Students on the labor market – the numbers speak for themselves

Students on the labor market – the numbers speak for themselves

According to data from the Central Statistical Office, at the end of 2024, almost 1.3 million people studied at Polish universities. More than half of them (54 percent) combine study with work - both on a permanent and part-time basis.

The largest group of working students (18.5%) earns between PLN 4,000 and PLN 5,000. PLN net. Every third student can count on a salary above PLN 5,000. PLN per month, and almost half of the respondents (49%) are in the range of PLN 3,000-6,000. PLN net.

It is worth noting that the average earnings of students increased by as much as 14% within a year. – from 3.6 thousand PLN net to the current PLN 4.1 thousand. zlotys.

Young employees who are under 26 years of age benefit from the so-called relief for young people, thanks to which their gross and net remuneration is the same.

Expectations versus reality

Despite rising earnings, students' financial expectations are much higher. According to the report, the average student would like to start earning PLN 9,900. PLN net per month. After a year of work, expectations increase to over 12,000. PLN, after three years to PLN 14,000. PLN, and within a decade – to over 16 thousand. PLN net.

Interestingly, now 14 percent students indicate that a salary of PLN 20,000 would be satisfactory for them. PLN and more. Over the next 10 years, this percentage will almost triple, reaching 47.2%.

How do students work?

The most popular form of employment among students is a contract of mandate - 44 percent use it. subjects. In second place is an employment contract for an indefinite period (25%), and every fifth student is employed for a fixed period. 5 percent has a temporary job, and the least, 4%, have a contract for specific work.

It is worth adding that the minimum salary in Poland is currently PLN 4.8 thousand. PLN gross, which translates into approximately PLN 3.6 thousand. PLN net for an employment contract. In the case of a mandate contract, it is PLN 3.5 thousand. PLN, and in the case of a contract for specific work – PLN 4.3 thousand. zloty.

A chance for development – PRB Career Program

The Career Program of the Polish Business Roundtable is a nationwide initiative that has been offering students paid internships in various industries since 2003 - from IT and cybersecurity, through marketing and law, to logistics. 40 companies and institutions from 25 cities are taking part in this year's edition, and 115 internship places are available for students. The salary of interns ranges from PLN 4.8 thousand. PLN to almost 8.5 thousand PLN per month.

Applications for the 23rd edition of the Career Program can be submitted until May 15 at programkariera.pl.