Trends in average earnings between 1999-2002

Between 1999 and 2002 the average salary grew by 5.8% in real terms. In the mid 1990's such growth was common every year. "This slowdown is no surprise, as our revenues reflect the macroeconomic situation and the pace of GDP growth. If the growth of national income slows, then our salaries will also grow at a lower pace," said Bohdan Wyżnikiewicz from the Gdańsk Institute for Market Economics (IBnGR). Five years ago, the average gross salary amounted to zł. 1,789, while in the first quarter of 2003 it reached zł. 2,228. Wyżnikiewicz stressed that Poles were on average better paid than citizens of the Vysehrad states. According to data from the Main Statistical Office (GUS), people with a university degree earn on average twice that of those without higher education. According to GUS, graduates' starting salary is 60% of the average wage. The best paid are presidents of banks and enterprises with foreign capital who often earn in the region of zł. 200,000-300,000 each month. (Rzeczpospolita, p. A1) M.M.