Poland’s minimum wage will increase by 140 PLN gross in 2026, reaching 4,806 PLN. While this marks a smaller rise than in previous years, employers are describing the decision as a compromise between the capabilities of businesses and the expectations of employees.
“The pace of wage growth had to be adjusted. In recent months, we’ve seen that sectors like SMEs, retail, services, and industry have slowed in terms of wage increases. The same applies to once-dynamic sectors like IT, transport, and construction. The economy needs stability, and this wage correction appears to be a rational middle ground,”
said Hanna Mojsiuk, President of the Northern Chamber of Commerce in Szczecin.
A More Modest Wage Hike Reflects Economic Realities
The newly announced minimum wage proposal is being welcomed by employers as a “good compromise.” Experts point out that recent years have seen sharp wage increases, sometimes even occurring twice a year.
“The government-driven increases in previous administrations fueled wage pressure and significantly raised labor costs in many sectors. Employers know wages must rise to retain talent and offer dignified pay. In the current economic climate, a slight adjustment is a sound move—and business owners support it,”
said Mojsiuk.
She noted that wage pressure has subsided, in part due to lower inflation and slower price growth. Not all sectors are seeing equal pay increases—where labor shortages exist, wages are rising quickly, but that’s being driven by market forces, not regulation.
“Wages have plateaued in the IT sector, services, and transport—all areas that have seen weaker results recently,” she added.
Expectations for 2027: Minimum Wage May Cross 5,000 PLN
Employers believe the psychological threshold of 5,000 PLN will likely be surpassed in 2027.
“That threshold will eventually be crossed, but any such decision must be backed by the economic situation,”
Mojsiuk emphasized.
Lower Inflation = Less Pressure on Wages
Experts from the Northern Chamber of Commerce agree that this year’s minimum wage adjustment has sparked less controversy than in previous years.
“The government’s proposed increase of 140 PLN—equivalent to the projected 3% inflation rate—is the lowest in several years. Still, it’s worth noting that in recent years, Poland’s minimum wage has risen faster than anywhere else in Europe. This has significantly increased employment costs and often flattened wage structures,”
explained Łukasz Żak, a labor market expert and legal advisor.
He added that the minimum wage also affects various other financial obligations for businesses, so the modest 2026 increase appears to be a sensible solution. However, from the unions’ perspective, he expects pressure to push for a higher raise in the coming months.
Seasonal Sectors Less Likely to See Wage Changes
Experts do not expect major changes in wages in seasonal industries.
“Hotels, restaurants, small retailers, cleaning services, seasonal construction—they’re already recruiting at full speed. Hospitality businesses begin recruiting right after the May holidays. The season is off to a slower start than usual, but with rising interest in seaside tourism, employers are hiring,”
said Anna Sudolska, labor market expert at IDEA HR Group.
“At this stage, there are no recruitment problems, and hourly rates are similar to last year’s. The biggest shortage is in cleaning and maintenance staff, while more people are applying for jobs in food service,” she added.
Source: CEO.com.pl – “Minimum Wage Set at 4,806 PLN Gross for 2026: Employers Call It a Compromise”
