Labour Market Information: Poland

National level - Poland

^{* The years referenced in this report vary, as the data is based on the most up-to-date information available for each indicator, as of December 2024.}

Labour market

As of 1 January 2024, about 36.6 million people lived in Poland. The gross domestic product per inhabitant was EUR 17 300 in 2022, 51.1% lower than the average of EUR 35 400 per inhabitant in the EU27. Between 2018 and 2022, the GDP per capita increased by 33%.

^{Note: nama_10r_2gdp, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu)}

In 2023, more than 17.8 million people were active on the labour market in Poland. The employment rate was 72.4%, 2 percentage points higher than the EU27 average and 5 percentage points higher compared to 2018. In 2023, for women, the employment rate was 66.9%, for men, the employment rate was 77.8%, and for youth, the employment rate was 28.7%, with men and women having rates higher than the EU average and with only youth having a rate lower than the EU average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, data refer to working age population (15-64), youth age group (15-24)  Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu)}

In 2023, the unemployment rate was equal to the level registered in 2022. In 2023, the unemployment rate has not yet returned to the level before the pandemic, when it equalled 3.9% in 2018, and 3.3% in 2019. The unemployment rate is consistently below the EU27 average. In 2023, it was 3.2 percentage points lower in Poland than in the EU27.

In 2023, 98.2% of the active workforce were from Poland, 0.1% from other EU Member States and 1.6 from third countries. In the EU27, as of 2023, the highest proportion of the workforce comes from the respective country (85% on average), while on average a smaller portion is from foreign countries (4.3% from other EU Member States, and 10.5% from third countries).

In 2022, most employees worked in manufacturing (25.8%), followed by wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles (21.5%), construction (10.3%) and transportation and storage (8.1%). In terms of number of enterprises, most can be found in wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles (20.7%), construction (16.3%), and professional, scientific and technical activities (14.2%).

In Poland, the highest proportion of employees (37.2%) worked in micro companies with up to 9 employees. These companies accounted for the majority of all enterprises in the country (95.8%) with 2 562 504 of such businesses. 32.5% of persons employed worked in large companies with more than 250 employees, 14.2% of persons employed worked in medium companies with 50 to 249 employees, 8.8% of persons employed worked in small companies with 20 to 49 employees and 7.3% of persons employed worked in small companies with 10 to 19 employees.

Vacancies

In 2024, in Poland, the occupational groups with the highest occurrence of shortage occupations were: building and related trades workers (excluding electricians), metal, machinery and related trades workers and teaching professionals.

Read more about labour shortages and surpluses in Europe: Labour shortages and surpluses in Europe 2023 | European Labour Authority (europa.eu)

Job vacancy rate

Regarding the job vacancy rate (defined as the number of job vacancies expressed as a percentage of the total sum of occupied posts and job vacancies), in 2023 this was 0.9 % in the industry, construction and services, 1.9 percentage points lower than the EU27 on average. This rate has increased by 0.2 percentage points compared to 2022 and it is still above the situation before 2020, when it stood only at 1.1% .

^{Note: jvs_a_rate_r2, Statistics | Eurostat}

The sectors with the highest vacancy rates were: human health and social work activities; education; arts, entertainment and recreation; public administration and defence; compulsory social security; administrative and support services.

^{Note: jvs_a_rate_r2, Statistics | Eurostat}

Widely used job portals

Wages

Minimum wage

As of 1 January 2024, the statutory minimum wage in Poland was set at 977.53 EUR. Collective barganing in Poland is low at 13.4%.

Monthly average gross and net earnings

In 2023, the gross average earnings of a single person stood at EUR 1573, while the EU27 average was EUR 3417. The equivalent net wage was EUR 1 202 in Poland, compared to EUR 2351 in the EU27. Compared to 2018, gross average earnings increased by 46.7% in Poland and by 19.8% in the EU27. During the same period, the net wages have increased by 49.9% in Poland and by 22.1% in the EU27.

^{Note: earn_nt_net, Single person earning 100% average, annual rates transformed into 12 monthly payments. Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu)}

Trends

Go directly to Ageing workforce | Female labour market participation | Flexible work arrangements | Immigration | Insufficient number of jobseekers with the required skills | Remote work

Ageing workforce

Our society is ageing, and demographic changes caused by low birth rates and low fertility rates linked to an increasingly late age of childbearing have an impact on the labour market, resulting in a shrinking workforce. According to projections by Statistics Poland, the number of people of working age will have decreased by around two million by 2040. This process will intensify and significantly affect the functioning of the labour market. This also points to the need for significant reforms to increase productivity and innovation in the Polish economy. In light of demographic trends, including a declining population and an ageing workforce, qualitative changes in the labour market aimed at encouraging longer workforce participation are becoming increasingly important. Such measures are already being taken and are having an effect in terms of increasing the number of working pensioners. According to data published by the Social Insurance Institution, 854 000 pensioners were employed in December 2023, a figure 48 % higher than the number of employed pensioners at the end of 2015 (575 400). Measures are also needed to integrate groups that so far have not been active, such as young women or people with disabilities, into the labour market.

Female labour market participation

Although women in Poland are less economically active than men, women’s activity has grown dynamically over the years, and moreover, it has grown faster than men’s activity and faster than the average activity of women in the EU. In Poland, the activity of women remains lower than in the EU in the 20–24 age group, mainly due to their continued education, and in the 60–64 age group, as women acquire pension rights at the age of 60. On the other hand, the activity of women aged 25–59 in Poland was higher than in the EU in 2023, with 83.1 % of women being active in Poland, compared to 80.8 % in the EU. In addition, Polish women work full-time more often than other European women: in Poland, 91.7 % of women worked full-time in 2023, compared to only 72.1 % in the EU overall. Despite this, the employment rate of women in Poland in 2023 was higher than in the EU for the 20–64 age group, at 77.9 % in Poland compared to 75.3 % in the EU.

Flexible work arrangements (related to e.g. working time, place of work or type of contract)

The vast majority of people working in Poland (94.5 %) work full-time, while part-time work is much less common than in the EU, regardless of the gender of the employees. In Poland, only 5.5 % of employed persons aged 20–64 worked part-time in 2023, compared with 17.1 % in the EU. Among those employed in Poland who are aged between 20 and 64 years of age, the dominant group are people working under stable employment contracts, i.e. contracts for an indefinite term, and the share of such contracts has increased significantly over the last few years. 85.2 % of employees had such contracts in 2023, while 14.8 % had temporary contracts (12.3 % in the EU). Poles work on a full-time basis much more often than the EU population. Taking into account the average number of hours worked in the primary job, Poles aged 20–64 worked more than 40 hours per week in 2023, almost three hours longer than the EU average.

Immigration (from the EU, from third countries)

Foreigners are active in the Polish labour market and help address the shortage of workers. Poland’s migration policy aims to ensure security and avoid a mass influx of third-country nationals into Poland while taking into account the needs of the labour market.

It can be estimated that between 2.3 and 2.5 million foreigners reside in Poland, the largest number of whom are citizens of Ukraine, Belarus, Georgia, India, Russia, Germany, Vietnam, Türkiye, Uzbekistan, and Moldova. Based on data from the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS), the number of foreigners working in Poland as of September 2024 can be estimated at nearly 1.2 million, and the largest number are citizens of Ukraine, Belarus, Georgia, India, Moldova, the Philippines, Colombia, Russia, Vietnam, and Türkiye. The share of foreign nationals among the economically active population is estimated at around 7 %.

Poland is one of the main destinations for Ukrainians fleeing the war, mainly women and children. The number of Ukrainian refugees in Poland has now stabilised at around one million. The employment rate for this group is 65 %, which is the highest rate among countries that have accepted a significant number of Ukrainian war refugees.

