ZUS data shows the average pension of 4,099 zloty gross masks significant disparities up to 1,500 zloty monthly based on birth year and region.
Average Masks Wide Gaps
A ZUS comparison for the ‘Fakt’ portal covers those born after 1949, whose pensions are directly tied to contributions, without historical privileges.
While the average pension paid in November 2025 was 4,099 zloty gross, this figure diverges significantly when broken down, with differences exceeding 1,500 zloty per month.
Birth Year Decides Pension Size
ZUS data shows average pensions for specific birth years, highlighting how the timing of retirement is crucial.
There is no single formula, but every additional year of work realistically changes the amount of the pension benefit.
Why Women Receive Less
The gender pension gap is not accidental and is determined by several overlapping factors.
ZUS has long stated that retiring at the minimum age results in a permanently lower benefit. Seniors often see this as a choice between health and money.
Regional Disparities Across Poland
Differences are evident by gender and region. Data from the 2023 ‘Statistical Yearbook of Voivodeships’ shows the highest and lowest average pensions, with a gap of nearly 900 zloty monthly.
Experts attribute these regional differences to the history of the local labor market.
Labor History Explains the Gaps
Regions like Silesia and Lower Silesia have long histories of stable industrial and mining employment with high contributions and less informal work.
In contrast, Eastern Poland has more short-term contracts, lower wages, and a larger share of agriculture and self-employment, leading to pensions that are a direct reflection of the entire career.
