What Is a Good Salary in Ireland?

What constitutes a “good salary” is subjective, varying based on individual expectations, lifestyle, and circumstances. In Ireland, this is shaped by economic conditions and living costs. Understanding typical earnings, expenditures, and tax obligations is essential to assess what income supports a desired quality of life. This article provides an overview of Ireland’s financial landscape.

Average Salary Landscape

The average gross salary for a full-time worker in Ireland was approximately €50,085 per year in 2024, or about €4,173 per month. This figure reflects the dynamic nature of the Irish economy. For those working part-time, the average median income was around €2,461 per month. Ireland’s national minimum wage was €12.70 per hour as of January 1, 2024, and is expected to increase to €13.50 per hour in 2025.

Salaries vary considerably across different industries. Sectors such as healthcare, pharmaceutical and social services, and legal professions reported average annual salaries of approximately €61,967 and €61,818, respectively. The information technology sector also shows strong earnings, with an average annual salary around €56,207, while engineering roles average €55,581 per year. The information and communication sector consistently records some of the highest weekly averages, reaching about €979.71 per week in late 2024. Conversely, sectors like accommodation and food services typically have lower average earnings.

Cost of Living in Ireland

The cost of living in Ireland, particularly in major urban centers, significantly impacts a salary’s adequacy. Housing stands out as the most substantial expense for many residents. The national average open-market rent was approximately €1,956 per month in early 2025.

Rents in Dublin are considerably higher than the national average, with typical monthly costs reaching around €2,481 in late 2024. One-bedroom apartments in Dublin can range from €1,800 to €2,500 per month, while two-bedroom units generally fall between €2,200 and €3,000 monthly. Outside the capital, cities like Cork, Galway, and Limerick also experience elevated rental prices, with averages around €2,097, €2,197, and €2,271 per month, respectively, in late 2024. Regional areas generally offer lower rents, though these have also increased.

Beyond housing, other essential expenses contribute to the overall cost of living:

• Transportation costs, including public transport fares or car ownership expenses like fuel, insurance, and maintenance.
• Monthly grocery bills, which can range from €300 to €500 for an individual.
• Utilities, encompassing electricity, heating, internet, and mobile phone services.
• Private health insurance, if opted for.
• Discretionary spending on entertainment and leisure activities.

Factors Influencing Salary

Several variables contribute to salary differences across Ireland. The industry or sector of employment plays a considerable role, with high-demand fields often offering more competitive compensation. Industries such as technology, pharmaceuticals, finance, and specialized legal or healthcare professions generally command higher pay scales due to demand for specific skills. In contrast, sectors like hospitality and retail tend to have lower average wages.

An individual’s experience level is another primary driver of earning potential. Salaries typically increase with years of professional experience. Entry-level positions start at a lower pay point, but significant salary growth can be observed through promotions, skill development, and increased responsibilities. Senior leadership roles, such as C-level executives or specialized directors, attract substantially higher compensation due to the depth of experience and strategic impact required.

Educational attainment and specialized qualifications also significantly influence salary. Individuals with higher academic degrees, professional certifications, or niche skills often earn more than those with less formal education. Tertiary degree holders typically earn a higher premium compared to those with only secondary education. Location within Ireland also affects salary, with urban centers, particularly Dublin, offering higher wages due to a greater concentration of multinational companies and a higher cost of living. However, the increasing prevalence of remote and hybrid work models has begun to narrow regional salary disparities.

Understanding Your Take-Home Pay

When evaluating a salary in Ireland, it is important to distinguish between gross pay (total income earned) and net or “take-home” pay (amount received after mandatory deductions). Employees are subject to several deductions from their gross income, including Income Tax, Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI), and the Universal Social Charge (USC).

Income Tax, commonly known as Pay As You Earn (PAYE), operates on a progressive system. For a single individual, the standard rate of 20% applies to income up to €42,000, with income above this threshold taxed at 40%. Tax credits, such as the single person’s tax credit and the employee PAYE credit, reduce an individual’s overall tax liability.

Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI) contributions fund various social welfare benefits, including unemployment and illness payments. The employee PRSI rate is 4%, scheduled to increase to 4.1% from October 1, 2024. Employees earning below a certain weekly threshold are exempt from PRSI.

The Universal Social Charge (USC) is another income-based levy. Individuals with an annual income of €13,000 or less are exempt. For those above this threshold, USC applies at progressive rates.

Non-mandatory deductions can also impact take-home pay, such as pension contributions and private health insurance premiums. Pension contributions are generally tax-deductible against income tax, encouraging retirement savings. However, these contributions do not reduce income for USC or PRSI calculations. Tax relief on pension contributions is subject to an earnings limit of €115,000 per year and age-related contribution percentages.