Insufficient number of jobseekers with the required skills

With the ageing population, the labour deficit in Poland will increase. The scale of the talent shortage in Poland is influenced both by the still-too-low availability of candidates and the dynamic transformation of the economy, which is not coupled with a change in the competences of the workforce. The Occupations Barometer for 2024 indicates that these are health services (doctors), education (teachers of various specialisations), construction, manufacturing, transport (bus drivers, lorry drivers), freight forwarding, logistics, but also the financial and catering industry and uniformed services (war, police) that are particularly affected by shortages. To some extent, these shortages are offset by hiring foreigners who work in sectors and occupations where special qualifications are not necessary (agriculture, care, some industrial processing work, especially food processing, logistics and construction) or where skilled manual work is required (machine and equipment operators, lorry drivers). For the most part, these are occupations indicated in Poland as bottleneck occupations, or where work has become unattractive to Poles. This is the reason that, overall, around 110 000 jobs remain vacant in Poland.

Remote work

In 2023, 8.9% of employed persons in Poland sometimes worked from home, compared to 13.3% in the EU27. Additionally, 5.4% of employed persons in Poland usually worked from home, while in the EU27 it was 8.9%.

^{Note: lfsa_ehomp, Product - Datasets - Eurostat}

Małopolskie

With 3 319 305 inhabitants, Małopolskie represented about 9% of the population in Poland in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in Małopolskie was 43.5% of the EU27 average, below the national average of 48.9%.

Trade is the largest sector. The information and communications sector is the one that has witnessed the largest increase, while the vehicle repair and mining sectors have experienced a decline. This situation is a result of the development of the modern business services sector, the so-called MBS (which includes, in addition to Section I, also entities from Section M – professional, scientific and technical activities, and section N – Administrative and support service activities), and energy transition. The city of Kraków remains the most attractive place to conduct a business activity in the province due to its demographic potential, well-developed infrastructure, and the advanced business services sector. At the end of 2023, 176 900 entities were registered in the city.

As the region is a popular tourist destination, some industries offer seasonal employment.

Employers rely heavily on foreign labour.

The province is also a strong academic centre.

In 2023, more than 1 558 300 people were active in the labour market in Małopolskie. 45% had tertiary education, 52.8% had secondary education, and 2.2% had primary education. The employment rate in Małopolskie was 55.7 % in 2023, in line with the national average and in line with 2022 figures.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 49.6%, men had an employment rate of 62.3%, and for the youth the employment rate was 26.7%. The employment rate for women was equal to the national average, while the employment rates for men and the youth were below the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

The unemployment rate in Małopolskie was 2.3% in 2023, in line with the national average in the same year and in line with the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}

Vacancies

The most common job vacancies (sectors/occupations): Elementary workers and craft and related trades workers are the most frequently sought after in district labour offices. The number of reported job offers targeted at office workers, service workers and salespersons is decreasing. Job offers addressed to people with higher and technical education are significantly less frequent as well. The highest increase in job offers was recorded for the following occupations: lorry drivers and bus drivers, primary school teachers and early childhood education professionals, medical doctors, cooks, drivers of passenger cars, vans and motorcycles, other elementary workers, physical and engineering science technicians (excluding electrotechnology engineers), food preparation assistants, other education and teaching specialists.

Type of employers most prevalent in the region: The vast majority of business entities (97%) in the Małopolska region are micro-enterprises employing up to 9 people. Small enterprises employing from 10 to 40 people account for approximately 2.5% of all entities. Medium-sized enterprises employing from 50 to 249 people and large enterprises employing more than 250 people represent 0.5% and 0.07% of the market respectively.

Shortages

Shortage occupations: concrete placers and finishers, carpenters and joiners, roofers and sheet-metal workers, electricians, electrical mechanics and electrical fitters, bus drivers, heavy truck and semi-trailer truck drivers, cooks, medical doctors, stock clerks, motor vehicle mechanics and repairers, construction installation assemblers, bricklayers and plasterers, practical vocational training teachers, teachers of general education subjects, teachers of vocational subjects, early childhood teachers, teachers of special schools and integrated classes, earth-moving plant operators and mechanics, carers of older persons or persons with disabilities, bakers, nurses and midwives, accounting and bookkeeping clerks, building finishers, uniformed services workers, psychologists and psychotherapists, building workers, independent accountants, welders.

In addition: mobilising investments in public infrastructure from the National Recovery Plan will be important for activity in the construction sector; the demand for long-term care services will increase due to the ageing of the population. Symptoms of ‘saturation’ in the IT industry are beginning to be noticeable. Filling positions that involve shift work is problematic, especially in the areas with an underdeveloped public transport network.

Surpluses

Surplus occupations: at the province level – economists;

at the district level – administrative and office staff, civil engineering technicians, philosophers, historians, political scientists and cultural experts, travel consultants and clerks, cleaning staff, administration specialists, IT technicians, hairdressers, mechanical engineering technicians, manual and elementary workers, secretaries and assistants, salespersons and cashiers, facility managers, porters, ushers and caretakers, textile machine operators, farmers and breeders, landscape architects, surveyors and cartographers, motor vehicle mechanics and repairers, journalists and editors, forwarding and logistics agents, kitchen helpers, florists.

In addition: the existence of surplus occupations in individual districts of the province may be attributed to: an excessively high numbers of graduates of secondary schools, trade schools and universities graduating from certain majors given the demand of the local labour market and their insufficient qualifications and skill; lack or insufficient number of job offers for a given occupation; finding employment in related professions; reluctance of candidates to further increase their qualifications and acquire professional experience.

Śląskie

With 4 245 283 inhabitants, Śląskie represented about 11.6% of the population in Poland in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in Śląskie was 51.4% of the EU27 average, above the national average of 48.9%.

The Śląskie Province (Silesia) is the only province in Poland where there are more cities with district rights than districts as such. It is home to Poland’s only metropolitan association, Metropolia Górnośląsko-Zagłębiowska, the country’s largest urban complex, with transport and communication infrastructure that supports industrial development and excellent transport connections (such as Katowice International Airport, A4 motorway) and direct rail connections with cities such as: Berlin, Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava, Prague, Moscow, Hamburg.

The Silesia region is the most highly industrialised region in Poland with traditional specialisations (mining, metallurgy, machinery), undergoing successful restructuring. Within the Silesia region, there are economic zones that support investors. The cities of the Śląskie agglomeration constitute a very strong academic centre when combined together. The main education majors available in the province are related to science and technical fields (the Częstochowa University of Technology, the Silesian University of Technology, the Wrocław University of Economics, the University of Silesia).

The province offers a wide range of investment opportunities. This is confirmed by very high ratings of potential and actual investment attractiveness for national economy, industry, trade, tourism, financial intermediation and education, among other things.

In 2023, more than 2 007 700 people were active in the labour market in Śląskie. 40.2% had tertiary education, 56.8% had secondary education, and 3% had primary education. The employment rate in Śląskie was 54.9 % in 2023, 1.6 percentage points lower than the national average in Poland and in line with 2022 figures.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 48.2%, men had an employment rate of 62.3%, and for the youth the employment rate was 32.3%. The employment rates for women and men were below the national average, while the employment rate for the youth was above the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

The unemployment rate in Śląskie was 2.5% in 2023, in line with the national average in the same year and in line with the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}

Vacancies

The most common job vacancies (sectors/occupations): In the Śląskie Province, most job offers are recorded in medical professions, but there are also numerous vacancies related to elementary and manual work. There is a high demand for manufacturing workers, R&D specialists, customer service/call centre workers, salespersons, engineering/construction/technology professionals, logistics/shipping/distribution specialists, IT/programming specialists.

Type of employers most prevalent in the region: Job offers for elementary and manual work are mainly posted by employment agencies. The most typical form of employment is a contract of employment, especially for a probationary period and for a fixed term, followed by a contract of mandate/service contract.

Other information about regional employers: Employers expect potential elementary workers to be available and ready to work in a two-shift or three-shift mode. On the other hand, specialised professionals are often required to be able to organise their work efficiently, willing to work in the field, and possess strong communication skills, including proficiency in a foreign language, most often English or German. The ability to use computer software is also emphasised.

