In this article, we will provide a detailed overview of the PHP Developer salary in Poland for 2024, segmented by experience levels and specializations within PHP frameworks. Additionally, we’ll compare salaries with other developed countries to offer a global perspective.
Introduction: PHP Developer Salary in Poland 2024
Over recent years, the demand for PHP developers in Poland has been on the rise. Both international corporations and innovative startups are contributing to a thriving tech industry, making PHP one of the key languages in Poland’s IT landscape. PHP developers, especially those proficient in modern frameworks, enjoy competitive compensation packages. In this article, we will break down PHP developer salaries in Poland for 2024, categorized by experience levels, specific PHP frameworks, and location, while also comparing them with salaries from other developed countries worldwide.
In this article, we’ll cover the following topics:
- Average salary ranges for PHP developers based on experience: Junior, Mid (Regular), Senior, and Lead roles.
- Salary variations depending on PHP framework specialization (Laravel, Symfony, WordPress CMS).
- Salary differences for PHP developers across major Polish cities.
- A comparative analysis of PHP developer salaries in Poland versus countries such as the USA, Canada, Switzerland, Israel, Australia, the UK, Norway, Sweden, and the Netherlands.
This article will give you a complete picture of the earning potential for PHP developers in Poland, along with useful insights into the broader global context.
PHP Developer Salary by Experience Level in Poland
The salary of a PHP developer in Poland varies significantly depending on the experience level — ranging from Junior to Lead roles. These variations are also influenced by the developer’s location in Poland and the specific PHP technologies or frameworks they work with. Below is an overview of the typical salary ranges based on different experience levels for PHP developers.
Methodology
In Poland, numerous reports and market analytics provide insights into salary assessment. Itentio IT Recruitment methodology is based on a comprehensive analysis of the salary ranges mentioned in job descriptions on tech industry local job boards such as JustJoinIT, NoFluffJobs, Pracuj.pl, BulldogJobs, the:protocol, inhire.io, Solid.jobs. The salary assessments are based on the data from 583 job offers with visible salary ranges from different local job boards in Poland. On top of that, we made our analysis and evaluation of the data by comparing it to our partners’ salary ranges, our candidates’ desired salary ranges that they indicated during the interview processes, and the analytics from the job offers extended and accepted in our partners’ recruitment processes. The salaries stated can be considered as a gross salary on permanent contract (UoP) or net on B2B contract. When we refer to “max” salary, we mean average market maximum salaries in brackets, not the extremum or the market’s peak.
A. Junior PHP Developer Salary in Poland (0-2 Years of Experience)
PHP engineers are called juniors when they are at the start of their career, familiar with PHP fundamentals and gaining practical experience with frameworks like Laravel or Symfony. Junior positions make up about 6,5% of available PHP roles in Poland.
- Average Salary Range: 6,000 – 9,000 PLN/month
- Median Salary: 7,500 PLN/month
B. Mid (Regular) PHP Engineer Salary in Poland (2-5 Years of Experience)
Mid-level PHP developers have experience working with more complex tasks and can independently manage projects. They are proficient in PHP frameworks and database management, as well as understanding API integrations and performance optimization. Mid-level roles represent a significant share of job opportunities in Poland, accounting for around 51% of PHP job offers.
- Average Salary Range: 12,000 – 18,000 PLN/month
- Median Salary: 15,000 PLN/month
C. Senior PHP Software Engineer Salary in Poland (5+ Years of Experience)
Skilled senior PHP developers are highly competent, often specializing in advanced areas such as software architecture, database optimization, and large-scale system integrations. Senior developers frequently lead projects and mentor junior team members. They hold a dominant share of the job market, with approximately 39% of available PHP positions targeting senior-level candidates.
