Poland's Public Ministry Pay Rises Amid Private Sector Labor Shortages

Polish ministries have kept or modestly increased staff levels while average salaries in most departments exceed 10,000 zł per month. The Ministry of Science and Higher Education posted the highest average pay at 12,894.89 zł, and the Ministry of Defense recorded the top individual salary of 35,066 zł in April 2026. At the lower end, the Ministry of Development and Technology showed the smallest average wage of 8,932.57 zł, with base salaries in some ministries falling below the national minimum before supplements.

Meanwhile, companies across Poland report severe labour shortages, employee overwork, burnout and high turnover, which they cite as the biggest barriers to productivity growth. Business leaders describe staff deficits and exhaustion as undermining efficiency, despite overall productivity gains.