When considering a move, understanding the average salary in Ireland is the single most critical step in your planning. The current average full-time gross annual salary in Ireland sits around €52,000.
Ireland serves as the premier EU operational hub for global tech, finance, and pharmaceutical giants. With the national employment rate for those aged 15–64 hitting an impressive 74.7% in 2025, the opportunities for stable employment are undeniable.
Yet, the true challenge in today’s high-inflation climate is ensuring your individual earning power can confidently guarantee the financial stability you need to thrive. This guide moves beyond generalities. By delivering precise, updated salary ranges across high-growth sectors like Tech, Finance, Pharma, and Engineering, we give you the essential, actionable data to calculate your true potential and plan your move with absolute confidence.
What’s the Average Salary in Ireland in 2026/2027?
All employees in Ireland are entitled to a minimum wage under the National Minimum Wage Act 2000. On that note, here’s a look at the average salary in Ireland in 2026-27.
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Natural Average Salary (Latest Official Figures)
From January 1, 2025, the national minimum wage in Ireland is set at EUR 13.50 (INR 1390.41) per hour. A few employees also receive sub-minimum rates, such as those under 20 years of age.
It is also important to note that an employer can pay you a higher salary than the national average salary in Ireland. You are advised not to agree to be paid less than the minimum wage or to perform unpaid work.
Earlier, it was also announced that the minimum wage will increase from January 1, 2026. Therefore, the national minimum wage for individuals aged 20 and over will increase by EUR 0.65 to EUR 14.15 (INR 66.95 to INR 1457.35) per hour.
Regional Variations (Dublin vs other Cities)
While there is an average salary in Ireland per month, actual salaries often vary by region. For instance, the remuneration you receive in Dublin, the capital city, will be quite different from that in Cork, Limerick, or Galway.
On that note, let’s look at the minimum wage in Ireland 2026 across the top five cities, as shown in the table below:
| City Name | Average Annual Salary |
| Dublin | EUR 26,000 – EUR 44,000(INR 26,62,192- INR 45,05,248) |
| Cork | EUR 43,000(INR 44,02,856) |
| Limerick | EUR 33,000 – EUR 36,000(INR 33,78,936- INR 36,86,112) |
| Galway | EUR 40,000(INR 40,95,680) |
| Waterford | EUR 39,000(INR 39,93,288) |
*The salary range may vary depending on industry, level of experience, or location. INR values are based on an exchange rate of EUR 1 = INR 102.4.
Source: Payscale, Glassdoor.
Impact of Inflation on Salaries
As of 2025, the inflation rate in Ireland is 1.6%, down from a rate of 4.9% over 18 months ago. This is also below the rate across several European states. However, the inflationary pressure remains high in several areas, such as housing, energy, and essential goods. For employees, this means that even if nominal salaries rise, the actual value of their earnings can be affected. Companies may adjust salaries more cautiously, while employees need to consider not just the gross pay but also how far that income will stretch in day-to-day living expenses.fc
Average Salary in Ireland by Industry
The average salary in Ireland also varies by industry, with high-demand fields like technology, finance, healthcare, and legal services offering the most competitive pay. International students should choose their study courses in Ireland wisely to receive better salaries.
Highest-Paying Industries in 2026
Technology, financial services, life sciences, and legal services are some of the highest-paying industries in Ireland. The following table shows details of the average annual salaries these industries offer:
| Industry | Average Annual Salary | Roles |
| Technology (Permanent & Contract) | EUR 80,000 to EUR 130,000 (INR 82,28,640 to INR 13,371,540) | Software Engineers, Cloud Architects, Data Scientists, AI Specialists |
| Financial Services | EUR 75,000 to EUR 120,000 (INR 77,14,350 to INR 12,342,960) | Investment Analysts, Risk Managers, Compliance Officers |
| Life Sciences | EUR 70,000 to EUR 115,000 (INR 72,00,060 to 11,828,670) | Regulatory Affairs Managers, R&D Scientists, QA/QC Managers |
| Legal | EUR 65,000 to EUR 110,000 (INR 66,85,770 to INR 11,314,380) | Corporate Lawyers, Legal Counsels, Compliance Specialists |
| Engineering | EUR 60,000 to EUR 100,000 (INR 61,71,480 to INR 10,285,800) | Project Engineers, Design Engineers, Process Managers |
*The salary range may vary depending on industry, level of experience, or location.