- Average Salary Range: 17,000 – 23,000 PLN/month
- Median Salary: 20,000 PLN/month
D. Lead PHP Software Developer Salary in Poland (5-7+ Years of Experience)
Lead PHP developers oversee entire development teams and are responsible for the technical direction, code quality, and successful delivery of projects. While Lead positions are less common, accounting for roughly 3,5% of the market, they offer the highest earning potential.
- Average Salary Range: 24,000 – 32,000 PLN/month
- Median Salary: 28,000 PLN/month
Summary: PHP Developer Salary in Poland by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Average Salary Range (PLN) | Median Salary (PLN) |
|---|---|---|
| Junior (0-2 years) | 6,000 – 9,000 | 7,500 |
| Mid/Regular (2-5 years) | 12,000 – 18,000 | 15,000 |
| Senior (5+ years) | 17,000 – 23,000 | 20,000 |
| Lead (5-7+ years) | 24,000 – 32,000 | 28,000 |
PHP Software Developer Salary by Framework in Poland
The framework a PHP developer specializes in can significantly impact their earning potential. Below, we break down the salary ranges for developers based on two most popular PHP frameworks: Laravel and Symfony, and WordPress CMS as it is a PHP-based technology.
A. Laravel Framework Developer Salary in Poland
Laravel is one of the most widely used PHP frameworks, known for its elegant syntax and powerful tools that make web application development efficient.
- Junior Laravel Developer Salary: 6,000 – 9,000 PLN/month
- Mid/Regular Laravel Developer Salary: 11,000 – 17,000 PLN/month
- Senior Laravel Developer Salary: 17,000 – 23,000 PLN/month
- Lead Laravel Developer Salary: 23,500 – 32,000 PLN/month
B. Symfony Developer Salary in Poland
Symfony is a versatile PHP framework often chosen for complex web applications and large-scale enterprise projects. It offers high flexibility, which makes developers proficient in this framework more valuable.
- Junior Symfony Developer Salary: 6,500 – 9,000 PLN/month
- Mid/Regular Symfony Developer Salary: 12,500 – 19,500 PLN/month
- Senior Symfony Developer Salary: 17,500 – 24,000 PLN/month
- Lead Symfony Developer Salary: 24,000 – 32,000 PLN/month
C. WordPress Framework Developer Salary in Poland
Although WordPress is not a PHP framework, but a content management system (CMS), it is heavily based on PHP, which makes it relevant for this assessment. Given the widespread use of WordPress for website development, we decided to include it alongside the two most popular PHP frameworks — Laravel and Symfony — to suggest a broader perspective on PHP-related salaries in Poland.
- Junior WordPress Developer Salary: 6,000 – 8,000 PLN/month
- Mid/Regular WordPress Developer Salary: 9,000 – 15,000 PLN/month
- Senior WordPress Developer Salary: 17,500 – 21,500 PLN/month
- Lead WordPress Developer Salary: 22,000 – 31,000 PLN/month
Summary: PHP Engineer Salary in Poland by Framework (2024)
| Framework | Junior (PLN) | Mid-Level (PLN) | Senior (PLN) | Lead (PLN) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laravel | 6,000 – 9,000 | 11,000 – 17,000 | 17,000 – 23,000 | 23,500 – 32,000 |
| Symfony | 6,500 – 9,000 | 12,500 – 18,500 | 17,500 – 24,000 | 24,000 – 32,000 |
| WordPress (CMS) | 6,000 – 8,000 | 9,000 – 15,000 | 17,500 – 21,500 | 22,000 – 31,000 |
PHP Developer Salaries in Different Polish Cities (2024)
PHP developer salaries in Poland vary depending on the city, with tech hubs like Warsaw and Kraków offering higher pay due to greater demand and the cost of living. Below is an overview of salary ranges for PHP developers across Poland’s key tech cities.
A. Warsaw
As the capital and largest tech hub, Warsaw offers some of the highest salaries for PHP developers, driven by the concentration of both international companies and local startups.
