Salary & Labour Market Insights
What do careers actually pay in Ireland? Which sectors are hiring? Where are the skills shortages? This page gives you real, up-to-date data so you can make informed decisions about your future — not just follow the crowd.
Why “Average Salary” Can Be Misleading
When you hear that Ireland's average salary is €52,600, that sounds impressive. But the median — the actual middle point where half earn more and half earn less — is around €38,000. That's a €14,600 gap.
This happens because high earners in tech multinationals and pharma pull the average upward. A software engineer at Google in Dublin might earn €95,000+, while a retail worker earns €26,000. Both are counted in the same average.
For students planning their careers, the median is a more honest number. It tells you what a typical worker in each sector actually takes home — and that's the figure we focus on throughout this page.
In 2026, most graduate programmes pay between €30,000 and €42,000 depending on sector. Engineering graduates average €39,000, while tech and finance graduates often start at €35,000–€45,000. Entry-level hospitality and retail roles start closer to €24,000–€28,000.
Median Advertised Salary by Industry (2025)
These figures are based on median advertised salaries from IrishJobs' analysis of 1.3 million job adverts across the Irish labour market. They represent what employers are actually offering, not just what people hope to earn.
Source: IrishJobs Salary & Benefits Trends 2026, based on 1.3 million job adverts. Figures show median advertised gross annual salary.
Sectors Hiring & Skills Shortages in 2026
Ireland faces what recruiters call a “skills wall” — strong job demand but a shortage of qualified workers. These are the sectors with the most persistent gaps and the strongest hiring activity right now.
Technology & AI
Critical ShortageIreland is one of Europe's top tech hubs, with Google, Meta, Microsoft, Apple, and hundreds of startups based here. AI-related roles now account for 11% of all Irish job postings.
Healthcare
Critical ShortageHealthcare is projected to generate the largest number of new jobs over the next decade. Ireland actively recruits internationally, with over 7,900 health-sector employment permits issued in 2025 alone.
Construction
Very High DemandIreland needs 284,000 skilled construction workers under Project Ireland 2040, with a current 30–40% deficit in roles like carpentry, plumbing, and surveying. Civil engineering roles are the hardest to fill in the country.
Pharma & Life Sciences
Very High DemandIreland hosts 9 of the world's top 10 pharmaceutical companies. Pharma and chemicals account for around 60% of Irish exports. Quality control, regulatory, and manufacturing roles are consistently in demand.
Finance & Business
High DemandOver 100,000 people work in business and finance across Ireland. Dublin is home to major international banks, insurers, and fintech companies. Compliance and regulatory roles have seen the sharpest salary growth.
Engineering
Critical ShortageEngineering roles are among the hardest to fill in Ireland, with electrical engineering posts open 60+ days nearly half the time. Green energy and infrastructure projects are driving new demand.
What Graduates Actually Earn
The average graduate programme salary in Ireland in 2026 is around €34,000–€38,000, but this varies hugely by sector. STEM and business graduates tend to start higher, while arts, hospitality, and retail roles start lower.
Keep in mind that starting salary isn't everything. Career progression speed, job security, pension contributions, and quality of life all matter. A teacher starting at €38,000 on a guaranteed pay scale may out-earn a €42,000 startup job within five years thanks to increments and stability.
Experience level has the biggest impact on earnings. Entry-level roles pay €30K–€38K. Mid-career with 5–8 years jumps to €50K–€65K. Senior roles with 10+ years regularly exceed €70K–€80K, especially in tech, finance, and engineering.
Typical Graduate Starting Salaries (2026)
Sources: Glassdoor Graduate Programme data April 2026, Engineers Ireland Salary Report 2026, gradireland, CSO EAADS.
Key Labour Market Trends for 2026
The Irish job market is strong but changing. These are the trends that will shape career decisions for students entering the workforce in the next 2–5 years.
AI Is Reshaping Every Sector
Around 70% of Irish workers already use AI tools at least monthly — the highest rate among developed economies. AI-related roles now make up 11% of all job postings. Students who understand how to work alongside AI will have a significant advantage regardless of their chosen career.
Hybrid Work Is the New Baseline
41% of candidates now rule out roles without flexible working options. Hybrid and remote work are firmly established across IT, marketing, finance, and support roles. This also means regional cities like Cork, Galway, and Limerick are becoming more viable career bases.
Skills Shortages Are Acute
96% of Irish employers reported skills shortages in 2025, the highest difficulty level in two decades. This means graduates with in-demand skills have real leverage — but it also means employers are increasingly selective and want proof of capability, not just qualifications.
Wages Are Rising, But So Is the Cost of Living
Average weekly earnings grew 3.1% year-on-year in Q4 2025, and 58% of workers received a pay rise. However, Ireland is the second most expensive country in the EU for goods and services. A €50,000 salary in Dublin buys less than €40,000 in Limerick.
Green Jobs Are Growing Fast
Renewable energy, sustainable construction, and environmental engineering are driving new roles. Ireland's climate targets mean this sector will only grow. Students interested in STEM with a sustainability angle are well-positioned.
Youth Unemployment Remains Higher
While overall unemployment is 4.6%, youth unemployment (ages 15–24) sits at 12.4%. This reinforces the importance of work experience, relevant skills, and career planning during senior cycle — standing out matters more when competition is higher.
“Ireland does not have a jobs problem. It has a skills problem. This is still a strong jobs market, but it is becoming harder and more expensive for employers to hire.”
What This Means for Your Career Planning
Frequently Asked Questions
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