The Irish island is divided into two parts – where Northern Ireland belongs to Great Britain, and the Central and Southern parts are independent. All regions are quite developed, the standard of living in them is considered one of the highest. The largest cities are the capital Dublin and in Northern Ireland the capital Belfast. If we take into account the salaries of their residents, they are significantly higher than in small towns and settlements, where they mostly receive minimum wages.
Control over the minimum wage in Ireland is regulated by the National Labor Relations Commission. The Commission annually reviews the minimum wage for all categories of specialists and increases its size by approximately 3%. According to statistics, 152,000 residents receive the minimum salary, which is 3.1% of the country’s population. Despite this, the Irish live well.
In 2023, compared to 2019, minimum wage tariffs were:
- under the age of 18 – €7.07 per hour;
- at 18 years old – €8.08;
- at 19 years old – €9.09;
- 20 years or more – €10.10.
In Ireland, the working week is 35 hours, so the monthly minimum wage is €989-1414, which is 70,827-101,264.0 in rubles. In comparison with the Russian minimum wage, which is 12,130.0 rubles, Irish salaries are, of course, enviable, but we must not forget about the cost of living. In Ireland its value is €717, and in Russia €289 or 20,695.0 rubles
Unemployment benefits in Ireland are regulated by the JSB and JSA programs, they are provided for individuals who cannot find work or receive too little wages. The state pays per week: €203 plus €134.70 for an adult dependent (spouse, parent) and €34 for each child. Per month for a family of two people and two children: €1,622.80 per month or €19,473.60 per year. Benefits are issued for one year, during which time the Irishman must find a job or apply again.
The minimum pension in Ireland is €1,044, calculated from funded and non-funded amounts, plus state annual support of €1,700 is provided.
The most in-demand professions in Ireland
Not only Irish people work in Ireland, but also immigrants from the EU or foreign specialists. Due to the fact that there are six largest American holdings operating in the country, specializing in information and telecommunications technologies, programmers, developers, designers, analysts, engineers, and assemblers often come from America or other countries. Therefore, according to statistics, 3,010 non-residents are employed in the Irish IT industry.
The largest labor market share is occupied in pharmaceuticals, retail trade, farming, medicine, education, construction, tourism, and beer production. In total, 300 local companies are registered in the country, of which 150 are engaged in the production of pharmaceuticals and medical equipment.
Taking into account the priority of industries, as well as the requests of employers, in 2023 the most in-demand professions in Ireland are identified:
| Professions | Net salary, in EUR | Net salary, in RUB |
| Account Manager | €3,076 | 220 315 |
| Accountant | €3,266 | 233 899 |
| Assistant accountant | €2,304 | 165 007 |
| Actuary | €7,917 | 566,992 |
| Office Manager | €2,838 | 203 275 |
| Hairdresser’s assistant | €1,009 | 72 265 |
| Architect-technologist | €8,083 | 578 928 |
| QA Automator | €4,635 | 331 983 |
| Maintenance technician/mechanic | €3,141 | 224 929 |
| Bar manager | €3,114 | 223 007 |
| Barber | €2,365 | 169 393 |
| Bartender | €1,597 | 114 377 |
| Beauty therapist | €11,333 | 811 693 |
| Bookkeeper | €2,438 | 174 639 |
| Mason | €2,765 | 198,005 |
| Business analyst | €4,101 | 293 696 |
| A carpenter | €3,210 | 229 900 |
| Executive Director | €13,583 | 972 838 |
| Analyst | €3,784 | 270 986 |
| Dental assistant | €2,313 | 165 663 |
| Electrician | €3,642 | 260 858 |
| Graphic Designer | €4,375 | 313 338 |
| Care worker | €1563 | 111 942 |
| Restaurant manager | €2652 | 189 900 |
| Marketing Manager | €2,779 | 199 038 |
Average salaries in Ireland by profession before and after taxes
The average salary in Ireland greatly depends on length of service, diploma, and additional qualifications. According to the country’s legislation, calculations are carried out strictly taking into account the career ladder, so graduates of colleges and universities receive the minimum salaries from €1400-2500. After 2-5 years of work, their salary increases by 32%, after five years another 36% is added. Workers with secondary specialized education receive salaries 17-24% less than those with a university degree. With a master’s degree, the salary advantage is estimated at 29% and with a doctorate at 23%.
Analyzing job offers from companies, we can conclude that the average salary for Irish people is from €5,000-11,000. The highest salaries are for management personnel, their amounts can reach €54,400 per month or €653,000 per year.
| Professions | Salary before taxes | Salary after taxes |
| Experienced waiter | €7,733 | €4,836 |
| Van driver | €1,653 | €1,544 |
| Vet | €4,167 | €3,066 |
| Toolmaker | €2,697 | €2,260 |
| IT tester | €8,976 | €5,433 |
| System Administrator | €3,804 | €2,879 |
| Civil Engineer | €4,856 | €3,421 |
| Warehouse controller | €2,796 | €2,331 |
| Storekeeper | €1,731 | €1,587 |
| Cashier | €2,800 | €2,333 |
| Chef | €3,416 | €2,679 |
| Nanny in kindergarten | €2,200 | €1,904 |
| Senior teacher | €4,000 | €2,980 |
| Chemical Engineer | €4,492 | €3,233 |
| Commerce Manager | €4,505 | €3,240 |
| Communications Manager | €4,750 | €3,366 |
| Standards Specialist | €3,922 | €2,940 |
| Construction Master | €3,894 | €2,925 |
| Contracts Manager | €5,745 | €3,878 |
| Customer Service Consultant | €2,117 | €1,845 |
| Delivery driver | €3,130 | €2,532 |
| Dentist | €12,250 | €7,004 |
| Masseur | €2,545 | €2,151 |
Taxes in Ireland
The tax system in Ireland provides for the calculation of income tax at established progressive rates. Personal circumstances also influence the calculation of income tax. Compared to European countries, where tax rates can reach up to 60%, Ireland is more loyal to its residents.
In 2023, taxes are calculated from an Irish person’s salary based on four criteria:
| Interest rate | Annual income | Conditions |
| 20% | €0-35300 | persons without dependent children |
| 20% | €0-39300 | single or widowed persons |
| 20% | €0-44300 | married couples |
| 40% | €44301 and above | All categories |
Also, the USC health care contribution is deducted from Irish wages according to the following scheme:
| Interest rate | Income |
| 0.5% | €0-12012 |
| 2% | €12012.01-19372 |
| 4.75% | €19372.01-70044 |
| 8% | €70044-100000 |
| 8% | over €100,000 |
| eleven% | over €100,000, for self-employed |
According to the law, reducing rates of 0.5-2% may be applied to working pensioners. If a pensioner, upon reaching 70 years of age, works and receives a salary of up to €60 thousand per year, the contribution is calculated at a rate of 0.5%, over €60 thousand at a rate of 2%.
There is another mandatory insurance fee “Pay Related Social Insurance”, part of it is paid by the employer, the other part is withheld from the employee’s salary in the amount of 4%. To summarize, we can say that an Irishman pays 43% of taxes on his salary, but by European standards, taxation is quite rosy.
For individual entrepreneurs, information on income tax is relevant, which is 12.5 for trading companies and 25% for non-trading companies. Dividends received in an Irish company are not subject to income tax, in the case of a foreign company it will be 12.5-25%