Young Ukrainians in Poland earn more than locals: median 6,800 zloty

Ukrainian workers outperform Poles in income metrics

An analytical report by Deloitte, prepared at the request of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, recorded an atypical trend in the Polish labour market. According to 2025 data published by Puls Biznesu, Ukrainian citizens aged 25 to 34 have a higher income level than their Polish colleagues of the same age.

General statistics indicate that, on average across the market, the income of Ukrainian citizens is approximately 85% of the median salary in the Polish economy. In most age categories, migrant salaries are either equal to or lower than those of locals. However, a significant deviation from this pattern is observed specifically among young men aged 25–34.

Figures: how much Ukrainians and Poles earn

The median income of Ukrainian men in this age group reaches approximately 6,800 zloty net. For comparison, the median salary of Poles aged 25–34 across the country is around 5,300 zloty net.

The level of remuneration depends significantly on the sector:

• In healthcare, education, and manufacturing, Ukrainians earn less than local specialists.
• In logistics, public catering, retail, and construction, migrant salaries are higher.
• The construction sector deserves particular attention, where the median earnings of Ukrainians reach 160% of the national median.

Three main reasons for high incomes

Experts identify three key factors that explain this situation. First, this is geographical distribution. According to the Central Statistical Office of Poland (GUS), 45% of Ukrainian migrants work in regional centres, whereas this figure is only 25% among all workers in the country. Base pay in large cities is traditionally higher than in the provinces, where the majority of the Polish population lives.

Secondly, as noted by Marcin Szymanski, a representative of EWL Group, Polish citizens in large cities rarely agree to heavy physical or monotonous work. Vacancies in these sectors are mostly chosen by foreign workers.

Thirdly, the high total income is a result of extreme workloads, not higher hourly rates. Anna Jobolda, a representative of the staffing agency Gremi Personal, emphasises that migrants are significantly more likely than locals to agree to 10–12-hour shifts, work on weekends, and overtime.

Satisfaction with earnings

According to Gremi Personal, 85% of Ukrainian workers consider their income commensurate with their qualifications. In addition, 70% of respondents regularly save a portion of their earnings.