Shortages

Shortage occupations: medical doctors, teachers of vocational subjects, psychologists and psychotherapists, practical vocational training teachers, bus drivers, welders, uniformed services staff, bricklayers and plasters, nurses and midwives, teachers of general subjects, early childhood teachers, carers of older persons or persons with disabilities, cooks, building workers, construction installation assemblers, tool makers, motor vehicle mechanics and repairers, bakers, heavy truck and semi-trailer truck drivers, building finishers, electricians, electrical mechanics and electrical fitters, independent accountants

In addition: The shortage of labour is a result of various requirements imposed by employers, mismatch between financial conditions and the scope of duties assigned, and a lack of relevant qualifications or valid licenses /certifications among potential candidates. A generation gap, exacerbated by an unfavourable demographic situation and labour migration, is also a noticeable issue.

Surpluses

Surplus occupations: no surplus occupations are reported in the labour market of the province.

In addition: Due to the industrial and urban nature of the region and the high interest in humanities-related majors, administrative and office workers, photographers, journalists and editors, philosophers, historians, political scientists and cultural specialists as well as sociologists and socio-economic researchers are likely to experience more difficulties in finding employment.

Wielkopolskie

With 3 444 228 inhabitants, Wielkopolskie represented about 9.4% of the population in Poland in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in Wielkopolskie was 51.7% of the EU27 average, above the national average of 48.9%.

The Wielkopolskie Province is an important Polish region both in terms of infrastructure and in terms of its balanced economic development, characterised by considerable industrialisation, a high technological level and high attractiveness for investors. The Wielkopolska region is also an important educational centre and its scientific potential is mainly concentrated in Poznań.

It ranks as one of the country’s leaders in terms of the number of registered companies. Most companies operate in the following industries: wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, construction, professional, scientific and technical activities, and manufacturing

There is a high share of commercial companies with foreign equity participation in the Wielkopolskie Province, the majority of which operate in manufacturing, as well as food, chemical and pharmaceutical sectors, transportation, manufacturing and repair of machinery and equipment, logistics, as well as finance and trade. Foreign equity comes from, among others, Germany, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, the United Kingdom, Belgium, France, Japan, Ireland, Sweden and Spain.

In 2023, more than 1 701 100 people were active in the labour market in Wielkopolskie. 36% had tertiary education, 60.3% had secondary education, and 3.7% had primary education. The employment rate in Wielkopolskie was 58.4 % in 2023, 1.9 percentage points higher than the national average in Poland and in line with 2022 figures.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 49.5%, men had an employment rate of 68.1%, and for the youth the employment rate was 33.4%. The employment rate for women was below the national average, while the employment rates for men and the youth were above the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

The unemployment rate in Wielkopolskie was 2.7% in 2023, in line with the national average in the same year and in line with the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}

Vacancies

The most common job vacancies (sectors/occupations): In the first half of 2024, district labour offices received the highest number of job offers from employers in the areas of industry, administration, trade, construction, agriculture, forestry, hunting and fisheries, and transportation. Employers most frequently sought after: manufacturing workers, building caretakers, auxiliary animal husbandry labourers, office workers, salespersons, elementary workers, auxiliary industrial labourers, and stock clerks.

Other information about regional employers: In the first half of 2024, employees with driving licences, teamwork skills, communication skills, computer skills, accuracy/reliability, diligence and commitment, ability to organise their own work, ability to operate industrial machinery, ability to operate forklifts, electrical qualifications and pedagogical qualifications were most frequently sought after.

Shortages

Shortage occupations: pavers, carpenters and joiners, roofers and sheet-metal workers, electricians, electrical mechanics and electrical fitters, physiotherapists and massage therapists, bus drivers, heavy truck and semi-trailer truck drivers, tailors and garment workers, medical doctors, stock clerks, train drivers, construction installation assemblers, bricklayers and plasterers, early-stage education teachers, practical vocational training teacher, teachers of general subjects, teachers of vocational subjects, early childhood teachers, teachers of special schools and integrated classes, earth-moving plant operators and mechanics, metalworking machine operators, carers of older persons or persons with disabilities, bakers, nurses and midwives, accounting and bookkeeping clerks, building finishers, uniformed services staff, psychologists and psychotherapists, paramedical practitioners, building workers, independent accountants, welders, toolmakers.

In addition: due to the agricultural nature of the region (farmers of the Wielkopolska region are leading producers of cereals, sugar beet and oilseed rape), there is a seasonal demand for workers to grow and harvest ground vegetables.

Surpluses

Surplus occupations: no surplus occupations are reported in the labour market of the province.

In addition: some inhabitants of the province move abroad to the EU on a seasonal basis to work in agriculture and horticulture.

Zachodniopomorskie

With 1 589 049 inhabitants, Zachodniopomorskie represented about 4.3% of the population in Poland in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in Zachodniopomorskie was 40.1% of the EU27 average, below the national average of 48.9%.

The most common job vacancies (sectors/occupations): In the first half of 2024, the highest numbers of job offers notified to district labour offices in the region were addressed to elementary workers (30.4%), craft and related trade workers (23.2%), and service and sales workers (14.7%). As for sectors, the highest numbers of reported job offers were in the following sections of activity: administrative and support service activities (28.9%), manufacturing (19.2%), public administration and defence; compulsory social security (9.6%), and transportation and storage services (6.0%).

Type of employers most prevalent in the region: The Zachodniopomorskie Province is dominated by entities with fewer than 10 people employed (97.3% of the total entities in the first half of 2024). The share of entities with 10 to 49 employees was 2.2% and the entities with more than 49 employees accounted for 0.5% of all entities registered in the business entity register (REGON).

Other information about regional employers: Employers in the Zachodniopomorskie Province typically expect candidates to have a good command of foreign languages (English or German) and show strong computer skills, analytical thinking, autonomy, effective work organization, resilience to stress, and willingness to upskill.

In 2023, more than 762 500 people were active in the labour market in Zachodniopomorskie. 39% had tertiary education, 56.2% had secondary education, and 4.8% had primary education. The employment rate in Zachodniopomorskie was 55.5 % in 2023, the national average and in line with 2022 figures.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 48.4%, men had an employment rate of 63.2%, and for the youth the employment rate was 28.7%. The employment rates for women and men were below the national average, while the employment rate for the youth was equal to the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

The unemployment rate in Zachodniopomorskie was 2.2% in 2023, in line with the national average in the same year and in line with the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}

Vacancies

The most common job vacancies (sectors/occupations): In the first half of 2024, the highest numbers of job offers notified to district labour offices in the region were addressed to elementary workers (30.4%), craft and related trade workers (23.2%), and service and sales workers (14.7%). As for sectors, the highest numbers of reported job offers were in the following sections of activity: administrative and support service activities (28.9%), manufacturing (19.2%), public administration and defence; compulsory social security (9.6%), and transportation and storage services (6.0%).

Type of employers most prevalent in the region: The Zachodniopomorskie Province is dominated by entities with fewer than 10 people employed (97.3% of the total entities in the first half of 2024). The share of entities with 10 to 49 employees was 2.2% and the entities with more than 49 employees accounted for 0.5% of all entities registered in the business entity register (REGON).

Other information about regional employers: Employers in the Zachodniopomorskie Province typically expect candidates to have a good command of foreign languages (English or German) and show strong computer skills, analytical thinking, autonomy, effective work organization, resilience to stress, and willingness to upskill.

Shortages

Shortage occupations: carpenters and joiners, roofers and sheet-metal workers, electricians, electrical mechanics and electrical fitters, physiotherapists and massage therapists, bus drivers, heavy truck and semi-trailer truck drivers, cooks, medical doctors, speech therapists and audiologists, stock clerks, motor vehicle mechanics and repairers, construction installation assemblers, bricklayers and plasterers, early-stage education teachers, practical vocational training teacher, teachers of general subjects, teachers of vocational subjects, early childhood teachers, teachers of special schools and integrated classes, earth-moving plant operators and mechanics, metalworking machine operators, carers of older persons or persons with disabilities, educational counsellors, teachers, nurses and midwives, kitchen helpers, accounting and bookkeeping clerks, building finishers, uniformed services staff, social workers, psychologists and psychotherapists, paramedical practitioners, building workers, independent accountants, welders, toolmakers, educators in educational and care institutions.

