Data as of July 2026.
Working in the healthcare, dentistry, or advanced cosmetology sectors is much more than a calling. It involves daily facing immense responsibility, a dynamic pace of work, and long shifts that require complete focus. It is therefore natural to ask about financial stability and satisfaction with earnings. Earnings in medicine they continue to evolve, and the dynamics of change in the labour market in the public and private sectors make salary transparency crucial for building career paths.
By choosing this profession, you are investing years in education and continuous training. However, it is equally important to be aware of how your skills translate into real earnings. In this article, we analyse in detail the current basic rates after the latest legal changes, estimates of income considering contracts and on-call duties, and we also look at the aesthetic medicine and beauty sector. See how much doctors, nurses, dentists, and cosmetologists earn and what influences the final salary.
How much will be earned in medicine in 2026?
The question of how much one earns in medicine in 2026 does not have a single, simple answer. The Polish healthcare market is currently characterised by a strong division between the public sector, regulated by law, and the private sector, where the rules of the game are dictated by supply, demand, and the reputation of a given specialist. Google searches and analyses of staffing trends show that financial matters in medicine are one of the most frequently discussed topics in industry discussions.
In 2026, final earnings are influenced not only by academic title but, above all, by the billing model. While full-time employment in a public hospital guarantees a stable base and a range of employee benefits, B2B contracts (business activity) and work in private medical centres open up entirely different earning potentials for medical professionals. It is worth examining both of these worlds to precisely understand the financial structure of the modern medical sector.
Minimum wages in healthcare from July 2026
In the public healthcare system, statutory regulations form the basis for the salaries of full-time staff. In accordance with the mechanism set out in the Act on the Method of Determining the Minimum Basic Salary of Certain Employees Employed in Healthcare Organisations, on 1 July each year the rates are adjusted in line with the average wage in the national economy for the previous year. For the rates applicable from 1 July 2026, the basis for calculation is the official average wage for 2025 announced by the President of the Central Statistical Office (GUS), amounting to 8,903.56 zł gross.
From 1 July 2026, new minimum rates will come into force, based on a statutory system of coefficients assigned to specific occupational groups according to the required education and specialisation. These amounts represent the gross basic salary guaranteed by the state under an employment contract. It is worth bearing in mind that, in public sector organisations, numerous allowances are added to this basic salary: seniority allowances (for length of service), allowances for night work, work on public holidays, and position-related allowances.
What are the minimum gross base salaries for individual groups of medical personnel from July 2026?
- Doctor with a specialisation (Group 1, coefficient 1.45): The statutory minimum wage is exactly 12,910.16 zł gross per month. After adding on on-call duty and allowances, the final total gross salary for a full-time post at a hospital may, in many cases, exceed the 20,000 zł threshold.
- Nurse / Midwife with a Master's degree and specialisation (Group 2, coefficient 1.29): The minimum basic salary is 11,485.59 zł gross. Estimates based on figures from the Agency for Health Technology Assessment and Tariff System (AOTMiT) indicate that the average total gross salary, including allowances, for this group of staff is approximately 15,300 zł.
- Doctor without specialisation (Group 3, coefficient 1.19): The basic salary for a full-time post is 10,595.24 zł gross. This rate also applies to dentists without a specialism.
- Nurse, midwife, physiotherapist, laboratory diagnostician with a Master's degree without specialisation OR with a Bachelor's degree and specialisation (Group 5 and 6, coefficient 1.02): The statutory minimum wage stands at 9,081.63 zł gross.
- Physiotherapists, laboratory diagnosticians, paramedics, and nurses with a bachelor's degree without specialisation (Group 7, coefficient 0.94): The guaranteed base amount is 8,369.35 zł gross.
These changes show a clear direction towards valuing high qualifications and higher medical education. The wage increase in the public sector also directly impacts wage pressure in private institutions, which must offer competitive rates to attract the best specialists.
How much will a doctor earn in 2026?
Doctors' earnings in Poland vary and depend mainly on their career stage, specialisation, and the legal form in which they provide medical services. To accurately answer the question of how much a doctor earns, the period of specialist training should be distinguished from independent specialist practice and contract work.
