Jobs in Ireland (With Salaries) — A Complete Guide
Ireland has become one of Europe’s strongest job markets in recent years. The country’s economy benefits from multinational investment, especially in technology, pharmaceuticals, finance, and healthcare. This has created a rich variety of job opportunities — from entry-level roles to high-paying executive positions — with competitive salaries across multiple sectors.
In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore major job categories in Ireland, average salaries by profession, high-paying career paths, and sector trends that job seekers and professionals should know in 2026.
1. Overview: Ireland’s Labour Market
Ireland’s job market has steadily grown, supported by strong foreign direct investment (FDI) and a strong network of multinational companies in tech, finance, and life sciences. In the first half of 2025, Ireland secured commitments to create more than 10,000 new multinational jobs, illustrating continued demand for skilled talent.
Ireland places emphasis on innovation, English-language capability, and strong governmental support for business, making it attractive for workers from around the world.
2. Salary Trends in Ireland
Median and Average Salaries
According to recent job listings and salary studies:
- The average gross advertised salary in Ireland was around €54,928 annually in 2025.
- Dublin consistently shows the highest median salaries due to the concentration of tech, finance, and multinational firms.
- Salaries vary widely by industry, region, and experience level, from entry-level to senior leadership.
3. Average Salaries by Job Category
Tech & IT Sector
The tech industry remains one of the most lucrative in Ireland due to strong demand from both local startups and global firms:
- Software Engineer: ~€55,000–€90,000+ per year
- IT Director / Chief Technology Officer: €120,000–€200,000+
Tech roles often include flexibility like remote or hybrid work, which broadens opportunities for both local and international professionals.
Finance and Business
Ireland’s financial sector — particularly in Dublin — supports a range of jobs:
- Financial Analyst: €50,000–€70,000+
- Accountant: ~€52,000 annually
- Chief Financial Officer (CFO): ~€90,000+
Corporate roles often include bonuses and benefits, especially for senior positions.
Healthcare and Medicine
The healthcare workforce is another major employer:
- Nurse: €45,000–€50,000 approximately
- Medical Consultant (Doctor): €150,000–€250,000+
Senior medical professionals are among the highest paid due to specialized training and workforce demand.
Engineering & Construction
Skill shortages in these fields have pushed salaries higher:
- Mechanical / Civil Engineer: ~€59,000+
- Construction and manufacturing roles have seen significant salary growth due to demand.
Marketing and Creative Fields
Marketing and creative jobs offer competitive mid-range pay:
- Marketing Manager: ~€58,000
- Digital Marketing Manager: Up to ~€75,000
These roles are especially prominent in Dublin’s expanding digital economy.
4. Experience Matters: Salary by Career Stage
Experience strongly impacts earning potential:
- Entry-Level (0–2 years): €32,000–€38,000
- Mid-Level (3–6 years): €45,000–€58,000
- Senior / Executive: €80,000–€140,000+
Senior leadership positions like CEOs, COOs, and R&D Directors often command six-figure salaries, especially in multinational firms.
5. Regional Variations
Ireland’s salaries vary significantly by location:
- Dublin: Highest salaries but also the highest cost of living.
- Cork, Galway, Limerick: Growing sectors with attractive opportunities and lower living costs.
- Waterford: Slightly lower than national averages but increasing demand in technology and logistics.
6. Popular Job Sectors & Growth Areas
Technology & Digital Innovation
Tech continues to grow as Ireland’s largest and most competitive employment sector, supported by cloud computing, AI, and cybersecurity roles.
Healthcare & Life Sciences
Pharmaceuticals and healthcare investments drive demand for medical professionals and research roles.
Finance and Legal Services
Dublin’s financial district is a major European hub for banking, accounting, and corporate law.
Construction & Manufacturing
Infrastructure growth continues to increase demand for engineers, project managers, and skilled technicians.
7. How to Improve Salary Prospects
To increase your chances of securing a higher salary in Ireland:
- Develop specialized skills (e.g., AI, cloud computing, biotech).
- Gain industry certifications (e.g., ACCA for accounting, PMP for project management).
- Network with professionals through LinkedIn and local meetups.
- Negotiate benefits beyond base salary (health insurance, pension, bonuses).
These strategies are frequently recommended in job market research for Ireland.
Conclusion
Ireland offers a wide spectrum of job opportunities with competitive salaries driven by multinational investments and evolving industries. Whether you are a graduate, an experienced professional, or considering relocation, Ireland’s dynamic job market — especially in tech, healthcare, finance, and engineering — provides diverse career paths with strong earning potential.
This article has outlined average salaries by sector, regional differences, and high-paying careers, backed by recent data and reliable sources ideal for anyone seeking to work or build a career in Ireland.
Sources
Data in this article was compiled from:
- Salary and job sector analysis by UpGrad & IrishJobs trends.
- Job role salary breakdowns from GGIMS and Dublin.ie career resources.
- High-paying professions lists from IrishEuro and Indeed Ireland.
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