Thursday, 15 January 2026
A new nationwide overview of employment and pay levels in Poland points to pronounced regional and structural differences within the labour market, based on data reflecting the situation in the first half of 2025.
The analysis shows that the distribution of jobs across the country remains highly uneven. Urbanised and economically stronger regions continue to concentrate a larger share of employed people, while some areas recorded a decline in employment compared with the previous year. The private sector accounts for most jobs nationwide, although its relative importance varies significantly by location, with clear differences between western and eastern parts of the country.
Demographic characteristics of the workforce also differ across regions. Women represent slightly less than half of all people in work, but their share varies at local level. The data point to a gradual increase in the average age of workers in many regions, reflecting broader demographic trends that may affect labour supply over the longer term.
Income levels show similarly wide disparities. Earnings tend to be higher in major cities and in regions with a strong industrial or services base, while lower pay levels are more common in areas with a greater reliance on agriculture. Company size also plays a role, with employees of larger organisations generally earning more than those working for small firms.
Differences in pay between men and women persist across most regions and sectors. Although the scale of these gaps varies depending on age, location and employer characteristics, income inequality by gender remains a consistent feature of the Polish labour market.
Source: Statistics Poland
