From 1 January 2026, a new minimum wage applies in Poland, officially set by the Government in a regulation published in the Journal of Laws. Each year, the legislator adjusts the lowest permissible salary to reflect changes in the cost of living and the economic situation. For millions of employees and employers, this is key information that affects household budgets, wages, and expense planning.
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Minimum Wage in Poland in 2026 – Monthly and Hourly Rates
The increase in the minimum wage aims to ensure employees’ financial stability and secure their basic needs, such as housing costs, food, and transportation. At the same time, a higher minimum salary affects employment costs borne by companies, which is why each increase requires careful budget planning.
From January 2026, the minimum wage in Poland amounts to PLN 4,806 gross per month for full-time employees. This equals approximately PLN 3,605 net (with standard tax-deductible costs and without PPK). This represents an increase of PLN 140 compared to the previous year.
For employees working part-time, the minimum salary is proportionally lower. At the same time, the minimum hourly rate has been set at PLN 31.40 gross, which applies in particular to workers employed under civil-law contracts, such as contracts of mandate.
Below you can see how the minimum wage in Poland has changed over recent years.
Year | Minimum wage
- 2025 – PLN 4,666 gross
- 2024 – PLN 4,242 gross (from January) and PLN 4,300 gross (from July)
- 2023 – PLN 3,490 gross (from January) and PLN 3,600 gross (from July)
- 2022 – PLN 3,010 gross
- 2021 – PLN 2,800 gross
- 2020 – PLN 2,600 gross
- 2019 – PLN 2,250 gross
- 2018 – PLN 2,100 gross
Minimum Earnings in Poland in 2026 and Working Time
Minimum earnings in Poland in 2026 depend on the working time. Employees working full-time receive the full minimum wage amount, while part-time employees receive a salary proportional to the number of hours worked.
The table below shows the minimum wage in 2026 depending on the working time.
Working time | Minimum gross wage
- Full-time – PLN 4,806
- ¾ time – PLN 3,604.50
- ⅔ time – PLN 3,204
- ½ time – PLN 2,403
- ⅓ time – PLN 1,602
- ¼ time – PLN 1,201.50
The minimum hourly rate automatically increases along with the rise in the minimum wage, which is important for employees paid by the hour.
Impact of the Minimum Wage Increase on the Labour Market
The increase in the minimum wage in Poland in 2026 affects many aspects of professional life. Higher wages improve employees’ financial situation by increasing their spending power. At the same time, employment costs rise for employers, who must take into account higher salaries and additional payments, such as night work or overtime.
The increase in the minimum wage also affects other benefits, such as severance pay, allowances, or compensation, the amounts of which are often linked to the minimum wage. As a result, employees gain greater legal and financial protection.
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