Brutto vs Netto: How to Calculate Your Net Salary in Poland?

Seeing a rate of 40 PLN in an ad but don't know how much you'll get in hand? We explain the difference between Gross and Net pay in Poland, taxes (ZUS, PIT), and tax breaks for workers under 26.

Searching for a job in Poland always starts with looking at salaries. But here lies the main trap for newcomers: Polish employers love to advertise amounts in Brutto (Gross), while expats are used to counting money in Netto (Net, "in hand"). This causes a lot of disappointment: a person expected 8000 PLN and received 6000.

The experts at Zvaryuvalnyk.xyz explain the simple math of Polish salaries so you know exactly what you are working for.

What is the difference between Brutto and Netto?

Brutto (Gross): This is the "dirty" salary. The amount before the deduction of all taxes and social contributions. This is the exact figure written in your official employment contract.

Netto (Net): This is the "clean" salary. The actual money that arrives in your bank account after all state taxes have been paid.

Where does the money go? (What is deducted from brutto)

In Poland, the tax system works like clockwork. About 25-30% is automatically deducted from your gross rate. This money goes to:

ZUS (Social Insurance Institution): This includes pension contributions, disability insurance, and most importantly — health insurance (NFZ). Thanks to this, you are entitled to free medical treatment in Polish hospitals.

PIT (Personal Income Tax): The income tax for individuals (usually 12%).

How to calculate your rate yourself?

If you work under the most popular contract, Umowa Zlecenie (Mandate Contract), a rough calculation looks like this: subtract about 28% from the gross amount.

Example: You are promised 40 PLN brutto/hour. Your real net rate in hand: 40 - 28% = ~28.8 PLN netto/hour.

Secret Bonus: PIT-0 (Zero Tax for Youth)

Poland has a great program for young professionals. If you are under 26 years old, you are exempt from paying personal income tax (PIT). This means your Net rate will be significantly higher! For example, where a 30-year-old worker gets 28 PLN netto, a 25-year-old doing the same job will get around 31-32 PLN netto.

How do we work?

At Zvaryuvalnyk.xyz, we hate hidden conditions and marketing tricks. In all our job offers for welders and fitters, we always state only NETTO ("in hand") rates. If we say the rate is 38 PLN per hour — that is exactly the money you will receive in your bank account for every hour worked.

Value your hard work and count your money wisely! Go to the "Vacancies" section and choose a job with honest pay.