---
title: "Ukrainian Youth in Poland Earns More Than Poles: Reasons Behind the Phenomenon"
description: "Ukrainian men aged 25-34 in Poland earn about 1,500 zlotys more than local peers due to overtime, youth tax breaks, and high labor mobility."
date: 2026-10-24T05:10:41.985Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/ukrainian-youth-in-poland-earns-more-than-poles
tags: [poland, ukraine, migrants, labor-market, economy, salaries]
author: "Darya Fomina"
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Ukrainian Youth in Poland Earns More Than Poles: Reasons Behind the Phenomenon

![Young man in blue work uniform adjusting machinery at a manufacturing plant](https://xab.info/media/2026/10/24/ukrainskaya-molod-v-polshe-zarabativaet-bolshe-polyakov/ukrainskaya-molod-v-polshe-zarabativaet-bolshe-polyakov-1.webp)

## Key Points

- Ukrainian men aged 25-34 take home about 6,800 zlotys compared to 5,300 zlotys for Poles of the same age
- Main drivers include overtime, weekend shifts, youth tax exemptions, and high regional mobility
- Economic activity among Ukrainian migrants in Poland reaches 75-90%
- A third or more work outside their profession, while fluent Polish increases monthly earnings by 700 zlotys

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.

## Fact-Check & Sources

- [Украинская молодежь в Польше зарабатывает больше поляков: в чем причина](https://www.rbc.ua/ukr/news/ukrayinska-molod-polshchi-zaroblyae-bilshe-1792664101.html) - Facts confirmed by RBC-Ukraine based on the Deloitte report and Gremi Personal data.

## FAQ

### How much do Ukrainian men aged 25-34 earn in Poland?

Their average net salary is about 6,800 zlotys per month, which is roughly 1,500 zlotys higher than that of Poles in the same age bracket.

### Why do young Ukrainians earn more than local residents?

The difference is driven by youth tax reliefs for workers under 26, employment in industrial regions, high mobility, and regular overtime.

### Do all Ukrainians in Poland work in their field of study?

No, a significant portion of migrants perform elementary labor, and only about a third of university graduates work in jobs requiring higher education.