Imagine you’ve arrived in Poland and are starting a new job. Everything is new: the language, the city, the people… and suddenly you hear that you can work “hourly” or “piecework.” These words often sound mysterious, especially if you haven’t encountered them before. In reality, they are just two different ways of calculating pay — and each is good if you know what to expect. Read our article to find out which system will be best for you.
Hourly pay — clear rules and peace of mind
Hourly pay means that your earnings depend on the number of hours you work. Work 8 hours — you get paid for 8 hours. Work more — you earn more.
This system provides a sense of stability. It’s easy to calculate your paycheck, plan expenses, and manage daily life. For many people, especially at the beginning of their stay in Poland, this is very comforting — everything is predictable and transparent.
In practice, work is usually based on a minimum 8-hour schedule, but you can also work longer if you want and if you arrange it with your employer in advance. Importantly, hourly work often includes additional bonuses. This is a way to reward engagement without sacrificing the stability that hourly pay provides.
Piecework — a system that rewards speed and engagement
Piecework often causes concern, but very unfairly. In this system, the time spent at work doesn’t matter — only the results do. You get paid for the work you complete — for example, for a set number of parts, assemblies, or tasks.
For people who are fast, precise, and already experienced, piecework can be very advantageous. If you work efficiently and can organize your tasks well, you can earn more than with hourly pay.
Piecework requires focus and good organization, with specific standards in place. However, it’s not a “race” or work beyond your limits — it’s simply a different way of calculating pay that rewards productivity. Many workers appreciate it because it gives a real impact on how much they earn.
Which system is better?
There’s no single right answer. If you want to calmly organize your life, paperwork, and finances — hourly work is a natural choice. If you already have experience, know your field, and can work quickly and efficiently — piecework can help you earn more. The most important thing is that the work system fits you, not the other way around.
How does it look with us?
At Pajmon CPT, we offer only legal work based on a contract of mandate (umowa zlecenie) throughout Poland. Depending on the project, we offer both hourly pay and piecework systems. We provide free accommodation near the workplace, as well as the possibility of receiving discretionary bonuses, e.g., for a large number of hours worked or perfect attendance.
Importantly, we also help with formalities — we handle the documents related to obtaining a residence card for free, so you can focus on work and a calm life in Poland.
Contact us, tell us about your experience and expectations. Together, we will choose the form of cooperation that will be best for you — without stress or confusion.
