Salary Expectations in Ireland: Complete Guide by Profession (2025)
Understanding salary expectations in Ireland is crucial whether you’re considering a move, negotiating a job offer, or planning your budget. Irish salaries differ significantly from US, UK, and other countries, and high tax rates mean the difference between gross and take-home pay is substantial.
This guide provides realistic salary ranges for common professions in Ireland, explains how much you’ll actually take home after tax, compares salaries across different cities, and shows you how to negotiate effectively. You’ll understand what constitutes a good salary in Ireland and whether a job offer makes financial sense for your situation.
Understanding Irish salaries
Gross vs net (take-home) pay
The gap is significant:
- Gross salary: What’s stated in your contract
- Net salary: What actually lands in your bank account
- Tax takes 30-48% for most workers
Tax components:
- Income tax: 20% up to €42,000, then 40%
- USC (Universal Social Charge): 0.5% to 8% (progressive)
- PRSI (Pay Related Social Insurance): 4%
- Total effective rate: 35-48% for most earners
Example:
- Gross: €50,000/year
- Take-home: ~€35,000/year (€2,917/month)
- Tax: 30%
Example 2:
- Gross: €80,000/year
- Take-home: ~€52,000/year (€4,333/month)
- Tax: 35%
Use tax calculator: Revenue.ie has official calculator
What you get for your taxes
Public services funded:
- Public healthcare (free hospital care, subsidized GP visits)
- Education (free primary/secondary, heavily subsidized university)
- Social welfare safety net
- Roads and infrastructure
- Public services
Employment benefits:
- 20-25 days minimum annual leave (legally)
- 9 public holidays
- Maternity leave (26 weeks paid by state)
- Sick pay protections
- Redundancy protections
Reality: Higher taxes than US, but more comprehensive social services.
Regional differences
Dublin (highest):
- Salaries 10-20% higher than national average
- But cost of living 30-50% higher
- Net effect: Often worse off financially
Cork, Galway, Limerick:
- Salaries 5-15% below Dublin
- Cost of living 25-40% below Dublin
- Often better quality of life financially
Smaller towns/rural:
- Salaries 20-30% below Dublin
- Cost of living 40-50% below Dublin
- Excellent value if jobs available
Key point: Location matters more for cost of living than salary differences.
Salary ranges by profession
Technology and IT
Software Engineering:
- Junior/Graduate (0-2 years): €35,000-€50,000
- Software Engineer (2-5 years): €50,000-€75,000
- Senior Software Engineer (5-8 years): €75,000-€100,000
- Staff/Principal Engineer (8+ years): €100,000-€150,000
- Engineering Manager: €90,000-€140,000
- Director of Engineering: €120,000-€200,000
Data Science:
- Junior Data Analyst: €32,000-€45,000
- Data Analyst: €45,000-€65,000
- Data Scientist: €55,000-€90,000
- Senior Data Scientist: €85,000-€120,000
- ML Engineer: €60,000-€110,000
DevOps/Infrastructure:
- Junior DevOps: €35,000-€50,000
- DevOps Engineer: €55,000-€85,000
- Senior DevOps/SRE: €80,000-€110,000
- Cloud Architect: €90,000-€130,000
Product/Design:
- Product Manager: €55,000-€90,000
- Senior Product Manager: €85,000-€120,000
- UX Designer: €40,000-€70,000
- Senior UX Designer: €70,000-€95,000
IT Support/Admin:
- IT Support Technician: €28,000-€40,000
- System Administrator: €35,000-€55,000
- Network Engineer: €45,000-€75,000
- IT Manager: €60,000-€95,000
Healthcare
Doctors:
- Junior Doctor (intern): €38,000
- Registrar: €60,000-€80,000
- Consultant: €120,000-€220,000
- GP (self-employed): €80,000-€150,000
Nursing:
- Staff Nurse: €33,000-€50,000
- Senior Staff Nurse: €45,000-€58,000
- Clinical Nurse Manager: €52,000-€70,000
- Director of Nursing: €70,000-€95,000
Allied Health:
- Physiotherapist: €35,000-€55,000
- Occupational Therapist: €35,000-€55,000
- Pharmacist: €40,000-€65,000
- Radiographer: €38,000-€58,000