Trainee doctor's earnings
A doctor’s career begins with a postgraduate internship. According to an official announcement by the Ministry of Health, from 1 July 2026, the basic monthly salary for a trainee doctor and a trainee dentist will be exactly 8,458 zł gross (by way of comparison, until 30 June 2026, it stood at 7,773 zł gross).
After completing an internship and passing the final medical examination (LEK), the residency process begins. From 1 July 2026, the Regulation of the Minister of Health of 25 June 2026 on the amount of basic monthly remuneration for doctors and dentists undergoing specialisation within the framework of residency is in force. In accordance with the new regulations, the gross rates, to the nearest penny, are as follows:
- Non-priority areas: During the first two years of the residency programme, the basic salary is 10,595.24 zł gross, and after two years of training it rises to 10,913.10 zł gross.
- Priority areas (e.g. paediatrics, psychiatry, clinical oncology, general surgery, emergency medicine): Starting rates are 11,654.76 zł gross, rising to 12,714.29 zł gross after two years of residency.
Medical on-call duties, which are paid extra, can also significantly impact a resident's total earnings, meaning the monthly payout may be higher than the basic salary alone. Young doctors often also opt for additional work in Night and Public Holiday Healthcare or in private primary healthcare facilities.
The earnings of a specialist doctor
The situation changes once a doctor has obtained the title of specialist and passed the State Specialisation Examination (PES). Although a permanent post in a public hospital offers stability and a statutory gross basic salary of 12,910.16 zł, many experienced doctors combine working in the public system with the private sector or opt for a commercial model.
In the private sector, the monthly earnings of specialist doctors vary considerably and depend on their reputation, specialism and location. Based on an analysis of job advertisements and discussions amongst doctors on platforms such as Konsylium24 or in industry surveys, it is estimated that the monthly income from B2B activities, before deduction of tax expenses, social security contributions and other deductions for recognised specialists in major cities may range from 30,000 zł to 50,000 zł per month or more. It should be borne in mind, however, that these figures depend directly on the number of hours worked and do not constitute a fixed salary.
How much can you earn on a contract?
A medical contract (a civil law agreement within a sole proprietorship) is currently the most popular form of employment for doctors in public and district hospitals. Settlement is usually based on an hourly rate.
Looking at the job vacancies advertised by hospitals and regional medical councils, it is clear that the rates for doctors’ contracts most often range from 120 to 300 zł per hour worked. This represents income from the work before deduction of expenses, social security contributions and income tax. The highest hourly rates are offered to specialists in fields such as neurosurgery, interventional cardiology, orthopaedics and musculoskeletal traumatology, anaesthetology and ophthalmology. It should be borne in mind that high contract earnings entail the need to pay social security contributions, health insurance contributions and income tax independently, as well as to take out professional liability insurance and forgo paid annual leave.
How much does a nurse and midwife earn?
The work of nurses and midwives forms the cornerstone of patient care. Salaries within this occupational group have undergone a noticeable evolution in recent years. Current salaries are directly linked to educational qualifications, with the distinction between bachelor’s and master’s degrees, as well as the completion of specialist qualifications, being of key importance.
In the public healthcare sector, in accordance with the pay scale effective from July 2026, the highest basic pay is received by nurses and midwives holding a master’s degree and a specialisation (Group 2) – this amounts to 11,485.59 zł gross. For staff with a higher education qualification without a specialisation, or a secondary education qualification with a specialisation, the basic pay is 9,081.63 zł gross. Nurses with secondary or bachelor’s-level qualifications without a specialisation can expect the statutory minimum of 8,369.35 zł gross.
In the private sector – including cosmetic surgery clinics, occupational health centres, and private day surgery hospitals – nurses' earnings are increasingly based on B2B contracts. Hourly rates in the private sector depend on the specific ward (e.g. operating theatre, anaesthesiology, long-term care) and allow for flexible monthly income structuring depending on actual working hours.
How much does a dentist earn?
Speaking about earnings in dentistry, public healthcare must be almost entirely set aside, as the private sector plays a significantly greater role in Polish dentistry than in many other areas of healthcare. After obtaining full professional rights, earning potential can significantly increase, especially in the private sector.
