Summer brings surge in demand for Polish workers abroad, especially in logistics and production

The summer season is prompting many Poles to seek employment opportunities abroad, particularly in logistics and production roles, where wages in several European countries remain significantly higher than in Poland. According to experts from Personnel Service, growing demand in countries like the Czech Republic, Germany, and Norway is attracting not only Polish workers but also employees from Ukraine.

“There’s been a noticeable increase in demand for warehouse and production workers across Europe in recent months, with Germany, Norway, and Sweden offering the most opportunities,” said Krzysztof Inglot, labour market expert and founder of Personnel Service. “The Czech Republic has also emerged as an attractive destination, especially in sectors such as automotive and food production. This provides candidates from Poland and Ukraine with many choices and access to competitive wages.”

Higher Wages for Warehouse Workers Abroad

Salaries for warehouse workers in Northern and Western Europe significantly exceed Polish rates, making seasonal work abroad particularly appealing. Workers employed as order pickers or packers in Norway and Sweden can earn approximately EUR 2,500 net per month, equating to an hourly wage of around EUR 15.

In Germany, wages for similar roles range from EUR 2,400 to EUR 2,500 gross monthly, while in the Czech Republic, gross monthly pay is about EUR 2,200. In comparison, an order picker in Poland typically earns around PLN 5,500 gross per month.

Forklift operators see even larger wage disparities. In Scandinavia, monthly net earnings range from EUR 2,900 to EUR 3,100, equivalent to EUR 18 net per hour. German employers offer between EUR 2,900 and EUR 3,000 gross per month, also paying around EUR 18 gross per hour. In the Czech Republic, forklift operators earn more than EUR 2,300 gross monthly, while in Poland, the average salary in this role is roughly PLN 6,500 gross per month.

Production Jobs Abroad Offer Substantially Higher Pay

The production sector also offers significantly higher wages outside Poland. Workers in Norway and Sweden can expect around EUR 2,500 net per month. In Germany, salaries for production roles range from EUR 2,300 to EUR 2,400 gross monthly, while in the Czech Republic, monthly wages range from EUR 2,100 to EUR 2,200 gross. By comparison, the average gross salary for production workers in Poland stands at approximately PLN 5,200 per month.

“For many Poles, July and August present an ideal opportunity to earn extra income abroad, often without needing to leave their permanent employment or studies in Poland,” Inglot explained. “This also frees up local positions for those who choose to remain in the country. To support seasonal workers, our company offers comprehensive assistance, from securing legal employment with verified employers in Norway, Sweden, Germany, and the Czech Republic to handling formalities, arranging accommodation to local standards, and providing Polish-speaking coordinators from the first day of work.”

Inglot emphasized that the goal is to simplify the process so that workers can focus on their jobs and safely benefit from attractive earnings abroad.