Poland's healthcare sector is poised for significant salary increases starting July 1, 2025, as revealed by the latest data from the Główny Urząd Statystyczny (GUS). This anticipated adjustment, based on the average wage reported for 2024, is expected to uplift the earnings of doctors, nurses, paramedics, and other healthcare professionals.
According to GUS, the average salary across the economy for 2024 was established at 8181.72 zł. This figure is pivotal as it sets the threshold for minimum salaries for medical staff and helpers. The coming pay rise, effective from mid-2025, has been heavily discussed, as it will adjust based on legislated salary scales.
Notably, the highest minimum salary will be directed toward specialist doctors and dentists, with their wages expected to reach 11,863.49 zł—a considerable increase of approximately 1,488.04 zł from the previous minimum. Similarly, nurses and midwives who hold master's degrees and specializations can expect their salaries to rise to around 10,554.42 zł, marking an increase of 1,323.85 zł.
The GUS announcement on February 11 confirmed the previous year's wages, which are instrumental for calculating these upcoming raises. With the existing compensation for healthcare roles established from averages reported for the previous year, this year's data indicates promising trends for salary growth within the sector.
Previously reported figures showed the average wage for 2023 at 7155.48 zł, with salary growth rates of 14-15% noted in 2024, demonstrating the accelerating pace of wage increases for healthcare workers.
The systematic annual revision of wages set to occur every July guarantees no minimum salary falls below the legally established rates gleaned from the average income.
Under the incoming salary adjustments, the pay scale for various healthcare professionals will be as follows:
- Specialist doctor or dentist: 11,863.49 zł (increase of 1,488.04 zł)
- Master’s degree nurse or midwife with specialization: 10,554.42 zł (increase of 1,323.85 zł)
- Doctor or dentist without specialization: 9,736.25 zł (increase of 1,221.23 zł)
- Intern: 7,772.63 zł (increase of 974.92 zł)
- Medical staff with higher education: 8,345.35 zł (increase of 1,046.76 zł)
- Paramedic and similar roles: 7,690.82 zł (increase of 964.67 zł)
The broad scope of these changes highlights the importance placed on healthcare workers amid post-pandemic recovery efforts and the need to retain qualified professionals within the public healthcare system.
Notably, Minister of Health Izabela Leszczyna emphasized these changes are part of broader reforms aimed at improving working conditions and the overall appeal of medical professions.
With workforce retention becoming increasingly pivotal, these salary advancements aim to counterbalance challenges faced over recent years and uphold the standard of care delivered by Polish medical staff.
While institutions will await the final calculations and confirmations from the Ministry of Health, the projected adjustments signal substantial shifts for the healthcare labor market, echoing sentiments from various affected professionals.
Looking forward, many healthcare workers express hope over the reforms, which are expected to reinforce job satisfaction and sustainability across numerous medical sectors, ensuring these frontline workers remain resilient and effective.