Most dentists do not work in a traditional full-time role with a fixed salary. The most common payment model in dental clinics is a B2B contract based on a commission on turnover. Dentists typically receive between 35% and 50% of the net value of the treatments they carry out. In the private sector, dentists’ monthly earnings can vary considerably. They depend, amongst other things, on the number of patients seen, the payment model agreed with the clinic, the range of procedures performed and the location of the practice. According to estimates published in unofficial market surveys and on industry forums, the estimated monthly pre-tax income for general dentists ranges from 12,000 to 25,000 zł; however, these figures should not be regarded as a guaranteed level of remuneration. Dentists with highly specialised skills can expect the highest earnings.
Orthodontist
Planning and carrying out complex orthodontic treatment using fixed braces and aligners is one of the most sought-after areas of modern dentistry. Given the long-term nature of the treatment and the high costs of the procedures, an experienced orthodontist running their own practice or working on a commission basis with several clinics can generate a high income. In industry analyses, the estimated monthly pre-tax income from this activity for this group of specialists is often put at between 30,000–40,000 zł, a figure influenced, amongst other things, by the scale of deductions for laboratory and material costs.
Implantologist
Implantology surgery and advanced guided bone regeneration require many years of training and excellent surgical skills. Implant prosthetics procedures are among the most highly priced in commercial price lists. The profitability of an implantologist depends on the number of operations performed per month, but per hour of work at the chair, it can be one of the more lucrative areas of private dentistry.
Endodonta
Modern endodontics relies almost exclusively on working under magnification. Root canal treatment under a microscope, the removal of lodged instruments from the canals, and the repair of perforations are highly specialised procedures. The precision and time-consuming nature of these procedures mean that dentists specialising in microscopic endodontics are sought-after colleagues in larger medical centres, which directly translates into a steady increase in their share of the clinic’s profits.
How much can you earn in aesthetic medicine and cosmetology?
The aesthetic medicine, cosmetology, and beauty industry is experiencing intense growth, becoming a natural direction of development for many doctors (especially dermatologists) and university graduates in cosmetology. The earnings structure in this segment is based primarily on the free market and the ability to build a loyal client base.
In the case of aesthetic medicine practitioners carrying out advanced injection procedures (botulinum toxin, hyaluronic acid, tissue stimulators, lifting threads), remuneration is most often based on a commission calculated as a percentage of the treatment’s value. The monthly earnings of doctors with an established personal brand can range from twenty to several tens of thousands of zł, depending on the number of treatment days in a month and the clinic’s location.
Conversely, qualified beauticians with expertise in laser therapy, chemical peels or advanced hi-tech equipment face a wide range of pay rates. An analysis of job advertisements reveals significant variation in the rates on offer. Remuneration depends, amongst other things, on the form of employment, experience, the commission structure and location. For this reason, rates offered under an employment contract should not be directly compared with the income generated in the B2B model. Market estimates of B2B earnings for experienced beauticians in major cities indicate ranges of 7,000–15,000 zł per month before tax, with the standard of the workplace and the size of the city being key factors here. A consistent and professional appearance among staff can be one of the factors influencing how clients perceive a clinic or salon; therefore, maintaining an aesthetic image is standard practice in this sector.
How much does a dental hygienist and dental assistant earn?
A modern dental surgery functions effectively only through teamwork. The role of dental assistants and dental hygienists has significantly increased in recent years. In particular, dental hygienists have become independent specialists who conduct their own patient appointments, performing procedures in the field of oral prophylaxis and hygiene, such as scaling, sandblasting, fluoridation or teeth whitening.
In the public healthcare sector, from 1 July 2026, the minimum gross basic salary for medical staff with secondary education (Group 9, including full-time assistants and dental hygienists with secondary education) will be 7,657.06 zł.
An analysis of job adverts published on job portals shows that the pay levels for dental hygienists vary considerably and depend, amongst other things, on the type of employment, the number of working hours, the commission scheme and the location. In the case of B2B work, business running costs, social security contributions and taxes must also be taken into account. In published figures for major cities, estimated monthly earnings from B2B work for self-employed dental hygienists are often put at between 6,000 and 9,000 zł, depending on the turnover generated. Due to the nature of the work, which involves constant exposure to water-air aerosols, the durability and ease of cleaning of workwear become key aspects of daily life.