In addition: the greatest shortage is witnessed in the education and medical/care sectors (shortages due to demographic changes); there is a seasonal demand for hospitality and food services workers in July and August in the area along the coast.

Surpluses

Surplus occupations: no surplus occupations are reported in the labour market of the province.

In addition: the share of surplus occupations was the largest in the Koszalin district and the city of Koszalin (4.2%), and in the Goleniowski district (2.6%); there was a surplus of motor vehicle mechanics and repairers in the Pyrzyce district.

Lubuskie

With 952 793 inhabitants, Lubuskie represented about 2.6% of the population in Poland in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in Lubuskie was 40.1% of the EU27 average, below the national average of 48.9%.

Situated on the border with Germany, the Lubuskie Province covers an area of almost 14 000 km², ranking thirteenth in the country in terms of size. Its population amounts to 975 023, which gives the province the penultimate position in Poland. The majority of inhabitants (64.1%) live in cities and 35.9 % of them live in villages. The Lubuskie region is moderately industrialised and dominated by small and medium-sized enterprises. Industry plays a key role in the economy, with the manufacturing of vehicles, metal products, foodstuffs and wooden ware, cork goods and wickerwork goods being particularly important. At the end of 2023, 1669 companies with foreign equity participation were registered in the Lubuskie Province, including 1597 limited liability companies. The major employers in the region are MODIVO SA GK, Zielona Góra; ARCTIC PAPER SA GK, Kostrzyn nad Odrą; SWISS KRONO sp. z o.o., Żary; ROCKWOOL POLSKA sp. z o.o., Cigacice; ADIENT POLAND sp. z o.o., Świebodzin; GEDIA POLAND sp. z o.o., Nowa Sól; SE BORDNETZE POLSKA sp. z o.o., Gorzów Wlkp.; STELMET SA GK, Zielona Góra.

In 2023, more than 458 400 people were active in the labour market in Lubuskie. 33.4% had tertiary education, 62.2% had secondary education, and 4.4% had primary education. The employment rate in Lubuskie was 56.3 % in 2023, in line with the national average and in line with 2022 figures.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 48%, men had an employment rate of 65.2%, and for the youth the employment rate was 25%. The employment rates for women and the youth were below the national average, while the employment rate for men was above the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}

Vacancies

The most common job vacancies (sectors/occupations): manufacturing labourers – 2215 offers (14.0%); craft and related trades workers – 1548 offers (9.8%); freight handlers – 1081 offers (6.8%); stock clerks and related workers – 802 offers (5.1%); elementary workers – 730 offers (4.6%); building supervisors – 678 offers (4.3%); general office clerks – 615 offers (3.9 %); temporary elementary workers – 496 offers (3.1%); shop sales assistants – 460 offers (2.9 %); forwarding agents and related workers – 294 offers (1.9%); hand packers and markers – 274 offers (1.7%); butchers, fishmongers, and related food preparers – 250 offers (1.6%).

Type of employers most prevalent in the region: Industrial facilities of various size, mainly small and medium-sized entities established as limited liability companies.

Other information about regional employers: the highest demand for workers is recorded in sectors related to elementary industrial work, logistics, and manufacturing. Key skills are physical and manual skills, storage-related skills (e.g. forklift handling), and flexibility.

Shortages

Shortage occupations: pavers; confectionery makers; electricians, electrical mechanics and electrical fitters; bus drivers; heavy truck and semi-trailer truck drivers; cooks; medical doctors; stock clerks; train drivers; motor vehicle mechanics and repairers; assemblers of machines and equipment; construction installation assemblers; bricklayers and plasterers; early-stage education teachers; practical vocational training teachers; teachers of general subjects; teachers of vocational subjects; early childhood teachers; teachers of special schools and integrated classes; earth-moving plant operators and mechanics; metalworking machine operators; carers of older persons or persons with disabilities; educational counsellors; bakers; nurses and midwives; accounting and bookkeeping clerks; manual labourers and elementary workers; building finishers; uniformed services workers; social workers; psychologists and psychotherapists; building workers; forestry workers; independent accountants; welders; human resources management and recruitment specialists; salespersons and cashiers; educators in educational and care institutions.

In addition: Due to the industrial nature of the province, the highest demand for workers is recorded in the industry sector, with building workers, manufacturing workers, stock clerks and other elementary labourers being the most demanded.

Surpluses

Surplus occupations: The 2024 Occupational Barometer survey did not identify any surplus occupations in the Lubuskie Province.

In addition: As the Lubuskie Province is located in the west of Poland, it is very popular to work abroad seasonally. Additionally, the reasonable distance to the seaside may encourage young people to take up seasonal employment in local businesses during the holiday season.

Dolnośląskie

With 2 813 919 inhabitants, Dolnośląskie represented about 7.7% of the population in Poland in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in Dolnośląskie was 54.8% of the EU27 average, above the national average of 48.9%.

The Dolnośląskie (Lower Silesia) region is a labour market with a modern and booming economy, based on highly skilled human resources, natural resources, and investors. Wrocław, with 33 higher education institutions, is one of the leading academic centres in Poland.

Basic industries, manufacturing, IT and R&D activities are dominating sectors. The region is known for its automotive industry, and a leading producer of plastic and electronic products.

The Lower Silesia region offers permanent and temporary employment. The average job-seeking period for people actively looking for work is 7 months.

Almost 80% of employees work under open-ended contracts.

Employers recruit both local and foreign workers. The Lower Silesia region is particularly attractive for Ukrainian citizens.

The language used at work is Polish; the use of foreign languages is determined by internal arrangements of a company.

Regional employers are open to offer remote work if possible. Remote work is more prevalent in the private sector than in the public sector.

In 2023, more than 1 409 200 people were active in the labour market in Dolnośląskie. 43.1% had tertiary education, 52.9% had secondary education, and 4% had primary education. The employment rate in Dolnośląskie was 57.7 % in 2023, 1.2 percentage points higher than the national average in Poland and in line with 2022 figures.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 51.3%, men had an employment rate of 64.8%, and for the youth the employment rate was 34.8%, all above the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

The unemployment rate in Dolnośląskie was 3% in 2023, in line with the national average in the same year and in line with the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}

Vacancies

The most common job vacancies (sectors/occupations): other elementary manufacturing labourers, manufacturing workers, storage labourer, building caretaker, process control technicians not elsewhere classified, other plastic products machine operators, prevention police officer, other elementary workers not elsewhere classified, auxiliary industry labourer.

The industries with the highest number of job offers: construction, road transportation, and trading and sales.

Type of employers most prevalent in the region: micro-enterprises are predominating, but the Lower Silesia region is ranked 4th in the country in terms of the number of large enterprises in a province. 78% of enterprises in the Dolnośląskie Province are engaged in service provision, 21% – in industry and construction, while only 1% – in agriculture, forestry, hunting and fishing. Nearly one in five businesses registered in the Lower Silesia region is involved in wholesale, retail trade and repair of motor vehicles (19.1%), more than 13% – in construction, one in nine – in real estate services (11.2%) and one in ten – in professional, scientific and technical activities (10.5%). The companies active in these sectors account for 54.2 % of all enterprises registered in the region.

Other information about regional employers: modern industries, including automotive manufacturing, electrical engineering, electromechanics, plastics production, and metal product manufacturing, play a predominant role. The Lower Silesia region is also a powerhouse in the production of electrolytic copper, silver and rhenium, the extraction of road and construction stones and virgin aggregates.

Specialists, mid-level and technical workers and skilled workers are in highest demand.

