Poland has emerged as one of Europe’s key economic players, with its strong labor market and business-friendly environment making it an increasingly attractive destination for investment. In this article, we will explore the key trends shaping the Polish labor market in 2024, forecast what the market will look like in 2025, and provide valuable insights on salary expectations across industries, particularly for sales professionals.
Poland Today: A Growing Economy
Poland is home to a population of approximately 37.5 million, with its capital, Warsaw, housing over 1.86 million residents. In recent years, the country has witnessed robust economic growth, driven by its strategic location, skilled workforce, and stable economic policies. Poland’s GDP was 790 billion Euros in 2024, projected to grow to 829 billion Euros by 2025, with a steady growth rate of 3.5%.
The Polish economy is also characterized by a stable currency (Zloty), with 1 Euro currently worth 4.22 PLN. In terms of employment, the country enjoys a low unemployment rate of 5% in both 2024 and 2025, which signals a healthy labor market. The average gross monthly salary for Polish workers in 2025 is forecast to reach 8,673 PLN (approximately 2,030 Euros), marking a 7 to 8% increase from the previous year. The minimum wage is also set to increase to 4,666 PLN (about 1,106 Euros) in 2025.
Labor Market Highlights of 2024
In 2024, the Polish labor market was shaped by a variety of trends:
- Stable Unemployment: The unemployment rate remained steady at 5.1%, reflecting a strong demand for workers in diverse sectors.
- Hybrid Work Models: The trend towards flexible work arrangements became more widespread, with 65% of companies adopting hybrid work models. This shift was driven by employees’ desire for a better work-life balance, with 45% of workers preferring this system.
- Employee Retention: Employee turnover rates were reduced in 2024, with the average length of employment per position rising to 4.2 years, signaling improved job satisfaction and employee retention.
- Impact of Immigration Policies: Tightening immigration policies affected sectors that traditionally relied on foreign labor, such as transportation and construction. The number of registered foreign workers in Poland decreased by approximately 5% compared to 2023.
Poland’s Labor Market Outlook for 2025
Looking ahead to 2025, Poland’s labor market is expected to remain dynamic, but companies will face challenges in sourcing qualified candidates:
- Recruitment Activity: A staggering 86% of employers plan to hire in 2025, but 53% of them anticipate difficulties in finding the right talent. The demand for skilled workers, particularly in automation, robotics, and electrotechnics, will remain high.
- Salary Increases: Companies are expected to implement salary increases in 2025, with most hikes ranging from 7 to 8%. For sectors facing a shortage of skilled professionals, such as automation and robotics, salary increases of 10 to 15% are expected to attract top talent.
- Salary Transparency: By June 2026, Poland will implement salary transparency policies, requiring companies to disclose salary information to promote fairness and equity in compensation.
- Global Events and Political Factors: The ongoing conflict in Ukraine could potentially affect Poland’s labor market. The potential departure of Ukrainian refugees, who have significantly contributed to the workforce, may exacerbate labor shortages in certain sectors. Additionally, the political landscape in Poland, with presidential elections scheduled for May 2025, could affect the stability of immigration policies.
Salary Insights for 2025
Industry Trends: While salary expectations in Poland depend on industry, professional experience, and location, certain sectors are expected to see higher salary growth in 2025. The demand for professionals in automation, robotics, and electrotechnics is expected to outpace other industries, leading to more substantial salary increases.
Salaries by Sector: The average salary across Poland is expected to reach 8,673 PLN in 2025. However, certain sectors, such as IT, finance, and pharmaceuticals, will offer higher salaries, while industries like hospitality and retail are likely to offer lower compensation.
Key Findings for Employees: 60% of employees are actively seeking new job opportunities due to insufficient salaries, while 48% are motivated by a lack of career development prospects. Therefore, employees are not only looking for competitive pay but also for opportunities to grow within their roles.
Employer Perspective: Nearly 49% of employers are recruiting to accommodate business growth, while 35% are replacing departing employees. However, 53% of employers are concerned about the challenge of finding qualified candidates, highlighting the increasing competition for top talent in specialized fields.
The Impact of AI and Automation
Artificial intelligence (AI) is gradually transforming the Polish labor market. By 2025, 46% of employees are expected to work in environments where AI is already in use, with 53% of companies promoting AI adoption. While AI offers many benefits, including increased efficiency and productivity, it also raises concerns about job displacement.
In response to these concerns, many companies are investing in workforce upskilling programs to ensure their employees are equipped with the necessary skills for the future. AI-related fields such as data analysis, machine learning, and AI programming are expected to grow rapidly, driving demand for skilled professionals who can develop and manage AI systems.
Sales Positions and Salary Trends for 2025
Sales professionals are expected to see salary increases in 2025, with sectors such as pharmaceuticals, IT, and finance offering some of the highest salaries. For example, Sales Directors in these industries may earn up to 35,000 PLN per month, while other positions, such as Sales Managers and Representatives, can expect to see salaries ranging from 8,000 to 20,000 PLN, depending on experience and sector.
Salary increases are also anticipated for eCommerce and real estate sales professionals. Companies in high-demand industries will be offering competitive compensation packages to attract the best talent.
Conclusion: Adapting to Poland’s Evolving Labor Market
Poland’s labor market in 2025 is set to be dynamic, with strong economic growth and a high demand for skilled professionals. Companies must stay agile, adjusting their recruitment strategies to find and retain top talent in an increasingly competitive environment.
Salary increases will be common, particularly for specialized sectors like automation, robotics, and electrotechnics. Companies that embrace salary transparency and invest in workforce development, particularly in AI and automation, will be better positioned to thrive in this evolving market.
As businesses navigate these changes, they must remain mindful of external factors such as global events and political shifts. The ability to adapt and anticipate labor market trends will be key to maintaining success in Poland’s ever-evolving economy.
Contact us today to discuss how we can help you adapt your recruitment and workforce strategies for success in 2025 and beyond.
(0048) 12 631 12 89
(0048) 12 631 12 89
