Ukrainian men aged 25 to 34 in Poland earn an average of 1,500 zlotys per month more than Polish citizens of the same age group. According to a Deloitte study and analytics from Gremi Personal, the net income of such workers is about 6,800 zlotys per month compared to 5,300 zlotys for the general workforce of a similar age. Meanwhile, in other age groups, Ukrainians earned similar or lower amounts, and the overall median salary of Ukrainian migrants stood at 85% of the median figure in the broader Polish economy.
Factors Influencing Migrant Incomes
Experts identify several key reasons for this income gap. First, young specialists benefit from the country's tax exemption for youth, which under certain conditions exempts workers under 26 from personal income tax up to a specified annual limit. However, this regulation also applies to locals. Second, Ukrainians are more likely to find jobs in smaller towns and industrial regions where manufacturing is concentrated, and they demonstrate high mobility by readily changing their place of residence for job opportunities.
Impact of Overtime and Working Conditions
The number of hours worked plays a significant role in generating higher monthly earnings. According to Gremi Personal advisor Anna Dzobolda, Ukrainian workers are more willing to take on extra shifts, weekend work, and extended working hours. It is this labor intensity and overtime that allow them to increase their take-home pay even when hourly rates are comparable. At the same time, the overall economic activity rate of Ukrainian migrants in Poland remains exceptionally high, ranging from 75% to over 90% depending on the arrival category, which exceeds or matches the figures for the native population.
Qualification Issues and Language Barrier
Despite the financial successes of certain groups, a significant portion of Ukrainians in Poland are employed in positions that do not require higher education. According to various research institutes, from one-third to half of Ukrainian migrants perform elementary labor and work outside their field of expertise, with only about a third of university graduates holding jobs requiring a degree. An additional factor differentiating income is language proficiency: fluent knowledge of Polish allows individuals to earn an average of 700 zlotys per month more than those with a basic grasp of the language.
Labor Market Prospects and Integration
Recent trends indicate the full integration of Ukrainians into the Polish labor market, where the question of employment has taken a back seat to discussions about the quality and conditions of work. Migrants increasingly view employment as a temporary measure lasting several months to earn money and get through the winter season before planning a return home. Analysts emphasize that the key challenge is now the effective use of the professional experience and potential of foreign specialists within the country's economy.
