Starting July 1, 2026, approximately 52,000 medical residents in Poland will receive salary increases of up to 1,000 PLN per month, based on a new draft regulation from the Ministry of Health.
Targeted Increases for Medical Professionals
Unlike previous years, there will be no universal minimum wage adjustment in July 2026. Instead, the government has allocated significant raises specifically for medical residents and dentists in training. The new gross monthly rates will range from 10,595.24 PLN to 12,714.29 PLN.
Reasons Behind the Minimum Wage Freeze
The absence of a second universal minimum wage increase in 2026 stems from national regulations. A second adjustment is only triggered if the projected consumer price index exceeds 105%. Since the current index remains below this threshold, only the January adjustment applies, leaving other sectors without a mid-year pay bump.
Regulatory Framework and EU Context
Poland follows the EU Directive 2022/2041 regarding adequate minimum wages, which requires periodic analysis of living and working conditions. While this directive influences long-term wage planning, the specific July 2026 increase for medical staff is rooted in the Law on the Professions of Physician and Dentist, affecting about 52,000 practitioners.
Factors Influencing Final Salary
The final salary of a resident depends on the chosen medical specialty and the year of training. Priority fields, such as oncology, psychiatry, anesthesiology, and emergency medicine, are among those eligible for the adjusted rates. The base salary is calculated using a coefficient applied to the average national wage from 2025.
Legislative Status
The draft regulation (number MZ 1900) is currently undergoing the consultative process. The Ministry of Health has invited stakeholders to submit feedback on the proposal, which does not impact small or medium-sized enterprises and requires no further EU notification.