- Junior PHP Developer Salary: 7,000 – 9,000 PLN/month
- Mid/Regular PHP Developer Salary: 13,000 – 18,500 PLN/month
- Senior PHP Developer Salary: 17,500 – 24,500 PLN/month
- Lead PHP Developer Salary: 25,000 – 33,500 PLN/month
B. Kraków
Kraków, known for its strong presence of global companies and a vibrant tech scene, offers slightly lower salaries than Warsaw but still remains highly competitive for PHP developers.
- Junior PHP Developer Salary: 6,500 – 9,000 PLN/month
- Mid/Regular PHP Developer Salary: 12,500 – 17,500 PLN/month
- Senior PHP Developer Salary: 17,000 – 23,500 PLN/month
- Lead PHP Developer Salary: 24,500 – 32,500 PLN/month
C. Wrocław
Wrocław is a rapidly growing tech city with salaries for PHP developers comparable to Kraków, thanks to the increasing number of tech companies establishing offices in the city.
- Junior PHP Developer Salary: 6,500 – 9,000 PLN/month
- Mid/Regular PHP Developer Salary: 13,000 – 18,500 PLN/month
- Senior PHP Developer Salary: 16,000 – 22,500 PLN/month
- Lead PHP Developer Salary: 23,000 – 32,000 PLN/month
D. Gdańsk
Gdańsk, with its expanding tech sector, offers competitive salaries for PHP developers. While slightly lower than in Warsaw and Kraków, Gdańsk still attracts talent with its growing tech industry and appealing lifestyle.
- Junior PHP Developer Salary: 6,000 – 8,500 PLN/month
- Mid/Regular PHP Developer Salary: 11,500 – 16,500 PLN/month
- Senior PHP Developer Salary: 16,500 – 23,000 PLN/month
- Lead PHP Developer Salary: 24,000 – 31,500 PLN/month
E. Poznań
Poznań is an emerging tech hub, with its salary range influenced by the growing trend of remote work. While slightly lower than in other compared cities of Poland, Poznań offers competitive salaries for PHP developers.
- Junior PHP Developer Salary: 6,000 – 8,000 PLN/month
- Mid/Regular PHP Developer Salary: 11,500 – 17,000 PLN/month
- Senior PHP Developer Salary: 16,500 – 22,500 PLN/month
- Lead PHP Developer Salary: 23,000 – 31,000 PLN/month
Summary: PHP Developer Salaries in Poland by City
| City | Junior (PLN) | Mid/Regular (PLN) | Senior (PLN) | Lead (PLN) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warsaw | 7,000 – 9,000 | 13,000 – 18,500 | 17,500 – 24,500 | 25,000 – 33,500 |
| Kraków | 6,500 – 9,000 | 12,500 – 17,500 | 17,000 – 23,500 | 24,500 – 32,500 |
| Wrocław | 6,500 – 9,000 | 13,000 – 18,500 | 16,000 – 22,500 | 23,000 – 32,000 |
| Gdańsk | 6,000 – 8,500 | 11,500 – 16,500 | 16,500 – 23,000 | 24,000 – 31,500 |
| Poznań | 6,000 – 8,000 | 11,500 – 17,000 | 16,500 – 22,500 | 23,000 – 31,000 |
Senior PHP Developer Salaries: Poland vs. Other Developed Countries
When comparing senior PHP developer salaries in Poland with those in other developed nations, notable differences emerge. While Poland offers competitive salaries within its local market, these are generally lower than those in many Western countries. Below is a comparison of salary ranges for senior PHP developers across various countries, including the USA, Canada, Switzerland, Israel, Australia, the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden.
A. Poland vs. USA
The United States consistently ranks as one of the highest-paying countries for tech professionals, including PHP developers.
- Poland (Senior): 17,000 – 23,000 PLN/month (~4,300 – 5,900 USD/month)
- USA (Senior): 10,800 – 17,000 USD/month (Source: Glassdoor)
B. Poland vs. Canada
Canada’s tech industry is growing rapidly, offering high salaries for PHP developers, although slightly lower than in the USA.
