How do salaries in Poland compare to Western Europe?

As Poland continues to strengthen its position within the European Union, many professionals—both local and foreign—are asking: how do salaries in Poland compare to those in Western Europe? The answer isn’t entirely straightforward. While Poland offers a growing job market, a relatively low cost of living, and increasing wages, it still lags behind most Western European countries in terms of raw salary figures.

This blog post explores the key differences in salaries between Poland and Western Europe, the reasons behind the disparities, and what this means for both local workers and international professionals considering a move.

1. Average Salaries: Poland vs. Western Europe

As of 2025, the average gross monthly salary in Poland is approximately 7,500 PLN (around €1,700–1,800). In contrast, here are average gross monthly salaries in a few Western European countries:

• Germany: €4,300
• France: €3,200
• Netherlands: €3,800
• Austria: €3,700
• Sweden: €4,000

This means the average salary in Poland is less than half of what one might earn in these Western European countries. However, these numbers don’t tell the full story without considering cost of living and purchasing power.

2. Cost of Living Adjustments

One of the main reasons salaries are lower in Poland is the cost of living. Rents, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are significantly cheaper than in countries like Germany or France. For example:

• A one-bedroom apartment in central Warsaw may cost around €800, while the same in Paris or Amsterdam can exceed €2,000.
• A monthly public transport pass in Poland is usually under €30, compared to €80–100 in many Western cities.

This means that disposable income and quality of life for mid-range earners can be comparable, especially for digital nomads or remote workers.

3. Sector-Specific Differences

The salary gap also varies significantly by industry:

Industry	Average Salary (Poland)	Average Salary (Germany)
IT / Software	€2,000–3,500	€4,500–6,000
Engineering	€1,800–2,800	€4,000–5,500
Finance & Banking	€2,000–3,000	€4,000–5,000
Hospitality / Tourism	€800–1,500	€2,000–3,500
Healthcare (Doctors)	€2,500–4,000	€6,000–10,000

 

In tech and finance, where international companies often set up operations in Poland, salaries are much closer to Western standards—especially in major cities like Warsaw, Kraków, and Wrocław.

4. Income Tax and Social Contributions

While gross salaries are lower in Poland, income tax rates are generally more favorable for middle-income earners:

• Poland uses a progressive tax system, with main brackets at 12% and 32%.
• In Germany, rates range from 14% to 45%, depending on income.
• Social contributions in Poland are about 35%, which is comparable to or even lower than in many Western countries.

This means take-home pay is relatively better in some brackets despite lower gross income.

5. Wage Growth and Economic Trends

Poland has seen steady wage growth over the past decade—driven by foreign investment, an expanding tech sector, and a strong domestic economy. Salaries in urban areas like Warsaw and Kraków are rising at rates of 5–10% annually, especially in high-demand sectors like IT, engineering, and finance.

In contrast, wage growth in some Western countries has slowed due to economic stagnation or high inflation. As a result, the gap is narrowing slowly, particularly for skilled professionals.

6. Remote Work and Outsourcing Impact

Many Western companies outsource work to Poland due to the high quality of labor at lower cost. This has raised wage expectations in sectors like tech, customer service, and finance. Some companies also allow remote employees in Poland to earn partially indexed salaries based on Western standards, further closing the gap for digital professionals.

Conclusion

Salaries in Poland remain lower than in Western Europe across almost all industries, but the gap is context-dependent. When adjusted for cost of living and considering recent wage growth, the value of a Polish salary—especially in urban, skilled sectors—can be competitive.

For locals, this means more purchasing power and better career opportunities. For foreign workers and digital nomads, Poland offers a high quality of life at a lower price point, with increasing opportunities in international companies.

Whether you're planning a career move or just curious about labor market dynamics in Europe, understanding these differences is key to making an informed decision.