Polish labor market for Ukrainians: where they work and what income they receive

Ukrainians remain one of the most active labor communities in Poland, working in key sectors of the economy and gradually integrating into the local labor market. Despite the difference in salaries with Poles, the level of employment, education and language adaptation continues to grow. Find out more about where Ukrainians work in Poland and how much they earn

Get advice from a lawyer on employment abroad

GET

Poland remains one of the main countries where Ukrainians find work, stable income and the opportunity to integrate into the European environment. According to the National Bank of Poland, the country is home to about one million Ukrainian citizens, and most adults are actively employed in various sectors of the economy. The new report shows that Ukrainians not only support the Polish labor market, but also gradually improve their qualifications, income, and language adaptation. Based on the NBP data, let's look at where Ukrainians work most often and what their earnings depend on.

To learn more about the changes in the rules of employment of foreigners in Poland in 2026, please follow the link.

Where do Ukrainians work most often in Poland?

According to the National Bank of Poland, Ukrainians are actively employed in key sectors that require labor and quickly integrate new employees. Industry accounts for the largest share: one in four pre-war migrants and about 16% of refugees work in this sector. These are factories, production lines, warehouses, and logistics companies that require both physical and technical skills.

Trade and administrative services are very popular: supermarkets, shops, logistics operators, and business service companies. Some Ukrainians work in the hotel and restaurant sector, where there is a stable demand for staff due to the tourist flow and seasonality. Instead, employment in finance, law, and IT remains the lowest, as these industries require high qualifications and fluency in Polish.

Despite this, the level of education among Ukrainians is quite high. Almost half of women and more than a third of men have higher education. However, 25-36% are forced to work below their qualifications. This is a consequence of the language barrier, adaptation, and the peculiarities of the Polish labor market.

In the previous article, we analyzed the TOP-10 highest-paid professions in Poland without a diploma.

Don't want to miss important updates and useful articles? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

How much do Ukrainians earn in Poland?

The NBP report shows that the average income of Ukrainians remains lower than that of Poles, primarily due to the structure of employment and work in lower-paid sectors. The median salary of Ukrainian workers is about 4400 PLN net, while the average among Poles exceeds 5300 PLN. The difference can be explained by the fact that immigrants are more likely to work in manufacturing, trade, or service industries, while the local population has free access to highly skilled positions.

At the same time, official employment is the main source of income for Ukrainians: it accounts for 92% of all pre-war immigrants' income and about 78% of refugees' income. Social benefits and remittances from Ukraine play a secondary role and do not determine the level of material security for most families. It is noticeable that every year the share of those who switch to stable jobs, improve their qualifications and get better offers on the labor market is growing.

The degree of integration also affects the level of earnings: knowledge of the Polish language, work experience in local companies, and adaptation to Polish standards significantly increase the chances of receiving higher wages. That is why the incomes of Ukrainians are gradually increasing and their position in the labor market is strengthening.

If you are looking for a job abroad for the first time, it is worth contacting lawyers specializing in employment issues at Visit Ukraine. They will help you check the contract, terms of employment, and correctness of documents, and explain how to protect your rights in another country. This is especially important for those who are going abroad without experience or knowledge of the language.

We remind you! Poland is changing the rules for calculating work experience from 2026. Read about which periods will be taken into account, how to obtain a ZUS certificate, and what Ukrainians working in Poland should do to have their work experience fully counted.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;

Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;

Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;

Visit Ukraine Merch - buy patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

© 2018-2025, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.

All rights reserved.