- Poland (Senior): 17,000 – 23,000 PLN/month (~4,300 – 5,900 USD/month)
- Canada (Senior): 7,900 – 14,625 USD/month (Source: Talent.com)
C. Poland vs. Switzerland
Switzerland offers some of the most lucrative salaries for developers in Europe, though it also comes with one of the highest costs of living globally.
- Poland (Senior): 17,000 – 23,000 PLN/month (~4,300 – 5,900 USD/month)
- Switzerland (Senior): 8,250 – 11,200 USD/month (Source: Swissdevjobs, Talent.com)
D. Poland vs. Israel
Israel, particularly in tech hubs like Tel Aviv, is known for its high salaries for developers, though these come with a high cost of living.
- Poland (Senior): 17,000 – 23,000 PLN/month (~4,300 – 5,900 USD/month)
- Israel (Senior): 6,100 – 9,300 USD/month (Source: Glassdoor)
E. Poland vs. Australia
Australia’s tech industry, centered around cities like Sydney and Melbourne, offers highly competitive salaries, often surpassing those in Poland.
- Poland (Senior): 17,000 – 23,000 PLN/month (~4,300 – 5,900 USD/month)
- Australia (Senior): 8,750 – 13,200 USD/month (Source: Glassdoor, Talent.com)
F. Poland vs. The United Kingdom
The UK, particularly London, provides attractive salaries for PHP developers. However, these figures may not reach the same levels as in the USA or Switzerland.
- Poland (Senior): 17,000 – 23,000 PLN/month (~4,300 – 5,900 USD/month)
- The UK (Senior): 5,700 – 13,700 USD/month (Source: Glassdoor, Morgan Mckinley)
G. Poland vs. Germany
Germany’s tech hubs, especially in cities like Berlin and Munich, offer appealing salaries, though they generally fall below those in countries like the USA, Canada, and Switzerland.
- Poland (Senior): 17,000 – 23,000 PLN/month (~4,300 – 5,900 USD/month)
- Germany (Senior): 5,700 – 6,850 USD/month (Source: Glassdoor)
H. Poland vs. The Netherlands
The Netherlands is recognized for competitive salaries, particularly in Amsterdam, where many international companies operate.
- Poland (Senior): 17,000 – 23,000 PLN/month (~4,300 – 5,900 USD/month)
- The Netherlands (Senior): 5,200 – 6,600 USD/month (Source: DevITjobs)
I. Poland vs. Norway
Norway offers generous compensation packages for developers, along with a high quality of life and a thriving tech industry.
- Poland (Senior): 17,000 – 23,000 PLN/month (~4,300 – 5,900 USD/month)
- Norway (Senior): 6,000 – 6,700 USD/month (Source: Talentup)
J. Poland vs. Sweden
Sweden provides solid salaries for PHP developers, although generally lower than in Switzerland, Australia, and the USA.
- Poland (Senior): 17,000 – 23,000 PLN/month (~4,300 – 5,900 USD/month)
- Sweden (Senior): 4,350 – 5,300 USD/month (Source: Glassdoor: [1],[2])
Summary: Senior PHP Developer Salaries in Poland vs. Other Countries
| Country | Average Senior Salary (USD/month) |
|---|---|
| USA | 10,800 – 17,000 USD |
| Canada | 7,900 – 14,625 USD |
| Switzerland | 8,250 – 11,200 USD |
| Israel | 6,100 – 9,300 USD |
| Australia | 8,750 – 13,200 USD |
| United Kingdom | 5,700 – 13,700 USD |
| Germany | 5,700 – 6,850 USD |
| Netherlands | 5,200 – 6,600 USD |
| Norway | 6,000 – 6,700 USD |
| Sweden | 4,350 – 5,300 USD |
| Poland | 4,300 – 5,900 USD |
Although salaries for senior PHP developers in Poland do not reach the levels seen in countries like the USA, Canada, Switzerland, Australia, Israel and the UK, Poland’s lower cost of living provides a good standard of living. Additionally, remote work opportunities with international companies allow many developers in Poland to earn higher salaries while benefiting from the local cost of living.
