The Most Popular Jobs in Poland: What Jobs Do Foreigners Most Often Hold?

A new study of the Polish labor market has revealed which occupations employ the largest number of workers and in which sectors foreigners are predominantly employed. Certain occupational trends vary significantly depending on the workers’ citizenship and gender. Learn more about the most popular occupations in Poland and the jobs most often chosen by Ukrainians and other foreigners

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The Polish labor market relies heavily on foreign workers, among whom Ukrainian citizens constitute the largest group. However, their fields of employment vary significantly: some work in transportation, logistics, and retail, while others hold skilled positions in the IT sector.

In July 2026, the Central Statistical Office of Poland (GUS) published a detailed study of the country’s occupational structure. It covers 443 occupational groups, 14.1 million people employed in the national economy, and 1.4 million people who worked exclusively under commission agreements and similar contracts. The data reflects the situation as of December 31, 2024, and provides insight into which professions are the most common, where foreigners work, and which specialties may be most affected by automation.

Want to learn how to legally find employment in Poland and what documents are required?

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What are the most common professions in Poland: results of a new study?

The GUS study does not show the number of open job vacancies, but rather the actual structure of employment. Therefore, the “most popular professions” refer to the fields in which the largest number of people are employed. It is important to keep this in mind when looking for a job: the prevalence of a profession does not always mean that employers are actively hiring new employees right now.

The four largest occupational groups account for 13.5% of the workforce in Poland:

- Retail salespeople, including cashiers

- Truck drivers

- Warehouse workers

- Elementary school teachers

The high figures in retail, transportation, and warehouse logistics are linked to the large scale of these sectors and the constant need for staff. The profession of elementary school teacher is also among the most common, but for a foreigner to be employed in a Polish school, they must have the appropriate qualifications, recognition of their educational credentials, and a sufficient level of proficiency in Polish.

Previously, we discussed salary levels in Poland: industries with the highest and lowest incomes according to GUS data.

What are the most common jobs for foreigners in Poland?

Foreign nationals make up a significant portion of the Polish labor market. Nearly 70% of employed foreigners are citizens of Ukraine. The next largest groups are Belarusians, Indians, and Georgians.

The most common occupation among foreigners is truck driver: 12.6% of all employed foreign nationals work in this field. Warehouse workers rank second, and app developers third. Thus, foreigners work not only in manual and labor-intensive positions but also in skilled technology professions.

Women account for 37% of all foreigners employed in Poland. Most often, they work as:

- Sales clerks in stores

- Warehouse workers

- Assistants and cleaners

Each of these professions accounts for approximately 5% of employed foreign women.

The prevalence of these positions is due to the large number of job openings in retail, logistics, and the service sector, as well as the relatively quick hiring process that does not require a lengthy qualification verification procedure.

In a previous article, we reported that Poland is tightening employment checks for foreign workers in 2026.

How does employment differ between men and women in Poland?

A GUS study revealed a clear gender divide across a number of professions. Women predominate in the fields of healthcare, caregiving, and education. Their highest proportion is found among midwives, childcare workers, and dental assistants.

Men dominate professions related to construction, mining, and the operation of heavy machinery. In particular, they make up the majority of miners, bricklayers, roofers, and agricultural machinery operators.

For foreign candidates, this distinction has practical implications. In caregiving, education, and medicine, knowledge of the Polish language and official recognition of qualifications are often required. In contrast, in construction, logistics, and manufacturing, employers primarily assess practical skills, experience, and the possession of necessary permits or professional certifications.

Where in Europe are household incomes growing the fastest in 2026? — find out by following the link.

Which professions in Poland are most at risk from automation?

A separate section of the study is devoted to professions whose tasks can be partially performed by automated systems and artificial intelligence. This primarily involves repetitive operations involving documents, texts, calculations, and data processing.

The Central Statistical Office (GUS) classifies the following as high-risk:

- Word processor operators

- Data entry operators

- Accountants

- Statisticians

- Insurance agents

- Financial specialists

This does not mean that these professions will disappear anytime soon. Automation is most likely to affect specific routine tasks, while reviewing complex cases, communicating with clients, and making decisions will remain the responsibility of employees. Those planning to work in these fields in Poland should develop skills in using digital tools, analyzing information, and monitoring automated processes.

By the way, demand for temporary workers has surged in Poland.

What should a foreigner consider when looking for a job in Poland?

Statistics on the most common professions help assess the market structure but do not reflect the current number of job openings, the level of competition, or salary levels. Before applying, it’s worth checking the demand for a specific specialty in the desired city or province.

When looking for a job, pay attention to the following points:

1. Polish language requirements. Jobs in retail, education, healthcare, and customer-facing roles typically require a strong command of Polish. In warehouses, manufacturing, and some international companies, the requirements may be lower.

2. Verification of qualifications. For regulated professions, particularly in medicine and education, a foreign diploma may not be sufficient. You should verify whether it needs to be recognized before starting employment.

3. Professional licenses. Drivers, machinery operators, and workers in certain manufacturing sectors may need Polish licenses or those recognized in Poland.

4. Contract terms. Before starting work, you should verify the type of contract, the pre- and post-tax pay, the work schedule, the probationary period, and the termination conditions.

5. Legality of employment. The employer must properly document the basis for the foreigner’s employment in accordance with their citizenship and immigration status.

The sectors offering the most opportunities for a quick entry into the Polish labor market remain transportation, logistics, retail, cleaning, and manufacturing. At the same time, knowledge of the Polish language, verified qualifications, and digital skills significantly expand the range of available positions and enable you to apply for more specialized jobs.

Are you planning to find a job in Poland or already looking for vacancies?

The Visit World portal has prepared a detailed guide to help you navigate the paperwork, work permits, and the specifics of Polish labor law.

Order the guide on the Visit World website and prepare to enter the Polish labor market with a full understanding of the process!

We remind you! In our previous article, we discussed the EU countries leading in remote work.

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Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents in Poland;

Legal consultation on immigration to Poland;

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