Shortages

Shortage occupations: electricians, electrical mechanics and electrical fitters, physiotherapists and massage therapists, bus drivers, heavy truck and semi-trailer truck drivers, cooks, medical doctors, stock clerks, motor vehicle mechanics and repairers, construction installation assemblers, bricklayers and plasterers, early-stage education teachers, practical vocational training teacher, teachers of general subjects, teachers of vocational subjects, early childhood teachers, teachers of special schools and integrated classes, earth-moving plant operators and mechanics, metalworking machine operators, carers of older persons or persons with disabilities, educational counsellors, teachers, nurses and midwives, kitchen helpers, accounting and bookkeeping clerks, building finishers, uniformed services staff, social workers, psychologists and psychotherapists, paramedical practitioners, building workers, independent accountants, welders, toolmakers.

In addition: due to the touristic nature of the region, there is a seasonal demand for hospitality and food service workers in July and August; due to the agricultural nature of the region, there is a seasonal demand for apple harvest workers; due to the planned construction of the airport in 2025–2027, there is an increased demand for steel structure engineers.

Surpluses

Surplus occupations: no surplus occupations are recorded in the labour market of the Dolnośląskie Province.

In addition: some inhabitants of the province go abroad seasonally to work in the agriculture and horticulture sector in the EU; as the province is a mountainous area, there is interest in working in ski centres during the winter season, for example as ski instructors; as the province is a home to a large number of vocational schools specialising in hospitality and food service, there is interest in going abroad to the EU to gain professional experience in this industry, including through apprenticeship.

Opolskie

With 896 370 inhabitants, Opolskie represented about 2.4% of the population in Poland in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in Opolskie was 38.7% of the EU27 average, well below the national average of 48.9%.

The Opolskie Province is the smallest region in Poland, which means that the labour market is also of limited size. Nevertheless, a number of facilities is available to stimulate human capital development. There are 6 higher education institutions and more than 200 training institutions authorised to provide services for the benefit of public employment services.

In 2023, more than 431 000 people were active in the labour market in Opolskie. 32.4% had tertiary education, 63.2% had secondary education, and 4.4% had primary education. The employment rate in Opolskie was 55.6 % in 2023, in line with the national average and in line with 2022 figures.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 48.4%, men had an employment rate of 63.5%, and for the youth the employment rate was 31.3%. The employment rates for women and men were below the national average, while the employment rate for the youth was above the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

The unemployment rate in Opolskie was 2.7% in 2023, in line with the national average in the same year and in line with the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}

Vacancies

The most common job vacancies (sectors/occupations): Public employment agencies are usually contacted where there is a demand for workers from the manufacturing sector. There is a high demand for stock clerks. A significant number of job offers come from the trade sector.

When it comes to offers posted online, employers usually look for IT specialists, commerce specialists, and mid-level financial specialists. Industrial process controllers are also in demand, as are building workers, toolmakers, and electrical mechanics and electrical fitters. A relatively high number of job offers are also targeted at elementary workers.

Type of employers most prevalent in the region: There are more than 112 000 business entities in the province. The vast majority of them are entities employing up to 9 employees (97%). In the region, the majority of enterprises operate in the area of trade (20%), construction (16%) and manufacturing (9%) or real estate services (8%).

Shortages

Shortage occupations: concrete placers and finishers, carpenters and joiners, roofers and sheet-metal workers, electricians, electrical mechanics and electrical fitters, waiters and bartenders, bus drivers, heavy truck and semi-trailer truck drivers, construction site managers, cooks, medical doctors, stock clerks, motor vehicle mechanics and repairers, assemblers of machines and equipment, construction installation assemblers, bricklayers and plasterers, practical vocational training teachers, teachers of vocational subjects, early childhood teachers, teachers of special schools and integrated classes, earth-moving plant operators and mechanics, metalworking machine operators, carers of older persons or persons with disabilities, bakers, nurses and midwives, kitchen helpers, accounting and bookkeeping clerks, building finishers, social workers, psychologists and psychotherapists, paramedical practitioners, building workers, wood treaters and carpenters, independent accountants, welders, electronics, automation and robotics professionals, toolmakers.

Kujawsko-Pomorskie

With 1 943 197 inhabitants, Kujawsko-Pomorskie represented about 5.3% of the population in Poland in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in Kujawsko-Pomorskie was 40.1% of the EU27 average, below the national average of 48.9%.

The Kujawsko-Pomorskie Province is an economically diverse region, and its main employment sectors include industry, agriculture, trade and services. The most important industries for the province are the food, chemical, electrical machinery, pulp and printing industries, as well as the renewable energy sector. Important employers for the region include, among others, Pojazdy Szynowe PESA Bydgoszcz, Grupa TZMO Toruń, Atos Poland Global Services Sp. z o. o., Zakłady Azotowe ANWIL S.A., Cereal Partners Poland Toruń-Pacific Sp. z o. o.

There are two academic cities in the province: in Toruń, there is the Nicolaus Copernicus University and in Bygdoszcz there are: the Bydgoszcz University of Science and Technology, the Kazimierz Wielki University, the Academy of Music, and the Collegium Medicum UMK.

Employers from the region recruit workers both locally and from abroad. The majority of the foreigners currently employed come from Ukraine. In order to apply for a job in our province, it is necessary to speak Polish; there are few job offers where Polish language is not required.

The province offers seasonal jobs, especially during the summer period.

In 2023, more than 935 600 people were active in the labour market in Kujawsko-Pomorskie. 33.6% had tertiary education, 60.7% had secondary education, and 5.7% had primary education. The employment rate in Kujawsko-Pomorskie was 55.3 % in 2023, 1.2 percentage points lower than the national average in Poland and in line with 2022 figures.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 48.5%, men had an employment rate of 62.8%, and for the youth the employment rate was 23.2%, all below the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

The unemployment rate in Kujawsko-Pomorskie was 3.8% in 2023, in line with the national average in the same year and in line with the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}

Vacancies

The most common job vacancies (sectors/occupations): Employers from the region look mostly for people with background in engineering, logistics/transportation, retail, manufacturing/handicrafts, construction/real estate, sales and the IT sector.

As far as the manufacturing and processing industry is concerned, employees with valid professional certificates (for electrical, welding, forklift work) are in demand. Professional experience, knowledge of modern machinery and equipment, and the ability to read technical drawings, are also important.

Type of employers most prevalent in the region: The majority of employers in the region are micro-enterprises employing up to 9 people (over 95%), followed by small and medium-sized enterprises. Large enterprises represent a small share of the market – the province is a home to around 200 entities employing more than 250 people.

Other information about regional employers: Business entities are mainly located in the sub-region around Bydgoszcz and Toruń, where approximately 50% of all entities are based. The rural district with the highest number of business entities was the Inowrocław district (with approximately 7% of entities). The higher number of entities in the area results in a greater concentration of jobs.

Shortages

Shortage occupations: carpenters and joiners, roofers and sheet-metal workers, electricians, electrical mechanics and electrical fitters, bus drivers, heavy truck and semi-trailer truck drivers, medical doctors, construction installation assemblers, teachers of practical vocational training, teachers of vocational subjects, earth-moving plant operators and mechanics, metalworking machine operators, carers of older persons or persons with disabilities, nurses and midwives, uniformed services workers, psychologists and psychotherapists, independent accountants, welders, toolmakers.

In addition: There are many agricultural farms in the Kujawsko-Pomorskie region where seasonal workers are needed to harvest fruit (strawberries, apples, blueberries, raspberries) and vegetables. Most of this work takes place in summer and autumn months.

Warmińsko-Mazurskie

With 1 303 380 inhabitants, Warmińsko-Mazurskie represented about 3.5% of the population in Poland in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in Warmińsko-Mazurskie was 33.9% of the EU27 average, well below the national average of 48.9%.