Lowest-Paying Industries
A few industries in Ireland have yet to raise the bar in terms of salaries. These sectors experience slower wage growth and higher staff turnover, though inflation-linked increases and flexible work benefits are common retention tools. Here’s a table showing the salary details for these industries:
| Industry | Average Annual Salary | Roles |
| Hospitality & Catering | EUR 28,000 to EUR 38,000 (INR 28,80,024 to INR 39,08,604) | Chefs, Hotel Supervisors, Food Service Managers |
| Retail / Consumer | EUR 30,000 to EUR 40,000 (INR 30,85,740 to 41,14,320) | Store Managers, Merchandisers, Retail Sales |
| Warehouse & Distribution | EUR 32,000 to EUR 42,000 (INR 32,91,456 to INR 43,20,036) | Warehouse Operators, Team Leads, Logistics Clerks |
| Office Support / Administration | EUR 33,000 to EUR 45,000 (INR 33,94,314 to INR 46,28,610) | Executive Assistants, Administrators, Office Managers |
| Production & Manufacturing (Entry-Level) | EUR 34,000 to EUR 44,000 (INR 34,97,172 to INR 45,25,752) | Operators, Supervisors, Technicians |
*The salary range may vary depending on industry, level of experience, or location.
Emerging Sectors
If you want the fastest salary acceleration (4–6% annually), the emerging sectors are an excellent choice. These industries, such as technology, healthcare, or life sciences, are often driven by investments in sustainability, AI, and healthcare infrastructure. The table below shows the average annual salaries these emerging sectors offer in Ireland:
| Sector | 2026 Average Salary Range | Roles |
| Technology (AI, Data, Cybersecurity) | EUR 70,000 to EUR 120,000 (INR 72,00,060 to INR 12,342,960) | AI Engineers, Data Analysts, Cybersecurity Specialists |
| Green Energy & Sustainability | EUR 60,000 – EUR 100,000 (INR 61,71,480 to 10,285,800) | Energy Analysts, ESG Managers, Environmental Engineers |
| Healthcare & Life Sciences | EUR 55,000 to EUR 110,000 (INR 56,57,190 to INR 11,314,380) | Biomedical Scientists, Clinical Research Managers, Medical Device Engineers |
Salary by Job Type & Experience
The Ireland average salary also varies by job type and experience. For instance, if you are working in the tech and finance sectors, you will generally earn more than those in education or hospitality. Senior-level employees and specialists in Ireland also receive higher compensation than entry-level workers.
Let’s take a look at the average salary in Ireland based on various job types and experience.
Full-Time vs. Part-Time Salaries
There are major differences between full-time and part-time salaries in Ireland. These differences are often determined by the number of hours worked, low or high salary courses, the level of responsibility, and the benefits offered.
The following table shows the average salary in Ireland for 2026 for both full-time and part-time professionals:
| Employment Type | Average Annual Salary |
| Full-Time (Standard 37–40 hrs/week) | EUR 52,000 to EUR 68,000 (INR 53,48,616 to 69,94,344) |
| Part-Time (20–30 hrs/week) | EUR 24,000 to EUR 32,000 (INR 24,68,592 to 32,91,456) |
| Contract / Temporary Roles | EUR 60,000 to EUR 85,000 (INR 61,71,480 to 87,42,930) |
Graduate & Entry-Level Roles
Graduates entering the tech and life sciences fields have seen consistent pay growth, reflecting skill shortages and international investment. Here is a list of the average salaries in Ireland for graduate and entry-level roles.
