Ireland continues to be one of Europe’s most dynamic economies, with strong employment growth, rising wages, and increasing demand for skilled professionals. As the country moves through 2026, job seekers, expatriates, and employers alike are paying close attention to salary trends, cost-of-living changes, and the industries offering the highest earning potential.
This Ireland Salary Guide 2026 provides a detailed and data-driven overview of average salaries, wage trends, pay by job sector, and regional income differences across the country.
Ireland’s Economic Outlook in 2026
Ireland enters 2026 with a stable economic environment supported by strong investment in technology, pharmaceuticals, financial services, logistics, and green energy. Key economic highlights include:
- Steady GDP growth driven by domestic consumption and international investment.
- Low unemployment, averaging around 4–5%, keeping the labor market tight.
- Rising wages as employers compete for talent in high-demand sectors.
- Growth in remote and hybrid jobs, attracting international workers.
However, inflation and rising rents continue to impact real earnings, especially in Dublin and other major cities.
Average Salary in Ireland in 2026
The average annual salary in Ireland in 2026 is estimated to be:
€46,000 – €50,000 per year (gross)
Broken down:
- Entry-level workers: €28,000 – €35,000
- Mid-level professionals: €40,000 – €55,000
- Senior, specialized, or technical roles: €60,000 – €90,000+
Ireland remains one of the top-paying countries in Europe for high-skill occupations, particularly in IT, engineering, finance, and healthcare.
Salaries in Ireland by Sector (2026)
Below is a breakdown of average salaries across major industries:
1. Technology & IT
Ireland’s tech sector remains one of the strongest in Europe.
| Job Role | Average Salary (2026) |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | €50,000 – €75,000 |
| Data Analyst | €48,000 – €68,000 |
| Cloud Engineer | €65,000 – €95,000 |
| Cybersecurity Specialist | €70,000 – €100,000+ |
Demand remains high due to the presence of global tech companies including Google, Meta, Apple, and Microsoft.
2. Finance & Banking
Dublin is a major European financial hub.
| Job Role | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Financial Analyst | €45,000 – €70,000 |
| Accountant | €40,000 – €60,000 |
| Risk Manager | €70,000 – €100,000 |
| Investment Consultant | €65,000 – €120,000 |
Specialists in regulation, auditing, and risk management earn the highest pay.
3. Healthcare
Ireland continues to invest heavily in healthcare infrastructure.
| Job Role | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | €38,000 – €55,000 |
| General Practitioner | €90,000 – €140,000 |
| Pharmacist | €55,000 – €75,000 |
| Healthcare Assistant | €26,000 – €32,000 |
Nursing shortages continue, making healthcare one of the most stable employment sectors.
4. Engineering
Civil, electrical, and mechanical engineers remain in high demand.
| Job Role | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineer | €45,000 – €75,000 |
| Mechanical Engineer | €48,000 – €78,000 |
| Electrical Engineer | €50,000 – €85,000 |
| Project Engineer | €55,000 – €90,000 |
Green energy and infrastructure projects are major salary drivers.
5. Education
Education salaries remain moderate but stable.
| Job Role | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Primary School Teacher | €40,000 – €52,000 |
| Secondary Teacher | €45,000 – €58,000 |
| University Lecturer | €60,000 – €95,000 |
Public school teachers follow government pay scales.
6. Hospitality & Retail
These sectors offer lower salaries but remain important for entry-level workers.
| Job Role | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Retail Sales Assistant | €24,000 – €32,000 |
| Hotel Receptionist | €27,000 – €35,000 |
| Chef | €30,000 – €45,000 |
| Restaurant Manager | €35,000 – €55,000 |
Seasonal variations are common, especially in tourism hotspots.
Regional Salary Differences in Ireland (2026)
Salaries vary significantly by region:
1. Dublin
- Highest wages in the country
- Average salary: €55,000+
- Tech, finance, and consulting pay the most.
2. Cork
- Strong in pharmaceuticals and engineering.
- Average salary: €45,000 – €52,000
3. Galway
- Medical devices and tech growth.
- Average salary: €42,000 – €50,000
4. Limerick
- Engineering, logistics, and manufacturing.
- Average salary: €40,000 – €48,000
5. Rural Areas
- Average salary: €32,000 – €38,000
- Lower wages but more affordable living costs.
Cost of Living in Ireland 2026
Ireland’s cost of living is high, especially for housing. Key expenses include:
Housing
- Dublin rent: €1,800 – €2,500 per month
- Other cities: €1,200 – €1,700 per month
Food & Groceries
- Higher than the EU average by 10–15%.
Transportation
- Public transport remains affordable.
- Car insurance is relatively expensive.
Overall Cost-of-Living Index (Ireland): High
Despite this, strong wages and job opportunities make Ireland attractive for workers.
Top-Paying Jobs in Ireland in 2026
Based on industry demand, the highest-earning careers include:
- Surgeons & Senior Doctors – €150,000+
- IT Directors & Engineering Managers – €120,000 – €160,000
- Investment Managers & Financial Controllers – €100,000 – €150,000
- Software Architects – €100,000 – €130,000
- Data Scientists & Cybersecurity Experts – €90,000 – €120,000
- Legal Professionals (Senior) – €100,000 – €160,000
STEM, finance, and medical professions remain the highest-paying categories.
Wage Trends in Ireland for 2026
Key salary trends include:
- Wage growth averaging 3–5% across most industries.
- Remote work expanding access to higher-paying tech jobs.
- Skills shortages driving higher compensation in STEM sectors.
- Strong demand for multilingual professionals, especially in customer support and tech roles.
- Inflation influencing salary negotiations, especially in major urban areas.
Conclusion
Ireland in 2026 offers some of the best career opportunities in Europe, especially for skilled workers in technology, finance, engineering, and healthcare. Although the cost of living remains high, competitive wages and strong job growth make Ireland an appealing destination for both local and international professionals.
FAQ: Salaries in Ireland 2026
1. What is the average salary in Ireland in 2026?
The average annual salary is approximately €46,000 – €50,000.
2. Which jobs pay the highest in Ireland?
Medical specialists, IT managers, finance executives, and senior engineers earn some of the highest salaries.
3. Is Ireland expensive to live in?
Yes. Housing costs, especially in Dublin, are significantly higher than the EU average.
4. Which Irish city has the highest wages?
Dublin offers the highest salaries across all sectors.
5. Are salaries increasing in 2026?
Yes. Most sectors are experiencing wage growth due to strong economic performance and talent shortages.