Night work allowance (dodatek za pracę w nocy) under an employment contract amounts in 2026 to 20% of the hourly rate derived from the minimum wage for work, regardless of the salary written in your contract. That's why the statutory minimum of the allowance is the same for a newly hired worker and for one earning more. The allowance described here applies to an employment contract. Under a civil law contract (umowa zlecenie) it is usually not due, unless the contract provides for it.

How much is the night work allowance in 2026

The basis for the calculation is the minimum wage for work applicable in a given year, and its current amount is given in the article on the minimum hourly rate. The allowance is calculated using the formula: (minimum wage ÷ number of working hours applicable in a given month) × 20%, for every hour worked during the night period.

Because the number of hours to be worked changes month to month, the exact hourly amount also changes. At a higher hourly rate the allowance makes up a smaller percentage of the payout than at the minimum rate, because the calculation basis stays the same for the whole crew regardless of position.

Under an employment contract, the allowance is added to the pay for the month in which the night hours fell. If something in the night hours settlement doesn't add up, first talk to your coordinator.

From when to when does the night period last

The night period (pora nocna) covers 8 hours falling between 21:00 and 7:00. The employer sets the specific eight-hour range within these limits, in the work regulations, collective agreement, or in information given to the employee in writing.

The allowance is due for every hour worked within this range, not for the entire night shift. If a shift starts before 21:00 or ends after 7:00, the hours falling outside this range are not covered by the allowance. With shift work, it's therefore worth checking the schedule to see how many hours of a given shift fall within the night range adopted by the employer.

Night allowance and overtime allowance

These are two independent benefits that accumulate rather than exclude each other. For an overtime hour falling within the night period, both the overtime allowance and the night work allowance are due at the same time; one does not replace the other. How much the overtime allowance amounts to depends on exactly when the overtime hour fell. Night overtime is therefore settled under both rules at once, which is worth factoring in when planning longer shifts. Under a civil law contract, both allowances are usually not due, unless the contract provides for them.

Lump sum instead of allowance for each hour

When night work is performed permanently outside the workplace, the allowance can be replaced with a lump sum (ryczałt) corresponding to the expected scope of night work. This solution applies to an employment contract and simplifies settlement: instead of counting each night hour separately, the worker receives a fixed amount set in advance.

Night allowance under a civil law contract (umowa zlecenie)

The Labour Code night work allowance applies only to an employment contract (umowa o pracę). Under a civil law contract (umowa zlecenie) there is no separate, higher pay for night hours; only the general guarantee of the minimum hourly rate applies. Under a civil law contract, pay for night hours therefore results only from the contract itself, so it's worth reading its terms before signing.

Frequently asked questions

### Does the night allowance depend on my salary?
No. Under an employment contract it's calculated from the minimum wage applicable in a given year, so the statutory minimum doesn't depend on the rate written in the contract.

### Does the night allowance combine with the overtime allowance?
Yes. These are two independent benefits: for an overtime hour falling within the night period, both are due at the same time. This applies to an employment contract, while under a civil law contract it depends on the contract.

### Is the night allowance due under a civil law contract?
Not in the Labour Code form. Only the minimum hourly rate applies, unless the contract itself provides for a higher rate for night work.

### Who sets the night period hours at a company?
The employer: in the work regulations, collective agreement, or written information for the employee, always within the 21:00-7:00 limits.

### Can the employer replace the night allowance with a lump sum?
Yes, but only for work performed permanently outside the workplace, and the lump sum amount must match the expected scope of night work.

This text is for information only and describes general regulations. It is not tax or legal advice.
This text describes the general rules. What you are entitled to depends on your type of contract: an employment contract (umowa o pracę) or a contract of mandate (umowa zlecenie). Your own contract and payslip are what count.