| Sector | Graduate / Entry-Level Salary (2026 est.) | Roles |
| Technology | EUR 33,000 to EUR 42,000 (INR 33,94,314 to INR 43,20,036) | Junior Software Developer, IT Support Analyst |
| Finance & Accounting | EUR 30,000 to EUR 38,000 (INR 30,85,740 to INR 39,08,604) | Accounts Assistant, Junior Analyst |
| Life Sciences | EUR 32,000 to EUR 40,000(INR 32,91,456 to INR 41,14,320) | Lab Technician, Clinical Trial Assistant |
| Engineering | EUR 33,000 to EUR 41,000 (INR 33,94,314 to INR 42,17,178) | Graduate Engineer, CAD Technician |
| Retail / Hospitality | EUR 26,000 to EUR 32,000 (INR 26,72,618 to INR 32,89,376) | Store Assistant, Trainee Manager, Hotel Receptionist |
| Healthcare | EUR 32,000 to EUR 36,000 (INR 32,89,376 to INR 37,00,548) | Staff Nurse, Healthcare Assistant |
Mid-Level vs. Senior Positions
Professionals in mid-level positions usually have several years of experience. This also means these people can handle more complex tasks than entry-level employees. Most of the time, they manage small teams or projects across organizations.
Senior positions, on the other hand, involve strategic decision-making and larger team oversight. This is often reflected in significantly higher salaries and additional benefits.
The following table shows the average salaries in Ireland for mid-level and senior-level professionals:
| Experience Level | Average Salary Range (2026 est.) | Roles |
| Mid-Level (3–7 years) | EUR 50,000 to EUR 75,000 (INR 51,39,650 to INR 77,09,475) | Project Manager, Marketing Executive, Finance Analyst |
| Senior (8–15 years) | EUR 75,000 to EUR 110,000 (INR 77,09,475 to INR 11,307,230) | Senior Engineer, HR Business Partner, Senior Financial Controller |
| Director / Head of Function | EUR 110,000 to EUR 160,000 (INR 11,307,230 to INR 16,446,880) | Operations Director, Head of Legal, CTO, VP of Sales |
Popular Job Roles
Software engineers, finance professionals, and senior healthcare staff are among the most in-demand and well-compensated roles in Ireland. On that note, here is a list of popular job roles along with their respective salaries in Ireland:
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Experience Level | Sector |
| Nurse (Staff / Registered) | EUR 38,000 to EUR 55,000 (INR 39,06,134 to INR 56,53,615) | 1–7 years | Healthcare |
| Software Engineer | EUR 65,000 to EUR 95,000(INR 66,81,545 to INR 97,65,335) | 3–10 years | Technology |
| Teacher (Primary / Secondary) | EUR 40,000 to EUR 65,000 (INR 41,11,720 to INR 66,81,545) | 2–15 years | Education |
| Marketing Executive | EUR 45,000 to EUR 80,000 (INR 46,25,685 to INR 82,23,440) | 3–10 years | Marketing |
| Finance Manager | EUR 50,000 to EUR 90,000 (INR 51,39,650 to INR 92,51,370) | 5–12 years | Finance |
| Sales Executive | EUR 45,000 to EUR 85,000 (INR 46,25,685 to 87,37,405) | 3–10 years | Sales / Commercial |
| Project Engineer | EUR 55,000 to EUR 95,000 (INR 56,53,615 to 97,65,335) | 4–12 years | Engineering |
| HR Manager | EUR 60,000 to EUR 95,000 (INR 61,67,580 to 97,65,335) | 5–12 years | Human Resources |
Cost of Living vs. Salary in Ireland
The average cost of living in Ireland is 262.2% higher than in India. The average rent is also 879.1% higher than in India. The cost of living in the country varies by region, with Dublin being the most expensive. While average salaries for several jobs in Dublin are usually higher, much of the increase is offset by higher housing, food, and transportation costs.
ROI Overview:
- High ROI: Skilled professionals and postgraduates in high-demand sectors often recover costs within 1–2 years through better pay and job security.
- Moderate ROI: Students and early-career professionals may face tight budgets initially but benefit in the long term through exposure, experience, and career mobility.