Warmińsko-Mazurskie (Warmia-Masuria) reports one of the highest registered unemployment rates in the country, with the situation being particularly difficult in this respect in the northern part of the province. Reasons for this include, among other things, low attractiveness of investments, low levels of entrepreneurship, and migration caused by competition from other regions. Unemployment in the region is seasonal: the number of jobs in construction, tourism or agriculture increases in spring and summer and decreases in autumn and winter. Leading areas of the economy of the Warmińsko-Mazurskie Province, recognised as key to the development of the region, include: the furniture and timber industry, the food industry focused on the production of high quality food, water economy focused on business activities related to the wealth of water in the Warmia and Mazury regions, such as lakes, rivers and the Vistula Lagoon, and healthy living. The University of Warmia and Mazury is the university that gives Olsztyn its metropolitan functions and at the same time has a significant impact on the development potential of the entire province, educating over 30 000 students a year at faculties enjoying full academic rights and employing around 3500 staff.

In 2023, more than 597 400 people were active in the labour market in Warmińsko-Mazurskie. 34.5% had tertiary education, 58.3% had secondary education, and 7.2% had primary education. The employment rate in Warmińsko-Mazurskie was 53.5 % in 2023, 3 percentage points lower than the national average in Poland and in line with 2022 figures.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 46.2%, men had an employment rate of 61.2%, and for the youth the employment rate was 24.5%, all below the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

The unemployment rate in Warmińsko-Mazurskie was 2.6% in 2023, in line with the national average in the same year and in line with the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}

Vacancies

The most frequent job offers (sectors/occupations): manufacturing (every fifth job offer reported to district labour offices was from this sector), administrative and support services activities, public administration and defence, wholesale and retail trade and repair of motor vehicles.

Type of employers most prevalent in the region: The vast majority of business entities included in the business entity register (REGON) represent the private sector and almost ¾ of these private entities are natural persons conducting an economic activity. The majority of entities in the region employ fewer than 10 people (approximately 97%), with a small percentage (less than 1%) of entities employing more than 50 people.

Other information about regional employers: The largest number of private entities in the region are engaged in activities related to trade; repair of motor vehicles, and construction. The activities of public sector entities are focused on two sections: real estate services and education. The uneven territorial distribution of business entities is visible in the Warmińsko-Mazurskie Province, with business being concentrated mainly around larger cities, namely Olsztyn, the Olsztyn district and Elbląg.

Shortages

Shortage occupations: pavers, carpenters and joiners, roofers and sheet-metal workers, electricians, electrical mechanics and electrical fitters, physiotherapists and massage therapists, bus drivers, heavy truck and semi-trailer truck drivers, cooks, medical doctors, motor vehicle mechanics and repairers, construction installation assemblers, bricklayers and plasterers, practical vocational training teachers, teachers of general education subjects, teachers of vocational subjects, earth-moving plant operators and mechanics, nurses and midwives, building finishers, psychologists and psychotherapists, building workers, independent accountants, welders, tool makers.

In addition: The shortage of labour is noticeable in the construction, medical/care, education, TSL, manufacturing and processing sectors, where workers with adequate qualifications and professional experience are particularly in demand.

Surpluses

Surplus occupations: no surplus occupations are reported in the labour market of the province.

In addition: Despite the high unemployment rate in the province, no labour surplus is reported for any occupation in the region.

Pomorskie

With 2 295 745 inhabitants, Pomorskie represented about 6.2% of the population in Poland in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in Pomorskie was 48.9% of the EU27 average, equal to the national average of 48.9%.

For many years, the Pomorskie Province (Pomerania) has consistently been a region with a strong and resilient economy and a high availability of skilled workers. There are 368 000 entities in the business entity register (REGON), representing mainly the following sectors: construction; trade; scientific and technical activities; manufacturing. The entities with the largest numbers of employees are the following: LPP, Energa, Polpharma, Drutex, Mowi, Ergo Hestia, Intel, JABIL, Remontowa Holding. A specific feature of the region is that entrepreneurship is concentrated around the Tri-City (43% of the total, especially in the IT, BPO/SSC sector, for which the main language is English, but also other languages, including languages of lesser diffusion). Due to its coastal location, the Tri-City is an important centre for logistics and commerce. Around 7000 persons work in the area of transshipment, warehousing and storage of goods in the maritime ports of Gdańsk and Gdynia. The region is ranked among the most popular tourist destinations and this fact has an impact on employment in hospitality and food services, especially for seasonal workers. There are 24 higher education institutions (educating over 88 500 students) and more than 200 vocational schools (with about 60 000 students) providing education in majors and subjects that are relevant for the region.

In 2023, more than 1 133 000 people were active in the labour market in Pomorskie. 45.5% had tertiary education, 50.6% had secondary education, and 4% had primary education. The employment rate in Pomorskie was 59 % in 2023, 2.5 percentage points higher than the national average in Poland and in line with 2022 figures.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 52.4%, men had an employment rate of 66.2%, and for the youth the employment rate was 25.8%. The employment rates for women and men were above the national average, while the employment rate for the youth was below the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

The unemployment rate in Pomorskie was 1.9% in 2023, in line with the national average in the same year and in line with the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}

Vacancies

The most common job vacancies (sectors/occupations): elementary workers; auxiliary industrial labourers; manufacturing workers; elementary manufacturing labourers; fish processors. The majority of offers on the websites were for: salespersons and cashiers, public relations professionals, advertising, marketing and sales professionals, sales representatives, kitchen helpers, telephone and electronic channel customer service workers, stock clerks, as well as manual manufacturing workers and elementary workers.

Type of employers most prevalent in the region: the highest demand for employees is recorded among employers in the construction, education, medical/care, manufacturing/processing and TSL (transportation, forwarding, logistics) sectors. The vast majority of business entities are micro-enterprises employing fewer than 10 people (97% of the total number of entities). Almost every seventh entity is active in the area of wholesale and retail trade or construction.

Other information about regional employers: apart from requiring qualifications, skills or experience, employers increasingly often expect soft skills that determine behaviour and integration with colleagues, i.e. ability to adapt, cope with stressful situations, motivate employees or plan one’s own work.

Shortages

Shortage occupations: concrete placers, concrete finishers, carpenters, joiners, roofers, sheet-metal workers, electricians, electrical mechanics and electrical fitters, physiotherapists, massage therapists, bus drivers, heavy truck and semi-trailer truck drivers, cooks, medical doctors, stock clerks, motor vehicle mechanics and repairers, construction installation assemblers, bricklayers and plasterers, early-stage education teachers, practical vocational training teacher, teachers of general subjects, teachers of vocational subjects, early childhood teachers, teachers of special schools and integrated classes, earth-moving plant operators and mechanics, metalworking machine operators, carers of older persons or persons with disabilities, educational counsellors, teachers, nurses and midwives, kitchen helpers, accounting and bookkeeping clerks, manual labourers and elementary workers, building finishers, uniformed services staff, social workers, psychologists and psychotherapists, building workers, wood treaters and carpenters, independent accountants, welders, human resources management and recruitment specialists, toolmakers.

In addition: The Pomeranian economy is oriented towards tourism, maritime industry, petrochemical industry, wood and furniture industry, construction industry, electro-machinery industry, electronics, logistics, modern business services, ICT, biotechnology, light chemical industry, and agri-food processing.

Surpluses

Surplus occupations: economists.

In addition: economics-related majors are very popular and each year a significant number of secondary and higher education graduates enter the labour market, while demand for workers with this profile of education is low. Too broad competences and a lack of professional experience among economics graduates make employers less likely to reach out for these workers.

According to the 2025 Occupation Barometer survey, this occupation is no longer a surplus occupation in outlooks and is now considered to be in balance.

Łódzkie

With 2 343 021 inhabitants, Łódzkie represented about 6.4% of the population in Poland in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in Łódzkie was 46% of the EU27 average, below the national average of 48.9%.

In the Łódzkie Province, a positive economic situation is still witnessed in the following sectors: manufacturing and processing, trade and services, and TSL (transportation-freight forwarding-logistics). Outsourcing is increasingly popular.