What influences earnings in the medical industry?
Analysing Earnings in medicine, it is easy to notice large financial discrepancies within the same professional groups. The most important factors determining ultimate financial success and allowing for higher salary levels include:
- Employment status and business model Working on a B2B contract or a mandate agreement in the private sector offers higher hourly rates than a traditional hospital employment, however, it transfers the economic risk associated with sick leave or holiday absence to the employee.
- Geography and market size Urban agglomerations are characterised by greater purchasing power among commercial patients, allowing private clinics to set higher prices for services and offer better rates to staff. In the public sector, in turn, it is district hospitals in regions affected by a severe staff shortage that often offer higher contractual rates to attract specialists.
- Highly specialised competencies Possessing unique skills – for example, certifications for operating specific laser systems, completed microsurgery courses, or proficiency in rare diagnostic procedures – can significantly increase a specialist's market value.
- Building a personal brand In the era of digitalisation, opinions on industry portals and professionally managed social media profiles enable you to attract patients independently and break free from the rates imposed by large medical networks.
Work comfort and professional medical clothing
Regardless of career level, employment status, or final income, working in healthcare and the beauty industry involves a huge physical burden. Standing for long hours, dynamic shifts in hospital or a forced sitting position at a dental chair are daily realities that take their toll on the health and well-being of medical staff. In this context, appropriate workplace equipment, including properly selected workwear, becomes an extremely important element of ergonomics.
Modern medical clothing has undergone a huge transformation. Traditional, stiff lab coats have given way to advanced technological solutions. By choosing well-fitting medical clothing, you can increase your comfort during long working hours and ensure greater freedom of movement whilst carrying out your daily duties. Modern medical kit Made from flexible, breathable materials, it supports the body's thermoregulation, doesn't restrict movement during sudden emergency procedures or precise aesthetic treatments, and allows for a neat, professional appearance all day long. By choosing premium class medical clothing, you are directly investing in your daily well-being, allowing you to fully concentrate on the patient's health and safety.
Summary
Earnings in medicine and related industries in 2026 reflect the growing importance of education, responsibility, and unique competencies. From stable and regularly adjusted foundations in public healthcare to high earnings in private contracts and the beauty sector, the market offers ambitious professionals broad prospects for financial and career development. However, success in these professions is built not only on theoretical knowledge but also on attention to detail, ergonomics, and professional presentation in daily work.
For women seeking the perfect balance between functionality and uncompromising elegance, the Polish brand Scrabme.com designs next-generation medical apparel. Our products prove that medical scrubs can perfectly fit a woman's figure, provide complete freedom of movement and be characterised by the highest quality of workmanship. Discover our collection, in which modern, refined medical blouse becomes a key element of your professional image, and build your position in the industry with a brand that fully understands the realities and demands of your daily work.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
As of July 2026, what is the basic salary for an intern doctor? In accordance with current legislation and a notice issued by the Ministry of Health, from 1 July 2026, the basic monthly salary for a trainee doctor and a trainee dentist in Poland will be exactly 8,458 zł gross.
How much does a resident doctor earn from July 2026, according to the regulation of June 25, 2026? In accordance with the Regulation of the Minister of Health of 25 June 2026, a junior doctor in the first two years of their training earns 10,595.24 zł gross (non-priority specialities) or 11,654.76 zł gross (priority specialities). After two years of residency, these rates increase to 10,913.10 zł gross and 12,714.29 zł gross respectively, based on the basic salary.
How do nurses' earnings differ based on their education within the public system? The Act regulating minimum pay rates in the healthcare sector from 1 July 2026 clearly differentiates between basic salaries for full-time positions: a nurse with a master’s degree and a specialisation is guaranteed a basic salary of 11,485.59 zł gross, whilst a nurse with a bachelor’s degree and a specialisation receives a minimum of 9,081.63 zł gross.
The commission-based payment system for dentists involves payment based on the number and type of services provided, rather than a fixed salary. Most private dental clinics settle accounts with dentists on the basis of a B2B contract, under which the remuneration is a specified percentage (usually between 35 and 50%) of the net value of dental treatments that have been correctly carried out and paid for by the patient.
