The Average Salary in Ireland in 2024: What You Need to Know
Are you planning to work in Ireland in 2024? If so, you might be wondering what the average salary in Ireland is and how it compares to other countries.
According to the CSO, the average weekly earnings in Ireland in the second quarter of 2024 were €1,021.90, up by 3.7% from the same period in 2023. This translates to an average hourly earnings of €25.55 and an average annual gross salary of €53,138.80. However, these figures vary widely depending on the job title, industry, location, and experience level.
In this blog post, we will give you an overview of the Ireland salaries, wage growth, and minimum wage in 2024, based on the latest data from the Central Statistics Office.
As an expat who has worked in several countries, I can tell you that Ireland is one of the most attractive destinations for professionals looking for a high-quality of life and a competitive salary. I moved to Ireland years ago and I was pleasantly surprised by the generous benefits, the friendly culture, and the beautiful scenery. Of course, there are also some challenges, such as the high cost of living, the unpredictable weather, and the complex tax system. But overall, I am very happy with my decision and I would recommend anyone to consider working in Ireland.
Related article: What Is A Good Salary To Live In Dublin, Ireland?
What’s The Average Salary in Ireland?
According to the CSO, the average weekly earnings in Ireland in the second quarter of 2024 were €1,021.90, up by 3.7% from the same period in 2023. This translates to an average hourly earnings of €25.55 and an average annual gross salary of €53,138.80. However, these figures do not take into account the deductions for income tax, social insurance, pension contributions, and other factors that affect the net income of employees.
The average earnings also vary significantly depending on the sector, occupation, gender, age, and location of the workers. Here are some of the key findings from the CSO report:
The highest paying sector was Information and communication, with an average weekly earnings of €1,537.70, followed by Financial, insurance and real estate activities, with €1,426.10.
The lowest paying sector was Accommodation and food service activities, with an average weekly earnings of €405.30, followed by Arts, entertainment, recreation and other service activities, with €495.40.
The average weekly earnings for full-time employees were €1,154.10, while for part-time employees they were €375.20.
The average weekly earnings for men were €1,113.50, while for women they were €923.90, indicating a gender pay gap of 17%.
The average weekly earnings for workers aged 25-34 were €1,057.90, while for workers aged 55-59, they were €1,204.10, indicating a positive correlation between age and earnings.
The average weekly earnings for workers in Dublin were €1,233.90, while for workers in the Border region they were €791.70, indicating a regional disparity in wages.
In-Demand Jobs in Ireland in 2024
Here are some in-demand jobs in Ireland in 2024, along with their average salaries:
- Technology (Information Technology, Government, Marketing, Retail)
- Job titles: Computer Network Architect, IT Coordinator, Network Administrator
- Average salary range: €55,000 – €75,000
- Construction (Trades, Business Development, City Planning, Architecture)
- Job titles: Site Foreman, Electrician, Architect, Interior Design
- Average salary range: €46,372 – €55,000
- Accounting and Finance
- Average salary range: €49,845 – €55,000
- Project Manager – Projects and Change Management
- Average salary range: €55,000 – €75,000
- HR Business Partner
- Average salary range: €55,000 – €80,000
- Chief Information Security Officer
- Average salary range: €55,000 – €80,000
- Chief Technology Officer (Technology)
- Average salary range: €200k – €300k
- International General Counsel – 5+ years (Legal, Risk & Compliance)
- Average salary range: €250K – €300K
- Chief Actuary – 5+ years (Banking & Financial Services)
- Average salary range: €140k – €320k
- Chief Information Officer (Technology)
- Average salary range: €200k – €350k
Curious about the salary in Dublin? Read about salaries in Dublin in the dedicated article.
What Is The Minimum Wage in Ireland?
The minimum wage in Ireland is the lowest amount that an employer can legally pay an employee for their work. The minimum wage is set by the government and reviewed annually by the Low Pay Commission, an independent body that advises the government on the appropriate level of the minimum wage.
As of January 1, 2024, the minimum wage in Ireland is €10.50 per hour, up by 2.4% from €10.25 in 2023. This means that a full-time worker on the minimum wage would earn €420 per week, or €21,840 per year, before deductions. However, the minimum wage may vary depending on the age, experience, and sector of the worker. For example, the minimum wage for an apprentice is €7.35 per hour, while the minimum wage for a worker in the hospitality sector is €9.80 per hour.
The minimum wage in Ireland is one of the highest in the EU, behind only Luxembourg, France, Germany, and the Netherlands. However, the minimum wage is not enough to cover the basic needs of many workers, especially in urban areas where the cost of living is high. According to the Living Wage Technical Group, a voluntary coalition of researchers and civil society groups, the living wage in Ireland in 2023 was €12.30 per hour, or €492 per week, or €25,584 per year. The living wage is the minimum income that a worker needs to afford a socially acceptable standard of living, including housing, food, transport, health, education, and recreation.