- Medical Scientist: €35,000-€55,000
Healthcare Admin:
- Healthcare Assistant: €25,000-€32,000
- Medical Secretary: €28,000-€38,000
- Practice Manager: €35,000-€55,000
Finance and Accounting
Accounting:
- Accounts Assistant: €28,000-€38,000
- Accountant: €40,000-€60,000
- Senior Accountant: €55,000-€75,000
- Finance Manager: €65,000-€95,000
- Financial Controller: €80,000-€120,000
- CFO: €120,000-€250,000+
Financial Services:
- Financial Analyst: €40,000-€65,000
- Investment Analyst: €50,000-€85,000
- Risk Manager: €60,000-€95,000
- Compliance Officer: €45,000-€75,000
- Actuary: €55,000-€100,000
Banking:
- Bank Teller: €25,000-€32,000
- Personal Banker: €30,000-€42,000
- Relationship Manager: €45,000-€75,000
- Branch Manager: €55,000-€85,000
Engineering (Non-IT)
Mechanical/Electrical/Civil:
- Graduate Engineer: €32,000-€42,000
- Engineer (3-5 years): €45,000-€65,000
- Senior Engineer (5-10 years): €65,000-€90,000
- Principal Engineer: €85,000-€120,000
- Engineering Manager: €75,000-€110,000
Specialized:
- Biomedical Engineer: €40,000-€75,000
- Process Engineer (pharma): €45,000-€80,000
- Project Engineer: €50,000-€80,000
- Quality Engineer: €40,000-€70,000
Business and Management
Management:
- Team Leader/Supervisor: €35,000-€50,000
- Manager: €50,000-€75,000
- Senior Manager: €75,000-€110,000
- Director: €100,000-€180,000
- General Manager: €90,000-€150,000
Sales:
- Sales Executive: €30,000-€45,000 (+ commission)
- Account Manager: €40,000-€65,000 (+ commission)
- Sales Manager: €55,000-€85,000 (+ commission)
- Business Development: €45,000-€80,000 (+ commission)
Marketing:
- Marketing Assistant: €28,000-€38,000
- Marketing Executive: €35,000-€50,000
- Marketing Manager: €50,000-€75,000
- Head of Marketing: €75,000-€120,000
- Digital Marketing Specialist: €35,000-€60,000
HR:
- HR Assistant: €28,000-€38,000
- HR Generalist: €35,000-€50,000
- HR Manager: €50,000-€75,000
- Head of HR: €75,000-€110,000
Operations:
- Operations Coordinator: €30,000-€42,000
- Operations Manager: €45,000-€70,000
- Supply Chain Manager: €55,000-€85,000
- Logistics Manager: €45,000-€70,000
Legal
Solicitors:
- Newly Qualified: €35,000-€50,000
- Solicitor (3-5 years): €50,000-€75,000
- Senior Solicitor (5-10 years): €75,000-€110,000
- Partner: €100,000-€250,000+
Legal Support:
- Legal Secretary: €28,000-€38,000
- Paralegal: €28,000-€42,000
- Compliance Officer: €40,000-€65,000
Education
Teachers:
- Primary Teacher: €38,000-€69,000 (scale based on years)
- Secondary Teacher: €40,000-€72,000 (scale based on years)
- Principal (Primary): €72,000-€95,000
- Principal (Secondary): €85,000-€115,000
Higher Education:
- Lecturer (University): €45,000-€75,000
- Senior Lecturer: €75,000-€95,000
- Professor: €95,000-€140,000
Other Education:
- Special Needs Assistant: €25,000-€35,000
- School Secretary: €25,000-€35,000
Construction and Trades
Trades:
- Apprentice: €15,000-€25,000 (rising with year)
- Qualified Electrician: €35,000-€55,000
- Qualified Plumber: €35,000-€55,000
- Carpenter: €32,000-€50,000
- Bricklayer: €32,000-€50,000
Construction Management:
- Site Supervisor: €40,000-€60,000
- Site Manager: €50,000-€75,000
- Project Manager: €60,000-€95,000
- Quantity Surveyor: €40,000-€75,000
Hospitality and Retail
Hospitality:
- Waiter/Waitress: €22,000-€28,000 (+ tips)
- Bartender: €23,000-€30,000 (+ tips)
- Chef de Partie: €28,000-€38,000
- Sous Chef: €32,000-€45,000
- Head Chef: €40,000-€65,000
- Hotel Manager: €40,000-€70,000
Retail:
- Retail Assistant: €22,000-€28,000
- Supervisor: €26,000-€35,000
- Store Manager: €32,000-€50,000
- Area Manager: €45,000-€70,000
Public Sector
Civil Service:
- Clerical Officer: €28,000-€42,000
- Executive Officer: €37,000-€52,000
- Higher Executive Officer: €48,000-€67,000
- Assistant Principal: €67,000-€87,000
- Principal Officer: €87,000-€110,000
Note: Public sector salaries on fixed scales, good pensions, excellent job security.
