New data from Poland’s Central Statistical Office reveals a 6.6% year-on-year increase in average wages in March 2026, approaching 10,000 złoty, despite a continuing drop in employment.
Wage Growth Driven by Bonuses
The latest data from the Central Statistical Office (GUS) showed a surprising increase in wages. In March 2026, the average wage in the enterprise sector rose by 6.6% year-on-year, exceeding analysts’ expectations.
While Poles are benefiting from bonuses and premiums, the labor market is sending worrying signals – employment continues to fall.
Wage Breakdown: March 2026 Figures
According to GUS, the average gross monthly wage in the enterprise sector (entities employing more than 9 people) amounted to 9,652.19 zł in March. This represents a 6.6% increase compared to the previous year and a 5.7% increase compared to February of this year.
This figure surpassed market consensus, which predicted a 6.3% increase.
Sectoral Leaders in Wage Growth
Experts from the statistical office indicate that the significant monthly wage increase is primarily due to the timing of additional wage component payments.
Economists at PKO BP Bank note that the acceleration in wage dynamics is due to several key sectors. Mining (6.7% y/y), construction (8% y/y), and the energy and gas supply sector (11.6% y/y) performed particularly well. Wage growth in manufacturing remained stable (6.6% y/y), while agriculture saw the weakest dynamics at 2.5%.
Employment Trends Remain Negative
Data on employment presents a less optimistic picture. In March, 6,389 thousand people were employed in the enterprise sector, a decrease of 0.9% compared to March 2025.
PKO BP economists emphasize that “negative annual employment dynamics have persisted uninterruptedly since October 2023.”
Monthly employment decreased by 0.1%, consistent with analysts’ predictions but confirming the continued stagnation in recruitment.
Implications for Interest Rates
Despite faster-than-forecast wage growth, this does not necessarily mean an immediate reaction from the Monetary Policy Council (RPP). Experts at PKO BP believe that wage growth throughout 2026 will stabilize around 6%.
External factors, rather than the labor market situation, are currently of key importance to the RPP.
“Today, the key factor for the Council remains the war in the Persian Gulf and energy prices, while processes in the labor market have moved into the background. The data does not change our forecast of stabilizing the NBP reference rate until the end of 2026,” economists conclude.
March 2026 Data Summary
Indicator | Value | Change y/y | Change m/m
Average Wage | 9,652.19 zł | +6.6% | +5.7%
Average Employment | 6,389 thousand | -0.9% | -0.1%