What’s happening on the labor market? Disturbing data from the Central Statistical Office

The average gross salary in the enterprise sector in April 2026 was PLN 9,530.70 – informed the Central Statistical Office. This is less than a month earlier, when the average salary reached a record level of PLN 9,583.

The decline compared to March was 1.3%. The Central Statistical Office explained that it was related to the lack or smaller scale of additional payments that appeared in the previous month. These include prizes, bonuses and quarterly, annual and holiday bonuses.

The average salary in Poland is growing slower

On an annual basis, the average salary increased by 5.4% in April. This result is weaker than forecasts, which assumed a growth of 6%. For comparison, in March the dynamics of increases was 6.6%.

This means that wages are still rising, but the growth rate is clearly slowing down. Additionally, inflation is important, which accelerated to 3.2% in April. year to year, among others due to the rising prices of crude oil and fuels.

Real wages are still positive

After taking into account inflation, the average salary in Poland increased in real terms by about 2.1%. year to year. This is the 33rd month in a row in which real wage dynamics remains positive.

However, the growth rate is getting slower. In March, real wages grew by 3.5%, and a record pace was recorded in March 2024, when it amounted to approximately 10%. and was the highest in a quarter of a century.

The Central Statistical Office data do not cover the entire economy

The Central Statistical Office statistics concern the enterprise sector, i.e. companies employing at least 10 employees. They cover approximately 40 percent. everyone working in the Polish economy.

Remuneration includes not only basic salaries, but also bonuses, awards, overtime pay and retirement severance pay. Therefore, monthly fluctuations may result from the payment of additional components.

Employment in companies continues to decline

The Central Statistical Office also provided employment data. In April 2026, in the enterprise sector it amounted to PLN 6,386.4 thousand. full-time positions.

This means a decrease of 0.9%. year to year. The result is consistent with forecasts and confirms the continuation of the trend observed in previous months. The labor market therefore remains under pressure, even though wages continue to rise.