Ireland's Thriving Job Market: Sectors, Salaries, and Opportunities in 2024-2025

Economic Overview

Ireland's employment landscape in 2024-2025 demonstrates remarkable resilience and growth. With 2,785,000 people employed and 96,800 jobs gained in the year to Q3 2024, Ireland has reached record employment levels. The employment rate reached 80.3% in 2024 Q3, significantly higher than the euro area average of 75.4%, positioning Ireland as one of Europe's strongest job markets.

The unemployment rate has stabilized at 4.7%, the lowest since pre-pandemic times, with the country on track to create an additional 85,000 jobs over the next two years.

High-Growth Sectors

Technology and ICT

The technology sector continues as a powerhouse, experiencing 10% growth in tech-related opportunities. Dublin maintains its reputation as a leading tech hub in Europe, hosting major global players and attracting startups with its English-speaking, well-educated workforce.

In-Demand Tech Roles:

• Software developers and programmers

• Data analysts and data scientists

• Artificial intelligence specialists

• Cybersecurity professionals

• ICT professionals (all classifications on critical skills list)

Intel announced an €80 million investment in Leixlip creating 100 new R&D positions, while companies like Apple and Amazon are expanding logistics and tech operations throughout Ireland.

Healthcare and Life Sciences

Healthcare and life sciences sectors experience 12% growth, aligning with Ireland's ambition to become a European life sciences hub. Approximately 376,600 people worked in the human health and social work activities sector as of Q2 2024, the most of any industry.

High-Demand Healthcare Roles:

• Doctors and nurses (multiple specializations on critical skills list)

• Medical technicians

• Personal care workers

• Social workers

• Healthcare assistants (Level 5 QQI qualification required)

Ireland hosts 10 out of the top 10 global pharmaceutical companies. Amgen's €200 million investment in their Dublin facility aims to create 500 new jobs.

Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices

Ireland's pharmaceutical sector continues strong growth. Employment in the Chemical sector increased by 2.3% or 90 jobs in 2024, while Computer, Electronic and Optical Products increased by 179 jobs or 4.8%.

Major employers include Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, Abbott, Stryker, and numerous medical device manufacturers concentrated in Galway and Cork.

Construction and Engineering

The Construction sector had the largest net change in employment with 1,224 additional jobs, up 5.3%. Addressing Ireland's housing and infrastructure challenges has created significant demand for:

• Civil engineers

• Project managers

• Tradespeople (electricians, plumbers, carpenters)

• Quantity surveyors

• Architects

ICT, pharmaceuticals, construction, and renewable energy have been particularly strong performers, with noticeable uptick in demand for skilled professionals in fields such as data science, artificial intelligence, engineering, and sustainability.

Financial Services and Business

Employment growth in business and finance has been consistent over the past ten years, with more than 90,000 people now employed across the sector. Dublin serves as a European headquarters for international banks, investment managers, insurers, and aircraft leasing operators.

In-Demand Finance Roles:

• Chartered and certified accountants (tax, compliance, regulation specializations)

• Actuaries, economists, and statisticians

• Project managers with big data analytics knowledge

• Risk management specialists

• Compliance officers

Salary Ranges by Sector

Technology

• Software Developer: €35,000-€75,000 annually

• Data Scientist: €45,000-€90,000 annually

• Cybersecurity Specialist: €50,000-€95,000 annually

Healthcare

• General Practitioner: €75,000-€150,000+ annually

• Registered Nurse: €30,000-€55,000 annually

• Healthcare Assistant: €28,000-€35,000 annually

Engineering

• Civil Engineer: €40,000-€75,000 annually

• Project Manager: €50,000-€90,000 annually

• Electrical Engineer: €45,000-€80,000 annually

Finance

• Accountant: €40,000-€75,000 annually

• Financial Analyst: €45,000-€80,000 annually

• Compliance Officer: €50,000-€85,000 annually

Areas experiencing talent shortages, such as construction, engineering, and cybersecurity, have seen salary increases above these averages.

Critical Skills and General Employment Permits

Ireland's employment permit system identifies professions with skills shortages. The Critical Skills Employment Permit requires salaries of at least €38,000 annually (with relevant degree) or €64,000 annually (with relevant experience but no degree listed on critical skills occupations list).

The General Employment Permit applies to jobs not on the Critical Skills list, requiring minimum €34,000 annually (€30,000 for specific healthcare roles with proper qualifications).

As of April 2024, 13,335 total employment permits have been issued, reflecting ongoing demand for skilled international workers.

Job Search Strategies

Utilize Multiple Channels

Successful job seekers in Ireland employ diverse strategies:

Online Platforms:

• IrishJobs.ie

• Jobs.ie

• Indeed Ireland

• LinkedIn

• Company career pages directly

Recruitment Agencies: Many companies work with specialized recruitment agencies that understand the Irish market and can connect candidates with unadvertised positions. Agencies often have insider knowledge of companies actively hiring and can provide guidance on tailoring applications to Irish employer expectations.

Networking: Professional networking events, industry conferences, and LinkedIn connections help access the "hidden job market" of positions filled through referrals.

Prepare for Irish Expectations

Irish employers value:

• Clear, concise CVs (2 pages maximum)

• Professional references from previous employers

• Relevant qualifications with Irish equivalents noted

• Strong communication skills

• Cultural fit and personality alongside technical skills

Remote Work and Flexibility

Post-pandemic, Ireland has embraced flexible working arrangements. A notable trend across all industries is the increasing requirement for onsite work, particularly impacting technology professionals accustomed to more flexible arrangements. However, many employers still offer hybrid models with 2-3 days office attendance.

Challenges and Opportunities

Talent Shortage

A staggering 81% of Irish companies are finding it difficult to attract talent in 2024, with record skills gaps in the labour market making it more difficult to turn optimistic hiring intentions into filled vacancies. This creates excellent opportunities for qualified candidates but also means competition for specific roles remains intense.

Housing Constraints

Amidst a housing crisis, the main obstacle to attracting international talent is housing. However, an increasing number of employers are now offering temporary accommodations for workers coming from abroad.

Regional Opportunities

While Dublin dominates, significant opportunities exist in Cork, Galway, Limerick, and other regional centers. Dublin reports the highest hiring intention of any region going into Q2, at +27%, driven by a hawkish rebound in hiring by medium-sized businesses.

Healthcare Sector Outlook

The Healthcare & Life Sciences sector reports a Net Employment Outlook of 32%, indicating exceptional growth prospects for healthcare professionals.

Career Development and Upskilling

Ireland's focus on skills development has led to increased participation in upskilling and reskilling programs. Government investment in education and training, alongside partnerships with industry leaders, empowers workers to transition into high-demand roles.

Efforts to close gender and age employment gaps are seeing positive results, with more women and older workers entering an ever more diverse workforce.

Future Outlook

Ireland's job market presents compelling opportunities across multiple sectors. The combination of strong economic fundamentals, multinational presence, growing indigenous companies, and government support for innovation creates a dynamic employment landscape. For skilled professionals willing to navigate housing challenges and adapt to Irish work culture, Ireland offers competitive salaries, career growth, and an excellent quality of life.