New research from IrishJobs indicates that professionals working in IT and finance continued to command the strongest earning power in Ireland during 2025, with both sectors recording the highest median advertised salaries across the labour market.
According to the data, advertised roles in technology and finance carried a median salary of €80,000 last year. Construction and legal roles followed closely, with median salaries of €75,000, while engineering and healthcare positions recorded median annual pay levels of €70,000.
At the top end of the scale, senior finance manager roles emerged as the highest-paid occupation overall, with a median advertised salary of €100,000.
The study also highlights Ireland’s continued competitiveness on pay when compared internationally. The median advertised gross salary for full-time roles in Ireland reached €54,928 in 2025, exceeding the equivalent figures reported for both the UK and Germany.
Pay growth remained a significant feature of the employment landscape. More than half of professionals, 58%, reported receiving a salary increase during the year, with the average rise standing at 6%. Despite these increases, many employers continue to face pressure to balance wage expectations with broader cost considerations.
Regional differences in pay levels were also evident. Dublin recorded the highest median advertised salary at €60,000, followed by Galway at €52,000. Cork ranked next with a median salary of €46,200, reinforcing the concentration of higher-paying roles in key urban centres.
Workplace flexibility continues to play a decisive role in recruitment. Over half of respondents, 56%, stated they would not apply for a role that did not offer hybrid or remote working options. Alongside flexibility, benefits remain a central factor in employment decisions. Health insurance was identified as the most sought-after benefit, followed closely by flexible working arrangements. Enhanced pension contributions, performance-related bonuses or commission, and sick pay above statutory levels completed the top five.
The research also examined preparedness for upcoming regulatory changes. With EU pay transparency legislation set to take effect in June, the findings show that only 38% of current job advertisements include salary information. Once the new rules are implemented, employers will be required to disclose pay details at the advertising stage, representing a notable shift in recruitment practices.
The analysis draws on data from 1.3 million job advertisements across the Irish labour market, supported by survey responses from 470 recruiters and 670 candidates. Commenting on the findings, Christopher Paye, Country Director of The Stepstone Group Ireland, noted that employers may need to reassess their overall employment offering. He emphasised that flexible and hybrid working arrangements, alongside a stronger focus on health and wellbeing benefits, can help organisations remain attractive to talent without relying solely on pay increases.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for general guidance only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, details may change and errors may occur. This content does not constitute financial, legal or professional advice. Readers should seek appropriate professional guidance before making decisions. Neither the publisher nor the authors accept liability for any loss arising from reliance on this material.
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