Media and Creative
Journalism:
- Junior Journalist: €25,000-€35,000
- Journalist: €32,000-€50,000
- Senior Journalist: €45,000-€70,000
- Editor: €55,000-€90,000
Creative:
- Graphic Designer: €28,000-€48,000
- Senior Designer: €45,000-€70,000
- Creative Director: €65,000-€100,000
- Copywriter: €30,000-€55,000
What’s considered a good salary in Ireland?
By individual standards
Entry level / Early career:
- €30,000-€35,000: Acceptable starting point
- €35,000-€45,000: Good starting salary
- €45,000+: Excellent for early career
Mid-career (5-10 years):
- €45,000-€55,000: Below average
- €55,000-€70,000: Good, comfortable living
- €70,000-€90,000: Very good
- €90,000+: Excellent
Senior/Experienced (10+ years):
- €70,000-€85,000: Moderate
- €85,000-€110,000: Good
- €110,000-€150,000: Very good
- €150,000+: Excellent
By lifestyle affordability
Dublin:
- €35,000: Struggle (need roommates, tight budget)
- €50,000: Comfortable single person (careful budgeting)
- €70,000: Comfortable single person (some savings)
- €90,000+: Comfortable with discretionary income
Cork/Galway:
- €30,000: Manageable single person (budget carefully)
- €40,000: Comfortable single person
- €55,000: Comfortable with savings
- €70,000+: Very comfortable
Household income needed:
- Single person, Dublin: €45,000+ for comfort
- Single person, regional: €35,000+ for comfort
- Couple, Dublin: €70,000+ combined
- Couple, regional: €55,000+ combined
- Family (2 kids), Dublin: €90,000+ combined
- Family (2 kids), regional: €70,000+ combined
National statistics context
Average salary (Ireland):
- Mean salary: ~€45,000 (skewed by high earners)
- Median salary: ~€38,000 (half earn more, half less)
- Most common: €30,000-€50,000 range
What this means:
- €50,000+ puts you above average
- €70,000+ puts you in top 30%
- €100,000+ puts you in top 10%
Reality check: Many people earn €30,000-€40,000 and manage fine outside Dublin.
