Shortage occupations 2026 — where workers are needed
Shortage occupations 2026 is the list of specialisations Polish employers need most, yet struggle hardest to fill. For anyone choosing a degree or planning a career change, it's a valuable clue — a staffing shortage usually means an easier start in the job market and stronger bargaining power in salary negotiations.
How shortage occupations are identified
The main source of this data in Poland is Barometr Zawodów — an annual survey commissioned by public employment services, covering every county (powiat). It splits occupations into three groups: shortage (too few candidates), balanced, and surplus (more candidates than vacancies). This data is supplemented by GUS statistics and recruitment-portal analyses.
Shortage occupations 2026 — an indicative overview
The table below shows sample occupation groups that indicatively retain shortage status across most Polish regions in 2026:
| Occupation / industry | Main reason for the shortage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nurses and midwives | Ageing population, emigration of staff | Shortage for many years |
| Medical specialists (selected fields) | Staff shortages, long training time | Varies by region |
| Programmers and IT specialists | Economic digitalisation | Shortage despite high pay |
| Welders, electricians, mechanics | Low numbers of technical-school graduates | High demand in industry |
| Professional drivers (C+E licence) | Ageing workforce, few new drivers | Nationwide shortage |
| Teachers (maths, physics, computer science) | Low numbers of teacher-training graduates | Shortage in most regions |
This overview is indicative and averaged — the situation differs by voivodeship and county, so it's worth checking local data at barometrzawodow.pl before making a decision.
Staff shortages and choosing a degree
Picking a degree that leads to a shortage occupation can improve your chances of finding a job quickly after graduation, but it shouldn't be the only criterion. A shortage occupation that doesn't fit your aptitudes can still be a source of frustration. That's why it's worth comparing the list of shortage occupations with your results from the free next.movv test, which shows which jobs fit your RIASEC profile — and then checking which of those are currently in demand.
A shortage today doesn't mean a shortage in 10 years
Remember that the labour market changes dynamically. An occupation short on staff today may no longer be so if, say, more graduates enter that field or new technology automates part of the work. That's why it helps to combine current shortage data with a longer-term view, as covered in our article on jobs of the future in Poland.
What if you're changing careers, not choosing your first degree
Shortage occupations are also a useful signal for people planning a career change — it's easier to find work in an industry where employers are genuinely looking for hands on deck. Read more about planning such a change in our article on career change after 30 — how to switch.
In practice, switching towards a shortage occupation often requires a shorter path than a classic degree — postgraduate studies, qualification courses, or vocational training funded by labour offices. People in their 30s or 40s rarely go back for another five-year degree, but are often willing to invest a few months in focused training that leads to a role with genuine market demand.
Practical tips
- Check the current Barometr Zawodów report for your voivodeship — the data is free and updated yearly.
- Don't rely on shortage status alone — combine it with your own aptitudes and interests.
- Pay attention to occupations requiring shorter training (vocational schools, technical colleges) — shortages there can be just as large as for university-level jobs.
- Remember a staff shortage doesn't always mean high pay — check the salary range too.
Shortage occupations and choosing your university
If you already know you're interested in an industry from the shortage list, the next step is choosing a specific university and programme that will actually prepare you for the job. Not all programmes with the same name are equal — they differ in curriculum, internships, and employer partnerships. Check our guide on how to choose a university in Poland — criteria that matter before submitting your application.
It's also worth remembering that admissions for degrees tied to shortage occupations (e.g. nursing, computer science) can be very competitive in the biggest cities, yet easier in smaller academic centres — despite the same post-graduation demand in the job market.
Summary
Shortage occupations 2026 provide a useful map of current labour-market needs in Poland, but the best career decisions come from combining that map with your own aptitude profile, not treating it as the sole criterion. A staffing shortage signals "you'll find a job here more easily", not "you'll definitely be happy here" — and that distinction is worth keeping in mind.
Frequently asked questions
Which occupations are in shortage in Poland in 2026?
According to Barometr Zawodów, nurses, programmers, welders, electricians, professional drivers and STEM teachers indicatively remain in shortage, though this varies by region.
Does a shortage occupation guarantee a job after graduation?
There's no guarantee — a shortage improves your chances, but skills, location and the specific employer's situation still matter.
Where can I check the current Barometr Zawodów report?
Official, free data is available at barometrzawodow.pl — the report is updated yearly for every county in Poland.
Should I choose a degree just because it's in shortage?
It's better to combine shortage data with your own aptitudes — for example your next.movv test results — to avoid ending up in a job that pays but doesn't suit you.