Łódź, the capital city of the region, is an academic centre. It is a home to: the University of Łódź, the Łódź University of Technology, the Medical University of Łódź, the Łódź Film School, the Academy of Fine Arts in Łódź, and the excellent Academy of Music in Łódź.

Seasonality of employment primarily impacts sectors like agriculture, with a lesser effect on food service and tourism. Due to the lack of workers in the local labour market, an increasing number of employers are forced to recruit foreign workers, mainly from Ukraine or Asia. Some large and international companies, particularly in the BPO and banking sectors, are eager to employ people from other EU/EEA countries. The vast majority of job advertisements are published in Polish, although in some situations and industries such as BPO, it is possible to find job offers in English. Some large companies, particularly in the IT and BPO sectors, offer remote or hybrid work.

In 2023, more than 1 140 000 people were active in the labour market in Łódzkie. 35.8% had tertiary education, 58.3% had secondary education, and 5.8% had primary education. The employment rate in Łódzkie was 55.4 % in 2023, 1.1 percentage point lower than the national average in Poland and in line with 2022 figures.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 48%, men had an employment rate of 63.9%, and for the youth the employment rate was 34.2%. The employment rates for women and men were below the national average, while the employment rate for the youth was above the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

The unemployment rate in Łódzkie was 3.8% in 2023, in line with the national average in the same year and in line with the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}

Vacancies

The most common job vacancies (sectors/professions): construction, healthcare, IT, BPO or e-commerce, specialists in the implementation of artificial intelligence or cybersecurity; civil, electrical or power engineers; the finance and e-commerce industries are looking for accounting specialists, business analysts or specialists with a degree in economics and marketing; there are also job opportunities waiting for nurses and medical doctors with various specialisations. There are large shortages when it comes to welders, electricians and electrical fitters, bricklayers, pavers, roofers, nurses, and sewing workers.

Type of employers most prevalent in the region: Employers represent mainly the following sectors: manufacturing and processing, trade and services, and TSL (transportation, shipping and logistics).

Other information about regional employers: The talent search carried out by employers involves increased competition, often leaving candidates frustrated due to the lack of responses to their applications. Skills that are increasingly desirable and necessary in a dynamic and changing world include social and global awareness, critical thinking, flexibility and readiness to learn, creativity, entrepreneurship, collaboration, time management and stress management.

Shortages

Shortage occupations: electricians, electrical mechanics and electrical fitters, bus drivers, heavy truck and semi-trailer truck drivers, medical doctors, stock clerks, teachers of special schools and integrated classes, earth-moving plant operators and mechanics, nurses and midwives, uniformed services workers, psychologists and psychotherapists, welders

In addition: In some sectors, the Łódzkie Province faces a persistent shortage of workers, as some employers offering competitive wages and salaries still struggle to find candidates with the required skills. This applies to sectors such as education or the construction industry, where workers must meet stringent requirements, particularly in terms of hard skills supported by current SEP licenses or certificates that demonstrate their readiness for specific jobs, such as operating a backhoe loader. The TSL sector, concentrated in the large logistics centres of the Łódź Special Economic Zone (in the Zgierz district), is constantly looking for warehouse workers with forklift licences as well as heavy truck and semi-trailer truck drivers.

Surpluses

Surplus occupations: no surplus occupations are reported in the labour market in the province.

In addition: The current outlook does not foresee surplus labour in our province – this is mainly due to huge needs and labour market absorption capacity in the region.

Świętokrzyskie

With 1 133 097 inhabitants, Świętokrzyskie represented about 3.1% of the population in Poland in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in Świętokrzyskie was 34.2% of the EU27 average, well below the national average of 48.9%.

As the Świętokrzyskie Province has great landscapes, tourism is an important branch of the economy. Nevertheless, the region has strong industrial traditions (districts located in the northern part of the province) as well as a significant share of the agricultural sector (districts located in the southern part). The largest academic centre is Kielce, with two public universities: the Jan Kochanowski University in Kielce and the University of Technology in Kielce, and non-public universities. Employers use a number of recruitment methods when seeking after employees: they use public employment services, post information about available vacancies on private recruitment web portals, with a particular focus on regional sites, publish job vacancies on the business entity’s website, or use referrals from employed workers, employment agencies or social media. An interview is the most important stage of the entire recruitment process. Employers recruit mainly locally or decide to hire foreigners from Eastern Europe or Asia. They are likely to recruit people who do not speak Polish only for elementary work.

In 2023, more than 524 100 people were active in the labour market in Świętokrzyskie. 36.6% had tertiary education, 59.2% had secondary education, and 4.2% had primary education. The employment rate in Świętokrzyskie was 52.6 % in 2023, 3.9 percentage points lower than the national average in Poland and in line with 2022 figures.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 45.9%, men had an employment rate of 59.9%, and for the youth the employment rate was 22.2%, all below the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

The unemployment rate in Świętokrzyskie was 3.8% in 2023, in line with the national average in the same year and in line with the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}

Vacancies

Most common job offers (sectors/occupations): manufacturing (3413 jobs), construction (1785 jobs), wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles (1664 jobs), public administration and defence (1280 jobs), administrative and support service activities (1227 jobs), healthcare and social work activities (1016 jobs), accommodation and food service activities (728 jobs).

Type of employers most prevalent in the region: At the end of 2023, the number of national business entities in the Świętokrzyskie Province was 129 200 (1.8% more than in the previous year). Among them, enterprises with fewer than 10 employees predominated, accounting for 95.6% of the total number of entities. The profile of business activity in the region is usually trade in and repair of motor vehicles (24.4%), construction (16.4%), and manufacturing (9.0%). Companies active in these fields account for almost half of all entities.

Shortages

Shortage occupations: concrete placers and finishers, carpenters and joiners, roofers and sheet-metal workers, electricians, electrical mechanics and electrical fitters, physiotherapists and massage therapists, bus drivers, heavy truck and semi-trailer truck drivers, cooks, medical doctors, speech therapists and audiologists, stock clerks, motor vehicle mechanics and repairers, construction installation assemblers, bricklayers and plasterers, practical vocational training teachers, teachers of general education subjects, teachers of vocational subjects, teachers of special schools and integrated classes, earth-moving plant operators and mechanics, metalworking machine operators, carers of older persons or persons with disabilities, bakers, nurses and midwives, accounting and bookkeeping clerks, building finishers, psychologists and psychotherapists, building workers, independent accountants, welders, tool makers.

In addition: due to the agricultural nature of the region, there is a seasonal demand for workers to harvest fruit and vegetables.

Surpluses

Surplus occupations: Economists.

In addition: some inhabitants of the province go abroad for seasonal work.

Lubelskie

With 1 948 400 inhabitants, Lubelskie represented about 5.3% of the population in Poland in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in Lubelskie was 33.3% of the EU27 average, well below the national average of 48.9%.

The Lubelskie Province (Lublin) is a diverse labour market, with employment offered in both the agricultural sector and in industry and services. The food industry, including the fruit and vegetable, sugar, dairy, brewing (Perła – Browary Lubelskie S.A.) industries, plays an important role in the Lublin region. Apiculture products and herbs are also sourced in the Lublin region. Mining, with the Bogdanka hard coal mine, is also of vital importance. There are also many cement plants and building material plants manufacturing traditional brick and clinker, cellular concrete and prefabricated concrete. Natural mineral waters, the pride of the Nałęczów health resort, are the natural wealth of the region. The region’s economy is equally supported by the chemical industry (Grupa Azoty Zakłady Azotowe ‘Puławy’ S.A.), the woodworking and furniture industries and the aviation industry in Świdnik. Employers in the Lubelskie Province follow the approaches adjusted to the needs of the market and specific industries. Although local recruitment and Polish as a working language prevails in the region, the IT sector and modern technologies promote multilingualism and attract international talents by offering more flexible work arrangements, including remote work.

