The Polish government has set the minimum wage for 2027. From 1 January it will be PLN 4,950 gross a month, and the minimum hourly rate (for example on civil-law contracts) PLN 32.30 gross. The regulation has already been published in the Journal of Laws.

For comparison: in 2026 the minimum wage is PLN 4,806 and the hourly rate PLN 31.40. The increase is therefore PLN 144 a month and 90 groszy an hour, or about 3%. According to government estimates it will apply to about 1.58 million people.

How the figure was set

Every year the minimum wage is negotiated in the Social Dialogue Council by representatives of the government, employers and trade unions. This year they did not reach an agreement, so – as the law provides – the Council of Ministers set the amount on its own.

The proposals were far apart. Trade unions wanted PLN 5,200, while the labour ministry had earlier proposed PLN 4,986 (PLN 32.60 an hour). Employer organisations pushed for slower growth, pointing out that the minimum wage had already exceeded half of the average salary in the first quarter of 2026. In the end it was set at PLN 4,950.

The smaller rise compared with previous years also follows from the rules: the minimum wage goes up twice a year (in January and July) only when forecast inflation exceeds 5%. For 2027 a single increase was therefore planned – from January.

Take-home pay

On a standard employment contract (basic tax-deductible costs, PIT-2 form filed, no PPK pension plan), PLN 4,950 gross leaves about PLN 3,704 net. In 2026 it is about PLN 3,606, so take-home pay will rise by roughly PLN 98 a month.

Why the big difference between gross and net? The following are deducted from gross pay:

• pension contribution – about PLN 483,
• disability contribution – about PLN 74,
• sickness contribution – about PLN 121,
• health contribution – about PLN 384,
• income tax advance – about PLN 109.

If you are enrolled in PPK (the employee capital plan), your net pay will be lower accordingly – but that money goes into your retirement account, together with your employer's contribution.

The full cost of employing one person at the minimum wage will be about PLN 5,964 a month for the employer (including the employer's social security and fund contributions). The government estimates the rise will cost small and medium-sized companies almost PLN 3 billion a year in total.

In real terms: a raise or a cut?

This is the less pleasant part. In September 2026 inflation in Poland was 4.1%, and economists at mBank expect it could exceed 4% again in early 2027 – partly due to higher electricity and gas tariffs. If prices rise by more than 3% in 2027, people earning the minimum wage will be able to buy less with it than today.

It is the first such situation in a long time. In previous years the minimum wage usually grew faster than prices. Average salaries are currently growing by about 6% a year, so the gap between the lowest earners and the national average will widen.

Who else is affected

The minimum wage is not just a salary. Many other amounts depend on it. From 2027, among others:

• Reduced social security for small businesses ("mały ZUS"): the contribution base is 30% of the minimum wage, i.e. PLN 1,485 (PLN 1,441.80 in 2026). Contributions for new businesses will rise by a few złoty.
• Night work allowance: about PLN 5.63 to 6.89 an hour, depending on the number of working hours in a given month.
• Idle-time pay: cannot be lower than the minimum wage.
• Collective redundancy severance: up to 15 times the minimum wage, i.e. PLN 74,250.
• Compensation for workplace bullying or discrimination: at least PLN 4,950.
• Fiscal penalties: tickets up to PLN 24,750, court fines from PLN 495 to PLN 99,000.
• The penalty for driving without third-party car insurance is also calculated from the minimum wage, so it will rise too.

Indirectly, the increase may also push up prices of services where wages are a big part of the cost: hairdressers, cleaning, restaurants and small repairs.

How to prepare if you earn the minimum wage

A raise of under PLN 100 net will not transform a household budget, but good planning can.

• Calculate your "fixed budget". Rent, electricity, phone, transport, loan repayments – these costs come regardless. If they take more than 60% of your income, every price rise hurts, and this is the first place to look for savings.
• Check whether you qualify for support. Housing allowance, family benefits and social scholarships have income thresholds – on a low salary you may qualify, and many people never check. Ask at your local municipal office or social welfare centre.
• Plan the start of the year. January is often the most expensive month: post-holiday bills, possible tariff increases and, in 2027, perhaps more expensive fuel once the government's fuel price relief ends.
• Save even small amounts, but regularly. PLN 100 a month is PLN 1,200 a year – enough to avoid taking a loan for an unexpected expense. Set up a standing transfer on payday so you do not have to remember.
• Talk about your pay. The minimum wage is the floor, not the rate "assigned" to a job. If you have experience or extra responsibilities, the January increase is a good moment to talk to your employer.

In short

• Poland's minimum wage from 1 Jan 2027: PLN 4,950 gross, PLN 32.30 an hour.
• Take-home: about PLN 3,704 (without PPK) – about PLN 98 more than in 2026.
• A 3% rise; with inflation above 4% it may mean lower purchasing power in real terms.
• Small-business contributions, severance, penalties and night allowances also depend on it.

Information and educational material. Net figures are approximate and depend on your tax situation.

Sources: XYZ – minimum wage published in the Journal of Laws, Bankowe ABC – 2027 minimum wage net and employer costs, Money.pl – what else the minimum wage changes, Interia – the end of big raises, Analizy.pl – September 2026 inflation. Photos: Unsplash.