Ireland is one of the most attractive places to work in Europe. From tech giants in Dublin’s “Silicon Docks” to the thriving finance, healthcare, and hospitality industries, people from around the world come here to work and build their future. But before making the move or even applying for a job, one big question often comes up: What is the average salary in Ireland?
The truth is, salaries vary a lot depending on your job role, your experience, and most importantly—the industry you’re in. Let’s break it down step by step so you can get a clear picture.
Overall average salary in Ireland
According to recent reports, the average salary in Ireland is around €45,000 per year, which works out to about €3,750 per month before taxes. Of course, this is just a general number. Some industries pay much higher, while others are lower but may offer better work-life balance.
To give you perspective, here’s a quick snapshot of average salaries by major industries:
| Industry | Average Annual Salary (€) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Information Technology (IT) | 55,000 – 70,000 | High demand, strong job market |
| Finance & Banking | 50,000 – 65,000 | Attractive bonuses possible |
| Healthcare & Medicine | 40,000 – 70,000 | Varies by specialization |
| Engineering | 45,000 – 65,000 | Civil, mechanical, electrical in demand |
| Education | 35,000 – 50,000 | Depends on level & experience |
| Construction | 35,000 – 55,000 | Skilled trades also earn well |
| Retail & Hospitality | 25,000 – 35,000 | Entry-level wages lower |
| Pharmaceuticals & Biotech | 50,000 – 75,000 | Strong multinational presence |
| Transport & Logistics | 30,000 – 45,000 | Professional drivers in demand |
| Agriculture & Farming | 25,000 – 40,000 | Seasonal variations |
Information Technology (IT) salaries 💻
Ireland has become a European hub for tech companies. Big names like Google, Facebook (Meta), Microsoft, and Apple have large operations here. Because of this, IT professionals often enjoy some of the best salaries.
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Software developers usually earn around €55,000 to €65,000 per year.
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Senior roles like data scientists or cloud engineers can go above €70,000.
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Entry-level IT jobs may start at €35,000, but career growth is very fast.
Finance and Banking salaries 💶
Dublin’s International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) is home to hundreds of banks, insurance firms, and investment companies. Finance is another high-paying sector.
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Financial analysts earn around €50,000.
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Accountants can expect €45,000 to €60,000, depending on experience.
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Senior managers and investment bankers often go over €80,000 with bonuses.
Healthcare and medical salaries 🏥
The healthcare industry plays a key role in Ireland. While not always the highest-paying sector, it offers stable jobs and good benefits.
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Nurses earn between €35,000 to €50,000.
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General practitioners (GPs) can earn €65,000+.
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Specialists like surgeons or consultants may go well above €100,000 annually.
Engineering salaries 🏗️
Ireland’s engineering market is growing, especially in civil and mechanical fields due to infrastructure projects.
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Graduate engineers often start at €35,000 to €40,000.
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Experienced engineers earn €50,000 to €65,000.
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Project managers in engineering can cross €70,000.
Education sector salaries 📚
Teaching salaries are decent, though not the highest compared to other industries. Still, many people choose education because of the stable career path.
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Primary school teachers earn around €35,000 to €45,000.
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Secondary school teachers average €40,000 to €50,000.
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University professors and lecturers can earn €55,000+, depending on seniority.
Construction industry salaries 🧱
The construction industry in Ireland has been booming, driven by housing demand and commercial projects.
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General construction workers often earn €30,000 to €40,000.
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Skilled trades like electricians or plumbers can make €40,000 to €55,000.
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Construction managers sometimes reach €70,000.
Retail and hospitality salaries ☕
Retail and hospitality jobs are very common, especially for students and part-time workers. However, the salaries are usually on the lower end.
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Retail sales assistants: €23,000 to €28,000.
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Hotel staff or chefs: €25,000 to €35,000.
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Managers in hospitality can earn closer to €40,000.
Pharmaceuticals and biotech salaries 💊
Ireland is home to many pharmaceutical giants, making it a top-paying industry.
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Lab technicians earn €35,000 to €45,000.
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Research scientists can make €55,000 to €70,000.
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Senior managers often cross €80,000.
Transport and logistics salaries 🚚
With Ireland being an island nation, transport and logistics jobs are crucial.
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Truck drivers typically earn €30,000 to €35,000.
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Logistics coordinators earn around €35,000 to €45,000.
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Senior supply chain managers may get €55,000+.
Agriculture and farming salaries 🌾
Agriculture remains an important part of Ireland’s economy, though the pay is lower compared to urban industries.
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Farm workers usually earn €25,000 to €30,000.
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Skilled roles (machinery, dairy management) can make €35,000 to €40,000.
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Larger agribusiness managers earn more, sometimes €50,000+.
Cost of living vs salary
It’s important to remember that while salaries in Ireland may look attractive, the cost of living is quite high, especially in Dublin. Rent and daily expenses can take a big chunk of income. That’s why jobs in higher-paying sectors like tech, finance, and pharmaceuticals are highly sought after.
Here’s a quick example of average monthly expenses:
| Expense Type | Average Monthly Cost (€) |
|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed apartment, Dublin) | 1,700 – 2,000 |
| Utilities & Internet | 200 – 250 |
| Food & Groceries | 350 – 500 |
| Transport | 120 – 150 |
| Leisure & Other | 200 – 300 |
Tips if you want to work in Ireland
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Research salaries before applying for jobs.
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Don’t forget to check if your employer offers health insurance or pension contributions.
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If you are moving to Dublin, try to negotiate for the higher end of the salary scale because living costs are high.
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Consider cities outside Dublin like Cork, Galway, or Limerick, where salaries are slightly lower but living costs are much cheaper.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is a good salary to live comfortably in Ireland?
A: For a single person, earning around €40,000–€45,000 per year is enough for a decent lifestyle outside Dublin. In Dublin, you may need closer to €50,000+.
Q: Do salaries in Ireland include bonuses?
A: Some industries like finance and tech offer bonuses on top of base salary, but most industries just stick with fixed pay.
Q: Are salaries higher in Dublin compared to other cities?
A: Yes, Dublin offers higher salaries due to demand and the presence of multinational companies. However, the cost of living is also higher.
Q: Can foreigners earn the same as locals in Ireland?
A: Yes, Ireland has strong employment laws. Foreign workers are entitled to the same pay as Irish workers for the same role.
Q: Which industry pays the highest salaries in Ireland?
A: Technology, finance, and pharmaceuticals are consistently the top-paying industries.
✅ Final thought: Salaries in Ireland are quite competitive compared to many countries in Europe. If you’re skilled in tech, finance, or healthcare, the opportunities are excellent. Even in industries with lower pay, Ireland offers stability, good working conditions, and a welcoming environment for workers worldwide.
