Where Do People Earn More? A Comparison of Salaries and Job Openings in Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic

Germany offers the highest nominal salaries, but Poland and the Czech Republic attract workers with a more affordable cost of living and stable demand for workers. The final choice depends on your profession, taxes, city of residence, and monthly expenses. Learn more about salaries, in-demand jobs, and employment conditions in Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic

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Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic are among the largest labor markets in Central Europe that are open to foreign workers. These countries regularly seek specialists in industry, construction, logistics, medicine, engineering, information technology, and the service sector. However, pay levels and employment conditions vary significantly.

Germany offers the highest average salary among the three countries, but workers there also face higher taxes, insurance premiums, and housing costs. In Poland and the Czech Republic, nominal incomes are lower, but salaries are rising rapidly in certain sectors, and daily living expenses can be noticeably lower. The specific city, the candidate’s experience, knowledge of the local language, and the type of employment contract are also important factors.

To understand where it’s more profitable to work, it’s not enough to simply compare average salaries in euros. It’s important to consider take-home pay after taxes, median pay, job availability, rent costs, and the amount remaining after basic expenses. In this article, we compare the labor markets of Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic and determine what opportunities each country offers to foreign workers.

Earlier, we talked about the European countries where it is easiest to get a work visa and start a career abroad.

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Salaries and In-Demand Jobs in Germany

Germany is well ahead of Poland and the Czech Republic in terms of nominal income. According to data from the German Federal Statistical Office, in 2025, full-time employees earned an average of €4,851 gross per month, excluding bonuses and special payments. This is approximately 3.4% more than the previous year.

At the same time, the average salary does not reflect how much the majority of employees earn. It is skewed by the high incomes of executives and specialists in the highest-paying industries. The actual offer from an employer will depend on the profession, qualifications, experience, federal state, and company size.

How much is left after taxes?

In Germany, income tax is withheld from salaries, along with contributions for health, pension, social, and unemployment insurance. The net amount depends on your tax bracket, marital status, whether you have children, your type of health insurance, and church tax.

A single employee without children earning an average gross salary of about €4,850 can expect to receive approximately €3,000–3,200 per month. This is only an estimate: two people with the same gross salary may have different net incomes due to their tax status and personal circumstances.

As of January 1, 2026, the national minimum wage in Germany is €13.90 gross per hour. For a 40-hour workweek, this corresponds to approximately €2,410 gross per month. Higher minimum rates may apply in certain sectors, particularly construction, caregiving, and work through temporary employment agencies.

What kinds of professionals does Germany need?

Despite the economic slowdown, Germany continues to face a shortage of skilled workers. The official government portal Make it in Germany lists the following fields as being in highest demand:

- Nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals

- Engineers in various specializations

- Software developers and other IT professionals

- Electricians, mechanics, plumbers, and skilled tradespeople

- Drivers, machine operators, and transportation professionals

- Researchers, teachers, and educators

- Hotel and restaurant workers

The shortage of digital talent remains particularly acute: in 2025, there were approximately 109,000 unfilled positions for IT professionals in Germany. At the same time, the overall market situation has become more challenging. According to the Federal Employment Agency, employers reported an average of 632,000 job openings in 2025, which is 62,000 fewer than in 2024. As a result, competition for office and entry-level positions may be significantly higher than in fields with labor shortages.

In which regions do people earn more?

Income levels differ significantly between the western and eastern parts of the country. In 2025, the average annual earnings of full-time employees, including special payments, amounted to €66,171 in the western federal states and €52,926 in the eastern ones. High salaries are most often offered in Munich, Frankfurt am Main, Stuttgart, Hamburg, and other major economic centers.

However, in cities with the highest salaries, a significant portion of one’s income may go toward rent. In less expensive regions, salaries are often lower, but after paying for housing, employees may end up with not much less take-home pay. Knowledge of German is also important for foreign candidates: in IT and international companies, English is sometimes sufficient, whereas in medicine, education, the service sector, and most blue-collar professions, German is usually required.

Learn more about the characteristics of the German labor market in 2026 by following the link.

Salaries and In-Demand Jobs in the Czech Republic

The Czech Republic offers lower salaries than Germany but remains attractive thanks to a stable labor market, low unemployment, and a well-developed industrial sector. A particularly large number of jobs are concentrated in the automotive industry, mechanical engineering, logistics, construction, healthcare, and information technology.

According to the Czech Statistical Office, the average gross monthly salary in 2025 was 49,215 Czech korunas. This is approximately €2,000 at the current exchange rate. Over the year, nominal wages rose by 7.2%, and real wages, adjusted for inflation, increased by 4.6%.