Take-home pay examples
€30,000 gross salary
Monthly breakdown:
- Gross: €2,500/month
- Income tax: €250
- USC: €75
- PRSI: €100
- Net: €2,075/month (€24,900/year)
- Take-home: 83%
Realistic for:
- Entry-level roles
- Retail, hospitality
- Some admin roles
- Outside Dublin
€40,000 gross salary
Monthly breakdown:
- Gross: €3,333/month
- Income tax: €467
- USC: €133
- PRSI: €133
- Net: €2,600/month (€31,200/year)
- Take-home: 78%
Realistic for:
- Graduate roles
- Many professional jobs
- Comfortable outside Dublin
- Tight in Dublin
€50,000 gross salary
Monthly breakdown:
- Gross: €4,167/month
- Income tax: €800
- USC: €208
- PRSI: €167
- Net: €2,992/month (€35,900/year)
- Take-home: 72%
Realistic for:
- Mid-level professionals
- Engineers, accountants
- Some tech roles
- Comfortable regionally, manageable Dublin
€70,000 gross salary
Monthly breakdown:
- Gross: €5,833/month
- Income tax: €1,633
- USC: €367
- PRSI: €233
- Net: €3,600/month (€43,200/year)
- Take-home: 62%
Realistic for:
- Senior professionals
- Tech, finance, management
- Comfortable even in Dublin
- Can save meaningfully
€100,000 gross salary
Monthly breakdown:
- Gross: €8,333/month
- Income tax: €2,900
- USC: €600
- PRSI: €333
- Net: €4,500/month (€54,000/year)
- Take-home: 54%
Realistic for:
- Senior tech, finance
- Managers, directors
- Very comfortable anywhere
- Significant saving potential
€150,000 gross salary
Monthly breakdown:
- Gross: €12,500/month
- Income tax: €5,200
- USC: €950
- PRSI: €500
- Net: €5,850/month (€70,200/year)
- Take-home: 47%
Realistic for:
- Directors, VPs
- Senior tech (FAANG)
- Medical consultants
- Excellent income
Cost of living context
Dublin monthly expenses (single person)
On €50,000 (€2,992 net/month):
- Rent (1-bed, shared): €1,000-€1,400
- Rent (own 1-bed): €1,800-€2,200
- Groceries: €300-€400
- Transport: €135 (Leap Card) or €150 petrol
- Utilities: €100-€150
- Phone/Internet: €60
- Entertainment/Social: €200-€400
- Total (shared): €1,895-€2,640
- Left over: €350-€1,100
Verdict: Manageable with roommate, tight alone.
On €70,000 (€3,600 net/month):
- Rent (own 1-bed): €1,900
- Other expenses: €1,100
- Total: €3,000
- Left over: €600 for savings/discretionary
Verdict: Comfortable with own place.
Cork monthly expenses (single person)
On €40,000 (€2,600 net/month):
- Rent (1-bed): €1,200-€1,600
- Other expenses: €850
- Total: €2,050-€2,450
- Left over: €150-€550
Verdict: Comfortable, can save modestly.
Regional Ireland (Galway, Limerick, etc.)
Similar to Cork, sometimes slightly cheaper:
- Rent: €1,000-€1,500
- Lower salaries but lower costs offset
- Quality of life often better
- Easier to save
For complete cost breakdowns, see our cost of living guide.
Comparing to other countries
Ireland vs United States
Salary comparison:
- US tech salaries: 30-50% higher (especially FAANG)
- US healthcare salaries: Similar or higher
- US professional salaries: 20-40% higher generally
But consider:
- US healthcare costs: $5,000-$20,000/year (insurance + out-of-pocket)
- US student loans: Often $30,000-$100,000+ debt
- US limited vacation: 10-15 days typical
- US no statutory maternity leave
- Ireland: Healthcare, education subsidized
Net effect: Take-home similar when accounting for costs and benefits.
Ireland vs United Kingdom
Salary comparison:
- London: 10-20% higher than Dublin
- Regional UK: Similar to regional Ireland
- Tech: London higher, but gap closing
Tax comparison:
- UK tax slightly lower
- Similar overall burden
Cost of living:
- London more expensive than Dublin
- Regional UK similar to regional Ireland
Net effect: Very similar economically.
Ireland vs EU (Germany, France, Netherlands)
Salary comparison:
- Ireland tech salaries: Generally higher
- Germany engineering: Similar
- Netherlands: Similar overall
- France: Generally lower
Tax comparison:
- Ireland competitive
- Germany similar
- France, Belgium higher taxes
Quality of life:
- Comparable across countries
- Personal preference matters
Salary negotiation in Ireland
When to negotiate
Always negotiate when:
- You receive a job offer
- It’s your first offer from company
- You have competing offers
- You have unique/in-demand skills
- Salary is below market rate
Don’t negotiate when:
- Early in interview process (wait for offer)
- Public sector (fixed scales)
- Internal promotion (usually fixed increase)
- You’ve already accepted
How much to ask for
Safe range:
- 5-10% above initial offer
- Up to 15% if well-justified
- 20%+ only if severely undervalued
Research first:
- Glassdoor salary data
- Recruiter insight (ask your recruiter)
- Industry reports
- LinkedIn salary insights
- Payscale.com
Have specific number:
- “€60,000” not “mid-to-high 50s”
- Shows you’ve researched
- Easier for employer to respond
How to negotiate (Irish context)
Irish negotiation style:
- Professional but friendly
- Less aggressive than US
- Build rapport first
- Be reasonable
Script example: “Thank you for the offer. I’m very excited about the opportunity and joining [Company]. Based on my research of the market and my [X years experience/specific skills], I was expecting compensation closer to €[specific number]. Is there flexibility in the salary for this role?”
