- From January 2025, the minimum wage increased to PLN 4666 gross, which is approximately PLN 3511 net.
- The increase in the minimum wage amounts to PLN 366 gross, but real purchasing power is limited by inflation.
- An additional PLN 249 net per month may improve the purchasing power of workers, but the prices of consumer goods remain a challenge.
- The minimum wage plays a key role in protecting against poverty and reducing income inequality, affecting economic stability.
The year 2025 brings significant changes for more than 3 million employees in Poland – an increase in the minimum wage. According to the new regulations, as of 1 January 2025, the minimum wage has increased to PLN 4666 gross, which means that “on hand” employees will receive approximately PLN 3511 net. How will this change affect Poles’ wallets and their shopping opportunities? Will the increase realistically translate into an improved quality of life? Let us check the details.
Minimum wage 2025 – gross and net increase
Compared to 2024, the minimum wage has increased by PLN 366 gross. The minimum hourly rate for selected civil law contracts has also been increased, which is now PLN 30.50 gross. However, as usual, part of this amount is ‘eaten up’ by social security contributions and advance income tax. After all deductions, the net increase is approximately PLN 249.
It is important to recall how this money is shared:
- pension contribution – approximately PLN 35.72;
- disability insurance – PLN 5.49;
- sickness insurance – PLN 8.97;
- health contribution – PLN 28.43;
- pIT advance payment – PLN 38.
Although a significant part of the increase goes to ZUS or the Tax Office, the pension contribution can be treated as a deferred benefit. The amount increases the employee’s pension capital, which will affect the amount of benefits in the future when the employee retires.
Nominal versus real increase in the minimum wage in relation to the national average
The increase in the minimum wage in 2025 is not only a nominal increase. Inflation and rising prices affect the real purchasing power of the wage. Comparing January 2025 to July 2024, the same amount can be bought for a net minimum wage of PLN 3511 as for PLN 3422 six months earlier. This is due to the fact that in the second half of 2024, prices rose by around 2.6%.
In annual terms, the real increase in the purchasing power of employees is around PLN 160. This means that although nominal earnings are higher, their practical value has increased to a lesser extent.
According to the provisions of the Budget Act for 2025, the projected national average will be PLN 8673 in this period. Accordingly, the minimum wage effective from January 2025 represents 53.8% of the projected average wage in the economy for that year.
What can a minimum wage increase buy?
For an additional PLN 249 net, employees can afford:
- approximately 90.5 kg of potatoes,
- 61 litres of milk,
- 12.7 kg of raspberry tomatoes,
- 27 cubes of butter (200 g each).
If we look at a basic basket of groceries, the increase can buy two full baskets containing apples, bananas, chicken breast, sugar or carrots, among others. Such a change could help the lowest earners to better plan their household budget, although the increase in the price of consumer goods remains a significant challenge.
Comparison of the minimum wage to the national average
The minimum wage of PLN 4666 gross is more than half of the national average, which is currently around PLN 8500 gross. Although the gap between these values is still significant, increases in the minimum wage are aimed at gradually narrowing the wage gap.
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Why is the minimum wage so important?
The minimum wage plays a fundamental role in shaping society’s standard of living, especially among the lowest earners. Its main purpose is to provide a decent livelihood to meet basic needs such as food, housing, clothing and education. In a context of rising living costs and inflation, it provides a form of protection against poverty and allows economic stability to be maintained among the lowest paid workers.
Furthermore, the minimum wage has a broad impact on the economy as a whole. It provides a benchmark for wage negotiations in other occupational groups – its increase can also result in wage increases among those earning more than the minimum. Through this mechanism, an increase in the minimum wage reduces income inequality and raises the general standard of living of society.
Its role in driving consumption cannot be overlooked either. Workers receiving the minimum wage often spend their income on everyday expenses, which directly supports local businesses and retail. In this way, the minimum wage becomes an important tool to stimulate the economy by increasing domestic demand.
Finally, the minimum wage has a regulatory function in the labour market. Setting it at an appropriate level helps to counter unfair employment practices such as excessive wage suppression. It also provides greater stability and predictability in the economy, which is important for both employees and employers.
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The increase in the minimum wage to PLN 4666 gross is a significant step in improving the financial situation of workers with the lowest earnings. Although inflation still limits the real benefits, an additional PLN 249 net per month can help the household budget.
Keeping track of salary increases, including the minimum wage, and nurturing professional development in forward-looking industries such as international trade is key to building a stable financial future.