Housing, Food, and Transport
Here are some of the current home, food, and transport costs in the country that every Indian student should be aware of:
| Category | Item | Average Cost (€ / ₹) |
| Housing (Monthly Rent) | 1-Bedroom Apartment (City Centre) | €1,500 / ₹1,53,315 |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside City) | €1,150 / ₹1,17,532 | |
| Monthly Utilities | Basic (Electricity, Heat, Water, Garbage) | €230 / ₹23,507 |
| Dining Out | Meal for two (Mid-Range Restaurant) | €85 / ₹8,688 |
| Total Estimated Monthly Living | (Excl. Tuition and Rent) | €10,000 / ₹10,22,050 |
The €10,000 annual financial requirement is the mandatory minimum set by the Irish Immigration Service for visa-required students (rate subject to change).
The itemized monthly costs for Housing, Utilities, and Dining are representative estimates for living in high-cost urban areas (Dublin, Cork) and are based on aggregated data from major international cost-of-living indices.
Primary Official Source:
International Salary Comparisons
Salaries for similar roles can differ greatly across countries due to variations in the labour market conditions and economic strength. Professionals in Ireland and the U.S. usually earn the highest salaries, which often reflect Western living costs. On the other hand, salaries in other European countries like the U.K. remain competitive but are slightly lower than their American counterparts. In contrast, salaries in India are considerably lower when converted to INR, as shown in the table below:
| Country | Avg. Annual Salary (Local Currency) |
| Ireland | EUR 13.50 per hour (INR 1390.41) per annum |
| UK | GBP 40,000 per annum (INR 47,29,680) per annum |
| India | INR 7,00,000 per annum |
| US | USD 40,090 to USD 89,800 per annum(INR 35,27,875 to 79,02,301) per annum |
Find Job Opportunities in Ireland
Ireland offers multiple job opportunities for international students. The country has multiple industries and sectors that often seek professionals with relevant academic knowledge and expertise. However, you must be aware of the average salary in Ireland to ensure it aligns with your financial goals and overall career growth. This involves analysing the salaries based on industry, experience level, and location, as discussed in this guide.
Ready to take the next step toward your education and earn that impressive average salary in Ireland? Leap Scholar is here to guide you every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the minimum wage in Ireland?
Since January 1, 2025, the national minimum wage in Ireland is EUR 13.50 (INR 1,383) per hour. A few people also receive sub-minimum rates, such as those under 20 years of age.
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How much tax do I pay on my salary in Ireland?
The first part of your income, up to a certain amount, is currently taxed at 20%. This is known as the standard rate of tax, and the amount it applies to is called the standard rate tax band. The rest of your income is taxed at the higher rate of 40%.
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What is the average salary for a software engineer in Ireland?
The average salary for a software engineer in Ireland is EUR 71,000 per year or EUR 34 per hour. Top earners can make up to EUR 115,000, while the usual pay range is between EUR 55,475 and EUR 89,125 annually.
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How does the Irish salary compare to other European countries?
Average salaries often differ widely across Europe. Currently, the minimum salary in Ireland is EUR 13.50 (INR 1,383).
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Is the average salary in Ireland enough to live comfortably?
Yes, the average salary in Ireland is generally enough to live comfortably. However, it can be challenging in expensive cities like Dublin, where the cost of living is high and rent is the most significant expense.
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What are the best-paying jobs in Ireland for international students?
Ireland offers various opportunities for international students, particularly in terms of pay. Some of the best-paying jobs in the country include surgeons and doctors, bank managers, marketing directors, and college professors.
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What are the typical benefits included with a salary in Ireland?
Common employee benefits in Ireland include statutory entitlements such as paid annual leave, sick leave, and mandatory pension contributions. Many employers also offer additional benefits like health insurance, life assurance, income protection, and perks such as gym memberships or cycle-to-work schemes to attract and retain staff.
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How much can I expect to earn as a nurse in Ireland?
The average annual salary for a nurse in Ireland is EUR 41,000 per year, or EUR 20 per hour. Top earners can make up to EUR 60,300, while the typical pay range is between EUR 36,500 and EUR 53,000 annually.
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