If they say no:
- Ask about non-salary items (see below)
- Ask when salary review happens
- Ask about performance bonus
- Accept gracefully if overall good
If they counter:
- Don’t accept immediately (even if good)
- “Let me review the full package and get back to you tomorrow”
- Shows you’re thoughtful
What to negotiate beyond salary
If salary fixed, try:
Additional vacation:
- Extra 3-5 days annually
- Common and often easier to grant
- Valuable benefit
Remote work:
- Extra remote days per week
- Full remote if role allows
- Very valuable post-COVID
Sign-on bonus:
- One-time payment
- Doesn’t affect salary band
- €2,000-€10,000 possible
Relocation assistance:
- Flight costs
- First month accommodation
- €2,000-€5,000 typical
Professional development:
- Conference attendance budget
- Training courses
- Certification costs
Better title:
- If salary fixed to title
- Better title → higher salary band
- Good for career progression
Earlier review:
- 6 months instead of 12
- Opportunity to increase sooner
- Shows confidence
Stock options/RSUs:
- Tech companies especially
- Can be significant value
- Clarify vesting schedule
Common mistakes
Don’t:
- Reveal current salary (if possible - sometimes required)
- Accept first offer immediately
- Be aggressive or demanding
- Negotiate too early
- Focus only on salary (total package matters)
- Lie about competing offers
- Make ultimatums
Do:
- Be professional and gracious
- Have specific numbers
- Show enthusiasm for role
- Be prepared to justify request
- Consider total compensation
- Get final offer in writing
- Respond within reasonable time (24-48 hours)
Red flags about salary
Warning signs:
- Salary significantly below market (20%+)
- Commission-heavy with low base (if not sales)
- “Salary negotiable based on experience” (vague)
- Won’t discuss salary until final interview
- Promises of rapid increases (rarely happen)
- “Equity instead of salary” (startups - risky)
Questions to ask:
- “What’s the salary range for this role?”
- “Is there a salary band or is this flexible?”
- “When is the first salary review?”
- “What’s the typical annual increase?”
- “Is there a performance bonus?”
- “What’s included in total compensation package?”
If below market:
- Consider if role offers other value (learning, growth)
- Negotiate hard
- Set expectation of quick review
- Or walk away
Benefits that add to total compensation
Standard benefits (usually included)
Health insurance:
- Company pays €1,000-€2,500/year
- Covers private healthcare
- Significant value
Pension:
- Employer matches 5-8% typical
- Tax-efficient saving
- On €50,000, 6% match = €3,000/year value
Life insurance:
- Typically 4x annual salary
- Cost to employer ~1-2% of salary
- On €50,000 = €500-€1,000/year value
Income protection:
- Some companies offer
- Pays salary if long-term sick
- Value hard to quantify
Total value: €4,500-€6,500/year on €50,000 salary
Premium benefits (better companies)
Extra vacation:
- 25-30 days (vs standard 20)
- Worth €0-€2,000+ depending on calculation
Flexible working:
- Remote work options
- Flexible hours
- Worth €1,000s in quality of life
Learning budget:
- €1,000-€5,000/year
- Conferences, courses, books
Wellness:
- Gym membership (€600-€1,000/year)
- Wellness programs
Commuter benefits:
- Tax-free bike-to-work
- Public transport subsidy
- Parking (if driving)
Stock options/RSUs:
- Tech companies
- Can be worth €10,000-€50,000+/year
- Depends on vesting and company performance
Annual bonus:
- 10-20% of salary typical if offered
- Performance-based
- On €50,000 = €5,000-€10,000
Calculating total compensation
Example: €50,000 base at good tech company:
- Base salary: €50,000
- Bonus (15%): €7,500
- Health insurance (value): €2,000
- Pension match (6%): €3,000
- Stock/RSUs: €8,000/year
- Total comp: €70,500
This is why total compensation matters more than base salary.
