Poland's wage data show median pay below average and labor activity trends

Polish statistics for January 2026 indicate an average gross monthly wage of 9,352.97 zł, while the median stood at 7,447.16 zł, representing roughly 76‑83 % of the average. The lowest‑earning 10 % received no more than 4,806 zł, whereas the top‑earning 10 % began at about 15,500 zł. Wage gaps widen with firm size: employees of firms with 1,000+ staff earned a median 3,881 zł higher than those in micro‑enterprises, where the median equaled the statutory minimum wage. Public‑sector workers enjoyed a higher median (8,791 zł) than their private‑sector counterparts (6,744 zł).

The labour‑force activity rate measures the share of the population that is employed or actively seeking work, offering a broader view of market participation than the unemployment rate alone. It highlights how many people are truly engaged in the job market and helps interpret employment trends across age groups, regions and gender.