Since 2019, the wages of both migrant workers and refugees from Ukraine have been rising, in particular, due to the increase in the minimum wage. In 2023, Ukrainians received an average salary of 3,000-4,000 zlotys ($720-960). This was reported by the Polish website Money.
It is noted that almost half (49%) of refugees and every fifth respondent on pre-war migration declared earnings below 3,000 zlotys ($720).
The average net salary of Ukrainians in Poland is about 3,500 zlotys ($840).
According to Gremi Personal, Ukrainian refugees are predominantly women and children. The vast majority of all refugees are women – 78% and men – 22%. One-third of them are single women without children or partners. Women with children make up 26% of all refugees, and 12% are women who stay with other family members.
Despite the disproportionately lower number of male refugees from Ukraine, they have a better position in the labor market. Most are employed (71% vs. 61%), and only 15% of men are unemployed compared to 27% of women.
Highly qualified Ukrainians compete with Poles
According to Gremi Personal, pre-war migrants mostly worked in professions that required qualifications. Still, they do not necessarily have higher education (welders, turners, electricians, etc.), whereas refugees have higher education – most do simple jobs that do not require qualifications.
“Ukrainian refugees’ salaries in Poland are mainly dependent on the increase of the minimum wage in the Polish economy and are rarely related to the education received in Ukraine, regardless of its level. However, suppose highly qualified Ukrainians know Polish well. In that case, they can compete with Poles for vacant positions,” explains Anna Jobolda from Gremi Personal.