For foreign workers
Work permit salary thresholds
Critical Skills Employment Permit:
- Most occupations: €32,000 minimum
- Some occupations: €40,000+ required
- High earner route: €64,000 (any occupation)
General Employment Permit:
- Varies by occupation: €30,000-€40,000
- Check specific requirements
Key point: Most professional salaries easily exceed thresholds.
For complete work permit info, see our work permits guide and Critical Skills permit guide.
Expected salary progression
Typical pattern for foreign worker:
- Year 1: Below market (10-20%) due to lack of Irish experience
- Year 2-3: Reach market rate through raises or job change
- Year 4+: Full market rate, on par with Irish workers
Example:
- US software engineer: Earning $120k in US
- Year 1 Ireland: €60,000 (seems like cut)
- Year 3 Ireland: €75,000 (progressed normally)
- After Stamp 4: Full negotiating power
Path to Stamp 4:
- Critical Skills permit → Stamp 4 after 2 years
- Stamp 4 → work for anyone
- Strong negotiating position
- Salary growth accelerates
For immigration details, see our immigration stamps guide.
Converting foreign salaries
Don’t directly convert:
- $100k US ≠ €92k Ireland (different markets)
- Consider total compensation
- Consider cost of living
- Consider benefits and taxes
Better comparison:
- What’s your take-home after all costs?
- What’s your quality of life?
- What’s your purchasing power?
Example:
-
$100k in San Francisco:
- Take-home: ~$65k after tax
- Rent: $36k (SF 1-bed)
- Healthcare: $6k
- Discretionary: $23k
-
€70k in Dublin:
- Take-home: €43k after tax
- Rent: €22.8k (1-bed)
- Healthcare: €0 (included)
- Discretionary: €20k
Actually comparable when you factor everything in.
Summary
Understanding salaries in Ireland requires looking beyond the gross number:
Key takeaways:
1. Tax is high:
- 35-48% for most professional workers
- But includes healthcare, social services
- Net take-home what matters
2. Regional differences matter:
- Dublin pays 10-20% more
- But costs 30-50% more
- Regional Ireland often better value
3. Professional salaries:
- €45,000-€70,000 common for experienced professionals
- €70,000-€100,000 senior roles
- €100,000+ directors, senior tech, medical
4. Good salary depends on location:
- Dublin: €50,000+ comfortable single, €75,000+ comfortable couple
- Regional: €40,000+ comfortable single, €60,000+ comfortable couple
5. Total compensation matters:
- Include bonus, stock, benefits
- Can add 20-40% to base salary
- Especially tech companies
6. Negotiation is normal:
- 5-10% increase reasonable
- Research market rates first
- Professional, friendly approach
- Consider non-salary items
7. For foreign workers:
- First year may be below market
- Progression to market rate within 2-3 years
- Stamp 4 after 2 years → full negotiating power
- Compare take-home and total cost of living, not just gross
Realistic expectations for different roles:
- Tech (mid-level): €55,000-€75,000
- Healthcare professional: €40,000-€70,000
- Finance/Accounting: €45,000-€75,000
- Engineering: €50,000-€80,000
- Management: €60,000-€100,000
- Entry-level professional: €30,000-€45,000
The Irish job market offers competitive salaries for skilled professionals, with excellent quality of life and work-life balance. While salaries are lower than major US tech hubs, the total value proposition—including healthcare, vacation time, worker protections, and lower overall costs—often makes Ireland financially competitive and personally rewarding.
For complete information about working in Ireland, see our guides on finding jobs, tech jobs, cost of living, and work permits. If you’re planning your move, check our guides for Americans, British citizens, or EU nationals.