At the end of the year, the figures were even higher: in the fourth quarter, the average salary reached 52,283 crowns, while the median was 45,523 crowns gross. The median means that half of all employees earned less than this amount, while the other half earned more. Therefore, this figure is often more useful than the average for assessing the actual level of compensation.

How much do employees take home after taxes?

In the Czech Republic, income tax and social and health insurance contributions are withheld from salaries. The final amount depends on tax breaks, whether the employee has children, and other personal circumstances.

An employee without children earning a gross salary of approximately 49,000 crowns can expect to receive a net salary of approximately 39,000–40,000 crowns, or roughly €1,550–1,650. If tax breaks apply, the net income may be higher.

As of January 1, 2026, the minimum wage in the Czech Republic is 22,400 koruna gross per month, or 134.40 koruna per hour based on a standard 40-hour workweek. Compared to 2025, the monthly minimum has increased by 1,600 koruna. At the same time, it remains more than half the country’s average wage, according to the Czech Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs.

Which workers are in highest demand in the Czech Republic?

The Czech economy relies heavily on industrial production and exports. Therefore, employers are constantly looking for engineers and technical specialists, as well as workers for manufacturing plants. According to the European network EURES, the greatest labor shortages are among equipment operators, construction specialists, and healthcare workers.

High-demand fields include:

- Production line and machine operators

- Welders, fitters, mechanics, and electricians

- Construction workers and installers

- Truck drivers and warehouse workers

- Nurses, doctors, and social workers

- Engineers, process engineers, and automation specialists

- Programmers, system administrators, and analysts

- Cooks and hospitality and restaurant workers

Competition may be higher among lawyers, administrative staff, cultural professionals, and candidates for certain office positions. For technical, manufacturing, and medical professions, it is usually easier to find a job if the candidate has verified qualifications and is fluent in Czech.

In which cities are salaries higher?

The highest salaries are traditionally offered in Prague and the Central Bohemian Region, where many international companies, financial institutions, technology firms, and business services are concentrated. At the same time, Prague has the highest rent costs in the country, so the salary difference does not always fully offset housing expenses.

Brno attracts IT companies, engineering centers, and research institutions. In Plzeň, Ostrava, Liberec, and Pardubice, there are more job openings in manufacturing, logistics, and the automotive sector. Salaries there are generally lower than in the capital, but housing rents are more affordable.

The Czech labor market remains one of the most stable in the EU: in 2025, the overall unemployment rate stood at just 2.8%. However, for foreign candidates, knowledge of Czech significantly expands the range of available job opportunities. Relying solely on English is most feasible in IT, international companies, research centers, and certain corporate services.

We previously reported that the Czech Republic is tightening requirements for employment notifications for foreign nationals.

Salaries and In-Demand Jobs in Poland

The Polish labor market offers a wide range of job openings, rapidly rising salaries, and a lower cost of living compared to Germany. In addition to manufacturing, construction, and logistics, major cities feature well-developed sectors such as information technology, finance, e-commerce, and international business service centers. However, salary levels vary significantly depending on the region, profession, and type of contract.

According to data from the Central Statistical Office of Poland, in 2025 the average salary in the corporate sector was 8,934.98 zloty gross per month, or approximately €2,100. This figure primarily covers companies with ten or more employees, so it should not be taken as representative of the typical salary for the entire market.

The median provides a clear illustration of this difference. In December 2025, the median salary in the Polish economy was 7,907.20 zloty gross. This means that half of all employees earned less than this amount, while the other half earned more. In the middle of the year, the figure was even lower: in June, the median was 7,138.25 zloty.

How much is left after taxes?

Net income in Poland depends on the type of employment arrangement. The most common options are an employment contract (umowa o pracę), a contract for services (umowa zlecenie), and B2B collaboration with an entrepreneur. Different rules apply to each regarding taxation, insurance contributions, paid vacation, and sick leave.

An employee without children who earns about 8,935 zlotys gross under a standard employment contract can expect to receive approximately 6,400–6,500 zlotys net, or about €1,500. Under a B2B contract, net income is sometimes higher, but the employee is responsible for paying their own contributions and taxes and does not receive some of the protections provided by labor law.

As of January 1, 2026, the minimum wage in Poland is 4,806 zlotys gross per month. For certain civil law contracts, the minimum hourly rate is set at 31.40 zlotys gross. These figures apply nationwide regardless of region, profession, or qualifications, according to the Polish Ministry of Family, Labor, and Social Policy.

What kinds of workers are in demand in Poland?

In 2026, the nationwide “Occupational Barometer” forecast identified 17 occupations as being in short supply. This is fewer than in the previous forecast, but in certain regions, the labor shortage affects significantly more professions.

