A report by the employment agency Personnel Service reveals that while the number of jobs available matches last year's levels, wages have increased by at least 8 percent, reflecting rising minimum wages and ongoing double-digit wage growth in the Polish economy.
Krzysztof Inglot, a labor market expert and founder of Personnel Service, said that seasonal hiring in some industries began as early as September, particularly in logistics, due to the growing dominance of online shopping.
While demand for in-person promotion has dipped, warehouse and e-commerce jobs have seen significant growth, with seasonal staff in some companies doubling by November.
Among seasonal roles, portraying Santa Claus remains the most lucrative.
Hourly wages for Santa impersonators range from PLN 31 (EUR 7.20, USD 7.60) to PLN 250 (EUR 58, USD 62) net, with higher earnings for appearances at private gatherings and corporate events compared to shopping malls.
December 6, Saint Nicholas Day, and Christmas Eve are peak times for professional Santas.
Female counterparts, typically referred to as Śnieżynka - Snow Sprite or Frostina - earn less, with rates between PLN 23.50 and PLN 35, though that is not necessarily caused by predictable discrimination but rather by market demand, primarily due to the iconic association of Santa with Christmas.
Delivery drivers and couriers rank second in seasonal job demand, earning between PLN 24.50 and PLN 55 per hour as they transport gifts across the country. Their workload intensifies in the weeks leading up to Christmas, reflecting the increased reliance on online shopping.
Other notable holiday jobs include selling traditional Christmas items such as carp and Christmas trees. Retailers offer wages starting at PLN 24.10 per hour, with tree sellers earning up to PLN 35 and fish sellers up to PLN 40. Bonuses at the end of the season often further boost earnings.
For those skilled in creating festive decor, hand-painting ornaments offers wages as high as PLN 31 per hour. Meanwhile, employees at gift-wrapping stations in shopping malls can earn up to PLN 24.10 per hour.
The holiday rush extends to restaurants and catering businesses, which see increased demand for servers and kitchen assistants during company parties and social gatherings. Waitstaff can earn between PLN 24 and PLN 28.50 per hour, with tips providing an additional income boost. Kitchen helpers earn slightly less, with wages ranging from PLN 22.70 to PLN 24.50 per hour.
(rt/gs)
Source: personnelservice.pl