germany’s average annual salary was approximately 2.5 times higher than Poland’s.

These are nominal figures and do not reflect differences in purchasing power, price levels or national tax systems.

---

How quickly are salaries growing in Poland?

Poland’s average annual salary increased from EUR 18,226 in 2023 to EUR 21,246 in 2024, representing growth of approximately 16.6%.

The EU average increased by 5.2% over the same period. Poland consequently reached around 53.4% of the EU average, compared with 48.2% in 2023.

Part of this increase when expressed in euros may reflect movements in the PLN/EUR exchange rate. It should therefore not be interpreted directly as an equivalent increase in real purchasing power.

---

What do salary differences mean for businesses?

Poland continues to have lower average nominal salaries than Germany, France and Austria, which remains relevant when comparing investment locations.

However, companies planning investments or payroll in Poland should consider more than the national average. Relevant factors include:

• local salary levels and workforce availability,
• company size and industry,
• demand for specific qualifications,
• social security contributions and employee benefits,
• projected growth in total employment costs.

Statistics Poland and Eurostat data provide a useful starting point, but they do not replace a detailed employment cost analysis for a specific industry and location.

Their data also use different methodologies, so Statistics Poland’s monthly figures should not be compared directly with Eurostat’s annual values.

---

If you have any further questions or require additional information, please contact your business relationship person or use the enquiry form on the HLB Poland website.

Contact us »

***