Those with the best chances of finding a job quickly include:

- Truck, bus, and tractor-trailer drivers

- Nurses, midwives, doctors, and caregivers

- Electricians, power engineers, welders, and mechanics

- Teachers of vocational and specialized subjects

- Construction workers and installers

- Warehouse workers

- Independent accountants

- Psychologists and psychotherapists

The European EURES network also reports shortages of construction workers, metalworking and mechanical engineering specialists, as well as educators. In major cities, there is also continued demand for programmers, cybersecurity specialists, data analysts, finance professionals, and employees at international business service centers. However, in the IT sector, employers are increasingly seeking candidates with experience and narrow specializations, making it more difficult for entry-level professionals to find work.

Where in Poland do they pay the most?

The highest salaries are typically offered in Warsaw and the Masovian Voivodeship. High pay levels are also typical in Kraków, Wrocław, Gdańsk, Poznań, and the Katowice metropolitan area. These cities are home to international corporations, technology companies, banks, manufacturing centers, and shared-service offices.

At the same time, Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław, and Gdańsk have some of the highest rent rates in the country. In Łódź, Lublin, Bydgoszcz, or smaller industrial cities, salaries may be lower, but more affordable housing partially offsets this difference.

It’s easiest to work using only English in IT, finance, international corporations, and business service centers. In medicine, education, retail, logistics, and customer service, knowledge of Polish is usually required or significantly increases your chances of landing a better position.

In our previous article, we discussed the Polish labor market: how many foreigners work in the country and in which sectors they are most prevalent.

Where Salaries Are Higher: A Comparison of Germany, the Czech Republic, and Poland

Germany is the undisputed leader in terms of nominal income. Poland and the Czech Republic have similar figures, but the result depends on what exactly is being compared: gross salary, net pay, median income, or minimum wage.

Average incomes in the three countries are as follows:

- Germany: €4,851 gross and approximately €3,000–3,200 net per month

- Czech Republic: 49,215 koruna gross and approximately 39,000–40,000 koruna net, or €1,550–1,650

- Poland: 8,934.98 zloty gross and about 6,400–6,500 zloty net, or approximately €1,500

Poland may slightly outpace the Czech Republic in terms of average gross salary when converted to euros. After taxes, the difference narrows or shifts in favor of the Czech Republic. The final amount depends on the type of contract, tax benefits, family status, and the exchange rate.

It is also important to consider differences in statistical methodology. The Polish figure covers the corporate sector, primarily companies with ten or more employees. The Czech figure is calculated for employees in the national economy as a whole. Therefore, these figures show the general level of income but do not provide a completely equal basis for comparison.

How do minimum wages differ?

The largest gap between the countries is evident at the minimum wage level. In 2026, the following rates apply:

- Germany: €13.90 gross per hour, or approximately €2,410 per month for a 40-hour workweek

- Poland: 4,806 zlotys gross per month and 31.40 zlotys per hour for certain civil law contracts

- Czech Republic: 22,400 CZK gross per month or 134.40 CZK per hour

Thus, the German minimum wage exceeds the average income in Poland and the Czech Republic. Poland, in turn, outpaces the Czech Republic in terms of minimum wage by approximately €200 per month.

Where are the best chances of finding a job?

Germany offers the highest wages, but competition for some positions has intensified. Candidates with experience, verified qualifications, and knowledge of German have the best prospects. Healthcare workers, engineers, IT specialists, skilled workers, and transportation industry professionals are particularly in demand.

The Czech Republic is characterized by low unemployment and stable demand for industrial workers. There is a regular demand here for equipment operators, mechanics, welders, drivers, construction workers, and healthcare professionals. At the same time, the Czech market is smaller, and the selection of job openings requiring only English is limited.

Poland has a large and diverse labor market. In addition to manufacturing, transportation, and construction, job openings are available in IT, finance, e-commerce, and international business service centers. You can look for work not only in Warsaw but also in Kraków, Wrocław, Poznań, Gdańsk, Łódź, and Katowice.

To summarize the results:

- Germany is a good fit for those whose main criterion is the highest possible salary

- Poland offers a wide range of job openings and a higher minimum wage than the Czech Republic

- The Czech Republic may provide a slightly higher take-home pay than Poland for certain categories of workers

- All three countries are in greatest need of medical, technical, construction, and transportation specialists

However, nominal wages do not reflect how much money will remain after rent, groceries, transportation, and other essential expenses. It is the cost of living that can significantly alter the final ranking of these countries.

If you are planning to work abroad in 2026 and want to better understand the rules of employment, work permits, taxes, and basic employee rights, it is worth preparing for the move in advance. Visit World's practical working guide will help you navigate the current requirements, types of work permits, and steps to take upon arrival to avoid common mistakes and feel confident in your new life abroad.

We remind you! New economic indicators show which countries have been able to increase their GDP and which have lost ground due to inflation and slowing growth. Ranking of the richest countries in the world in 2026 — follow the link.

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