In 2023, more than 916 600 people were active in the labour market in Lubelskie. 36.8% had tertiary education, 58% had secondary education, and 5.2% had primary education. The employment rate in Lubelskie was 53.6 % in 2023, 2.9 percentage points lower than the national average in Poland and in line with 2022 figures.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 46.6%, men had an employment rate of 61.3%, and for the youth the employment rate was 27.1%, all below the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

The unemployment rate in Lubelskie was 4% in 2023, 1.2 points higher than the national average in the same year and in line with the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}

Vacancies

The most common jobs (sectors/occupations): manufacturing worker, building caretaker, prevention police officer, office worker, stock clerk, salesperson, casual worker.

Type of employers most prevalent in the region: Employers are mainly active in the agriculture, food processing, construction, medical services, healthcare, education or IT sectors.

Other information about regional employers: The province is dominated by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are the driving force of the local economy. Additionally, Lublin itself hosts a significant number of employers in the public and educational sectors, and institutions of these sectors contribute to the provision of employment to qualified academic, administrative and technical staff.

Shortages

Shortage occupations: electricians, electrical mechanics and electrical fitters, physiotherapists and massage therapists, bus drivers, heavy truck and semi-trailer truck drivers, tailors and garment workers, medical doctors, stock clerks, motor vehicle mechanics and repairers, construction installation assemblers, teachers of practical vocational training, teachers of special schools and integrated classes, earth-moving plant operators and mechanics, metalworking machine operators, carers of older persons or persons with disabilities, bakers, nurses and midwives, accounting and bookkeeping clerks, psychologists and psychotherapists, independent accountants, and welders.

In addition: due to the agricultural nature of the region, there is a seasonal demand for workers to harvest soft fruit; due to planned road construction projects, including the construction of bypasses as part of the ‘100 bypasses’ initiative, namely S12, S17 and S19 expressway roads, an increased demand for construction managers, designers or construction work specialists may be expected.

Surpluses

Surplus occupations: economists, IT technicians, political scientists, culture experts, historians, philosophers.

In addition: Wages and salaries in the Lubelskie Province are usually lower than in the more developed regions of Poland, which is one of the challenges for this market. In this context, migration abroad to EU or EFTA countries is still tempting.

Podkarpackie

With 1 962 332 inhabitants, Podkarpackie represented about 5.3% of the population in Poland in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in Podkarpackie was 33.3% of the EU27 average, well below the national average of 48.9%.

In 2023, more than 868 000 people were active in the labour market in Podkarpackie. 36.9% had tertiary education, 59.8% had secondary education, and 3.3% had primary education. The employment rate in Podkarpackie was 51 % in 2023, 5.5 percentage points lower than the national average in Poland and 1.2 percentage points higher compared to 2022.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 43.8%, men had an employment rate of 58.6%, and for the youth the employment rate was 21.8%, all below the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

The unemployment rate in Podkarpackie was 4.3% in 2023, 1.5 points higher than the national average in the same year and in line with the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}

Podlaskie

With 1 083 854 inhabitants, Podlaskie represented about 2.9% of the population in Poland in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in Podlaskie was 36.2% of the EU27 average, well below the national average of 48.9%.

The most important sectors in the Podlaskie region are: manufacturing, including food, metal and machinery, and wood and plastic production industries, as well as construction, trade, transportation, and healthcare and social work activities. The major employers in the region are: SM Mlekovita, SM Mlekpol, Okręgowa Spółdzielnia Mleczarska Grajewo, Spółdzielnia Obrotu Towarowego Przemysłu Mleczarskiego, Unibep S.A., Danwood S.A., Barter S.A., Adampol S.A., PRO

R Sp. z o. o. Seasonal jobs are offered in food services and hospitality, agriculture and horticulture and seasonal trade. Employment agencies and temporary employment agencies are active in the province. Remote work is offered in sales support, call centres, and the IT sector. Recruitment processes tend to be conducted in Polish, and less frequently in English and Russian.

Local employers fill labour shortages with foreigners, mainly from Belarus, and less frequently from Ukraine, Georgia, Armenia and other third countries. There are private and public higher education institutions in the province (including the University of Białystok, the Białystok University of Technology, the Medical University of Białystok) and a network of vocational training schools that educate future employees of Podlaskie companies.

In 2023, more than 525 700 people were active in the labour market in Podlaskie. 37.9% had tertiary education, 56.1% had secondary education, and 6.1% had primary education. The employment rate in Podlaskie was 56.4 % in 2023, in line with the national average and in line with 2022 figures.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 49%, men had an employment rate of 64.4%, and for the youth the employment rate was 22%. The employment rates for women and the youth were below the national average, while the employment rate for men was above the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

The unemployment rate in Podlaskie was 2.3% in 2023, in line with the national average in the same year and in line with the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}

Vacancies

The most common job vacancies (sectors/occupations): In the Podlaskie region, skilled and unskilled workers are in high demand across the industry, construction, transport, and agriculture sectors, as well as for roles such as shop assistants, office workers, and food service staff. The demand for highly skilled workers is reported in the case of professionals in the IT, medical, education and financial sectors. Public sector institutions (public administration, defence, healthcare, and education) play a significant role as employers, accounting for 18.5% of job offers reported to district labour offices.

Type of employers most prevalent in the region: In the Podlaskie Province, 97.0% of business entities are micro-entities employing up to 9 people. These are mainly local retail, construction, manufacturing, transport and medical services companies, concentrated in the region’s three urban centres: Białystok, Łomża, and Suwałki.

Other information about regional employers: Employment in the manufacturing/construction and transport sectors requires relevant qualifications and professional licences, while in order to work in the public sector, it is necessary to speak Polish and hold a degree in a relevant area. Future candidates are expected to have professional experience and interpersonal skills, be well-organised and available.

Shortages

Shortage occupations: electricians, electrical mechanics and electrical fitters, bus drivers, heavy truck and semi-trailer truck drivers, medical doctors, construction installation assemblers, teachers of practical vocational training, teachers of vocational subjects, earth-moving plant operators and mechanics, nurses and midwives, uniformed services workers, psychologists and psychotherapists, welders.

In addition: locally, there will be a shortage of workers in a number of occupations in the construction sector (e.g. site managers and civil engineers, roofers and sheet-metal workers, carpenters and joiners, concrete placers and finishers, bricklayers and plasterers, building workers), as well as in sectors developing and implementing new technologies, i.e. IT (specialists in the design, implementation and improvement of digital products and services, analysts, testers and operators of ICT systems), electrical and power engineering (electrical and power engineers, specialists in electronics, automation and robotics) and mechanics and motorisation (vehicle mechanics and repairers, car body repairers and painters). Labour shortages will be also experienced in some occupations in the manufacturing and processing industry (wood treaters and carpenters, metalworking machine operators, tool makers), the food service and hospitality industry and the food industry.

Surpluses

Surplus occupations: economists.

In addition: other surplus occupations are also forecast locally, but on a small scale. Main reasons for the surplus of job seekers include educational surplus at the level of secondary vocational and trade training schools, also from previous years (e.g. motor vehicle mechanics and repairers, IT technicians, mechanical engineering technicians, farmers and breeders, tailors and garment workers, tool makers), long-term unemployment of certain labour resources (textile machine operators), and reluctance to take on jobs related to difficult working environments (food and nutrition technology specialists, bakers, meat and fish processors).

Warsaw (Warszawski stołeczny)

With 3 269 510 inhabitants, Warsaw represented about 8.9% of the population in Poland in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in Warsaw was 99.4% of the EU27 average, well above the national average of 48.9%.

In 2023, more than 1 781 700 people were active in the labour market in Warsaw. 62.7% had tertiary education, 35.8% had secondary education, and 1.5% had primary education. The employment rate in Warsaw was 65.1 % in 2023, 8.6 percentage points higher than the national average in Poland and in line with 2022 figures.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 60.7%, men had an employment rate of 70.2%, and for the youth the employment rate was 30.8%, all above the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

The unemployment rate in Warsaw was 1.9% in 2023, in line with the national average in the same year and in line with the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}