Wondering how much you need to rent in Ireland? Check our article! Read our guide on rents in Ireland.
How Does The Average Salary in Ireland Compare to Other Countries?
According to the OECD, the average annual wage in Ireland in 2023 was €46,402, which ranked 8th among the 37 OECD countries. The highest average wage was in Luxembourg, with €62,636, while the lowest was in Mexico, with €15,311. The OECD average wage was €40,712.
However, the average wage does not reflect the purchasing power of the workers, as the cost of living varies across countries. A more accurate measure of the standard of living is the adjusted net disposable income per capita, which takes into account the taxes, social benefits, and price levels of each country. According to the OECD, the adjusted net disposable income per capita in Ireland in 2023 was €31,304, which ranked 9th among the 37 OECD countries. The highest adjusted income was in Switzerland, with €42,300, while the lowest was in Mexico, with €12,850. The OECD average income was €29,016.
Is The Average Salary in Ireland Enough to Live Comfortably?
The answer to this question depends on many factors, such as the lifestyle, preferences, and goals of each individual. However, based on the data and estimates above, we can calculate some scenarios to compare the income and expenses of different types of workers in Ireland.
A single person earning the minimum wage of €10.50 per hour would have a gross monthly income of €1,680, and a net monthly income of €1,482 after taxes and deductions. Their monthly expenses, excluding rent, would be €976.2, leaving them with €505.8 for rent and savings. Assuming they rent a room in a shared apartment for €500, they would have €5.8 left for savings, which is not enough to cover any unexpected expenses or emergencies.
A single person earning the average wage of €25.55 per hour would have a gross monthly income of €4,088, and a net monthly income of €3,162 after taxes and deductions. Their monthly expenses, excluding rent, would be €976.2, leaving them with €2,185.8 for rent and savings. Assuming they rent a one-bedroom apartment in the city center for €1,515, they would have €670.8 left for savings, which is enough to cover some discretionary spending and savings goals.
A family of four earning the average wage of €25.55 per hour per person would have a gross monthly income of €16,352, and a net monthly income of €12,648 after taxes and deductions. Their monthly expenses, excluding rent and insurance, would be €3,419.1, leaving them with €9,228.9 for rent and savings. Assuming they rent a three-bedroom apartment in the city center for €2,564, they would have €6,664.9 left for savings, which is enough to cover a comfortable lifestyle and savings goals.
My Opinion
These scenarios show that the average salary in Ireland is enough to live comfortably for most workers, especially if they have a dual income or live outside the city center. However, the minimum wage in Ireland is not enough to live comfortably for a single person, especially if they live in an expensive area or have dependents. Therefore, workers on the minimum wage may need to supplement their income with other sources, such as social welfare, family support, or side hustles.
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Know more about the cost of living in Ireland
How to Negotiate Your Salary in Ireland?
If you are looking for a job in Ireland, or want to increase your pay in your current job, you need to know how to negotiate your salary effectively. Here are some tips and resources to help you get the best deal possible:
Do Your Research
Before you apply for a job or ask for a raise, you need to know the market rate for your skills, experience, and qualifications. You can use online tools such as Glassdoor, Payscale, or Indeed to find out the average salary for your role, industry, and location. You can also check the salary guides published by recruitment agencies such as Morgan McKinley, Hays, or Robert Walters.
Know Your Value
Besides your research, you also need to know your own value as an employee. You need to highlight your achievements, skills, and contributions that make you stand out from the crowd. Use the STAR method to prepare examples of how you have solved problems. STAR helps craft impactful stories in interviews: Situation, Task, Action, Result. Briefly tell them a challenge, your role, what you did, and the win.
Be Confident and Assertive
When you negotiate your salary, you need to be confident and assertive, but not arrogant or aggressive. You need to communicate your expectations clearly and respectfully, and back them up with evidence and rationale. You also need to listen to the other party’s perspective and be ready to compromise if necessary.
Be Flexible and Realistic
While you should aim high and ask for what you deserve, you also need to be flexible and realistic about your salary expectations. You need to consider the economic situation, the company’s budget, the competition, and the benefits package. Be prepared to walk away if the offer is too low or unacceptable. You can use the NACE calculator to estimate your salary range based on your education, experience, and location.
Final Thoughts About the Average Salary in Ireland
In conclusion, the average salary in Ireland varies across sectors, regions, and demographics. While the overall average annual gross salary is €53,138.80, factors like industry, gender, age, and location significantly impact earnings. The minimum wage, at €10.50 per hour, is among the highest in the EU, yet may not suffice for a comfortable living in certain circumstances. To negotiate effectively, research market rates, know your value, and approach discussions confidently but realistically. Whether considering a move to Ireland or navigating salary negotiations, staying informed is crucial.
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