The average wage in 2023 was at a high level. What does it depend on? What is the average salary forecast for 2024? You will learn everything from the article below.
What is an average wage?
An average wage is a statistical number that determines the average gross salary in a given:
- sector,
- province,
- professional group,
- the entire national economy.
Who announces the value of the average wage?
The value of the average wage in Poland is announced by the President of the Central Statistical Office. This information is published as a statement in the Polish Monitor. You can also find it on the website of the Central Statistical Office.
The average wage is calculated based on data from companies with at least 10 employees. The Central Statistical Office publishes data on average salary in various contexts, including:
- economic sectors: e.g., industry, trade, services.
- provinces, e.g. Masovian Voivodeship, Łódź Voivodship
- occupational groups: e.g., doctors, teachers, IT specialists.
The importance of the average wage in 2023
The average wage is an important indicator:
- for job seekers – it allows them to assess what salary they can expect for a given position,
- for employers – it helps to determine competitive salaries for their employees,
- for the government – it is one of the factors taken into account in deciding about economic policy
Factors affecting the level of the average wage in 2023
Various factors can influence the level of average wage. Among them, there are:
- Macroeconomic situation. In periods of economic growth, average salaries usually increase, and in periods of recession, they decrease.
- Inflation. An increase in inflation causes a decrease in the real value of wages.
- Unemployment rate. A high unemployment rate can cause pressure to lower salaries.
- Changes in the employment structure. For example: an increase in employment in low-paid sectors may lower the average salary
The national economy and average wage in 2023
Salary in the national economy is the average gross wage paid to employees in a given country or sector, in a specified period. It is calculated based on statistical data collected from various entities. These include companies, government institutions, and non-governmental organizations.
The average wage in the Polish national economy in 2023 was 7155.48 PLN.
Over the period 2019-2023, it developed as follows:
| Year | Value |
| 2019 | 4918,17 PLN |
| 2020 | 5167,47 PLN |
| 2021 | 5662,53 PLN |
| 2022 | 6346,15 PLN |
| 2023 | 7155,48 PLN |
The increase in individual years looked as follows:
| Period | Value | Percentage increase |
| 2019-2020 | 4 918,17 PLN -> 5 167,47 PLN | 5,07% |
| 2020-2021 | 5 167,47 PLN-> 5 662,53 PLN | 9,58% |
| 2021-2022 | 5 662,53 PLN -> 6 346,15 PLN | 12,07% |
| 2022-2023 | 6 346,15 PLN -> 7 155,48 PLN | 12,72% |
Average wage 2023 in the corporate sector
The corporate sector is part of the national economy. The data includes selected sectors where at least 10 people are employed, conducting business activities in areas such as:
- industrial processing,
- production and supply of electricity, gas, steam, hot water, and air conditioning systems,
- waste management and disposal,
- activities related to land reclamation,
- construction, wholesale and retail trade,
- repair of motor vehicles, including motorcycles,
- accommodation and food services,
- other individual service activities.
The data does not include, e.g. public administration, education, healthcare, and social assistance.
Salary in the enterprise sector is important for several reasons. You can use it as:
- an economic condition indicator,
- a reference point for wage negotiations,
- a factor influencing inflation,
- an indicator of the standard of living.
The amount of the average wage in 2023 in the corporate sector
In 2023, we observed an increase in the average wage in the corporate sector by 11.88% compared to 2022. Although the growth is impressive, a year earlier even higher dynamic was recorded. In 2022, the average salary increased by 12.97% compared to 2021. This means that the growth rate of salaries decreased in 2023 compared to 2022.
| Year | Value |
| 2019 | 5169,06 PLN |
| 2020 | 5411,45 PLN |
| 2021 | 5889,84 PLN |
| 2022 | 6653,67 PLN |
| 2023 | 7444,39 PLN |
The growth in individual years was as follows:
| Period | Value | Percentage increase |
| 2019-2020 | 5169,06 PLN -> 5411,45 PLN | 4,67% |
| 2020-2021 | 5411,45 PLN -> 5889,84 PLN | 8,84% |
| 2021-2022 | 5889,84 PLN -> 6653,67 PLN | 12,97% |
| 2022-2023 | 6653,67 PLN -> 7444,39 PLN | 11,88% |
The average wage in 2023 without profit payments
The average wage without profit payments is the arithmetic average of gross salaries of all employees employed in companies that do not aim to make a profit. Among the sectors without profit payments, we include for example:
- foundations, associations, etc.
- budgetary units – government and local government offices, schools, hospitals, etc.
- state-owned enterprises – State Treasury companies, etc.
The average salary in sectors without profit payments is usually lower than the average salary in the corporate sector. This is due to several factors, including the nature of the activity.
The amount of the average wage without profit payments in 2023
The average wage without profit payment in 2023 also increased by 11.88% compared to 2022. This indicates comparable growth dynamics as in the case of the average salary in 2023.
Over 5 years, the peak of growth fell in 2022. At that time, the average salary without profit sharing increased by 12.97%.
The average wage without profit payments in 2019-2023 was as follows:
| Year | Value |
| 2019 | 5 167,98 PLN |
| 2020 | 5 410,45 PLN |
| 2021 | 5 888,80 PLN |
| 2022 | 6 652,73 PLN |
| 2023 | 7 443,28 PLN |
The growth in individual years was as follows:
| Period | Value | Percentage increase |
| 2019-2020 | 5 167,98 PLN -> 5 410,45 PLN | 4,67% |
| 2020-2021 | 5 410,45 PLN -> 5 888,80 PLN | 8,84% |
| 2021-2022 | 5 888,80 PLN -> 6 652,73 PLN | 12,97% |
| 2022-2023 | 6 652,73 PLN -> 7 443,28 PLN | 11,88% |
Average wage 2023. Summary
The future of wages in Poland looks promising. This means that Poles can count on higher salaries. However, it is important to remember that the rate of growth may vary depending on the sector and region. It is worth following trends in the labour market to be properly prepared for salary negotiations.
If you have more questions about the average wage in 2023, contact us. Our experts will answer all your questions!
Frequently Asked Questions about: Average wage in 2023
What is the average wage in 2023 in Poland?
The average wage in 2023 in the national economy of Poland was 7155.48 PLN.
How does it compare to other European countries?
The average salary in Poland is still lower than in most Western European countries. For example, in Germany it is around 4 300 EUR and in France around 3300 EUR.
What is the median salary?
The median salary is a value that divides the population into two equal parts: half of the people earn more and the other half earn less. The median is a more reliable indicator than the average because it is not as prone to the influence of extreme values.
What is the median salary in Poland in 2023?
The median gross salary in Poland in 2023 was 5700 PLN. This means that half of Poles earn more than 5700 PLN, and the other half earn less.
What factors influence the value of salary?
Many factors influence the value of salary, including:
Education
Experience
Workplace
Industry
Region
What are the forecasts for salary growth in Poland for 2024?
Experts predict that salaries in Poland will continue to grow in 2024. The forecasted increase is approximately 10%.
Where can I find more information about the average salary in Poland?
More information about the average salary in Poland can be found on the websites of the Central Statistical Office or the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy.