The year 2025 brings crucial changes in minimum salaries in Poland, which will first exceed the national rate in the United States. Poland hourly rate will be PLN 30.50 gross, which gives more than employees in the US gain on the minimum national wage that is $7.25 (about PLN 30.03). How did this happen, and what are the consequences?
Minimum wage in Poland in 2025 – fresh rates
As of 1 January 2025, the minimum wage in Poland is PLN 4666 gross monthly, which represents an increase by PLN 366 from 2024. In turn minimum hourly rate increased to PLN 30.50 grosswhich gives about PLN 22 net For an hour.
For workers who do not pay contributions to the worker Capital Plans (PPKs) and do not benefit from the taxation credit for young people, this means:
- Net remuneration: about PLN 3510.92 per month,
- Annual net increase: additional PLN 2992,68 compared to the erstwhile year.
In Poland, the minimum wage receives about 3 million peopleand increases aim to improve surviving standards in the face of rising inflation and surviving costs.
Stagnation of national minimum wage in the US
By comparison, the national minimum wage in the U.S. remains at $7.25 an hour. since 2009, meaning no changes by 15 years. Despite attempts to rise this rate by the Joe Biden administration, Republicans and average Democrats effectively blocked this initiative.
However, it is worth noting that many states in the United States are introducing their own higher minimum wages. For example:
- California, fresh York, Washington: state rates are now even $16 an hourwhich, in terms of gold, gives about PLN 66 per gross hour.
- Half of U.S. states It increased its minimum wages in 2024, which importantly improves the situation of workers in these regions.
Despite these changes, the national minimum wage in force in most states inactive ranks at a level close to the Polish rate, resulting in discussions about real costs of surviving and decent salaries.
Historical increases in minimum wage in Poland
Poland has seen a dynamic increase in minimum wage in fresh years:
- 2015: 1750 PLN gross,
- 2017: PLN 2000 gross,
- 2022: PLN 3010 gross,
- 2025 year: PLN 4666 gross.
That means more than double growth in 10 years. These activities are part of a government policy aimed at reducing social inequalities and improving the quality of life of the lowest paid workers.
Cost of surviving in Poland and the USA
Comparison of minimum salaries in Poland and the USA besides requires taking into account the cost of living:
- Poland: Although wages are increasing, prices of products and services are inactive comparatively lower than in the US. Nevertheless, inflation in Poland importantly reduced the purchasing power of citizens.
- USA: Life costs are higher, especially in areas specified as housing, wellness care and education. A national minimum wage of $7.25 an hr is not adequate to cover basic needs in many regions.
Minimum wage increases in Poland attract global attention, especially in the context of the stagnation of national minimum wage in the US. Experts indicate that higher wages can contribute to reducing the economical emigration of Poles and to improving the surviving conditions of the lowest paid workers.
However, rising labour costs can besides negatively affect tiny and medium-sized enterprises, which are already facing advanced operating costs.
More here:
Poland's minimum wage higher than the US national wage – how is that possible?