Practical Advice for PHP Developers Seeking Competitive Salaries in Poland
If you’re a PHP developer in Poland aiming to boost your earning potential, here are some practical tips to help you stay competitive in the job market:
1. Choose the Right Employment Type
Consider whether a traditional employment contract (UoP – Umowa o Pracę) and B2B contract (self-employment) is more suitable for you. B2B contracts often offer higher salaries but require you to handle your own taxes, insurance, and benefits. If stability and a comprehensive benefits package are important to you, a traditional contract might be the better option. Weigh the pros and cons based on your financial goals and work preferences.
2. Specialize in In-Demand PHP Frameworks
To stay competitive, focus on mastering popular PHP frameworks such as Laravel or Symfony. Staying up-to-date with the latest versions of these frameworks and learning advanced techniques like API integrations, microservices, or cloud-based development will help you stand out. Specialization in areas like database management or DevOps tools can also increase your value in the market.
3. Build a Strong Portfolio
Showcase your work by maintaining an up-to-date portfolio on platforms like GitHub or GitLab. Highlight your experience with building scalable web applications, complex e-commerce platforms, or performance-optimized systems. Employers value real-world project examples that demonstrate your coding proficiency and ability to solve practical problems.
4. Network and Attend Industry Events
Networking can open doors to new job opportunities and help you keep up with industry trends. Attend local PHP meetups, tech conferences, and online webinars to connect with other developers and tech recruiters. Being part of an active community allows you to learn about job openings and new technologies, and it can lead to potential career growth.
5. Explore Remote Work Opportunities
Remote work can significantly increase your salary potential. Many international companies offer remote positions that pay higher than local employers. By pursuing remote roles with international firms, you can tap into the global job market while benefiting from Poland’s cost of living. Make sure to tailor your CV and portfolio to attract remote job offers.
6. Stay Updated with Industry Trends
Monitor salary trends and emerging skills in the PHP ecosystem. Stay informed about new tools, techniques, and industry practices, such as headless CMS, serverless architecture, or cloud-based PHP development. By continuously learning and adopting the latest technologies, you can remain a valuable asset in the job market and command competitive salaries.
By implementing these strategies, PHP developers in Poland can enhance their career prospects and secure higher-paying roles in both the local and global job markets.
Conclusion
As we review PHP Developer salaries in Poland for late 2024, it’s evident that the demand for skilled developers remains strong, especially in sectors such as E-commerce, SaaS platforms, and FinTech. Salary ranges vary depending on experience, location, and the specific PHP frameworks mastered.
In major Polish tech hubs like Warsaw, Kraków, and Wrocław, PHP developers can expect competitive compensation packages. Although salaries in Poland are generally lower compared to countries like the USA, Australia, Canada, or Switzerland, the significantly lower cost of living in Poland offsets this gap, offering attractive work-life conditions for developers.
To maximize earning potential, PHP developers in Poland should focus on specializing in popular frameworks like Laravel, Symfony, or CMS WordPress while continuously advancing their skills in areas such as API integration, performance optimization, and cloud-based development. Building a strong portfolio, networking, and exploring remote job opportunities with international companies are also key strategies for enhancing career prospects and unlocking higher salary packages.
In summary, Poland’s tech market offers growing opportunities for PHP developers, while remote work with international firms opens doors to even higher financial rewards.
At Itentio IT Recruitment, we specialize in connecting businesses with exceptional PHP software engineers across Poland and Europe. Whether you’re a PHP developer looking for new opportunities or a company seeking skilled professionals, reach out to us today to see how we can support your hiring goals!
