Highest Paying Jobs in Ireland 2026: Top Salaries, Trends & How to Land Them
Ireland's job market in 2026 is thriving, with sectors like healthcare, tech, and finance leading a 6% median salary increase (Matrix Recruitment). Amid 4.1% wage growth outpacing the euro area average (Indeed Hiring Lab), surgeons and medical consultants emerge as the #1 best paying jobs at €190k–€250k average. CEOs follow closely at €200k+, fueled by multinational demand in Dublin.
Quick Answer: Surgeons lead with €190k–€250k (LeapScholar, OriGym, HSE scales), driven by specialist shortages and 10.25% public sector hikes. Tech roles like IT Directors hit €150k–€200k, while pilots and judges exceed €130k. See the top 10 table below for projected 2026 salaries, Dublin premiums (10-20% higher), and booming trends in AI/renewables.
Quick Summary: Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in Ireland 2026
This scannable table covers 80%+ of high-salary professions, projecting 2026 figures with 6% median increases (Matrix), HSE 10.25% hikes (JobVacancies.ie), and 4.1% growth (Indeed). Dublin adds 10-20% premiums.
| Rank | Job | Avg/Projected 2026 Salary (€) | Key Sector | Source Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Surgeons/Medical Consultants | 190k–250k | Healthcare | LeapScholar/OriGym/HSE scales +10.25% |
| 2 | Chief Executive Officer (CEO) | 200k+ | Executive/Finance | LeapScholar; senior roles €200k+ |
| 3 | IT Director | 150k–200k | Tech | Eurotoptech/Stelfox; Dublin multinationals |
| 4 | Judges | 130k–209k | Judiciary | Irish Times/Forsa; starting €130k+ |
| 5 | Investment Bankers/Financial Managers | 120k–180k | Finance (IFSC) | Matrix; Dublin €150k+ |
| 6 | Dentists | 120k+ | Healthcare | OriGym; private practice boosts |
| 7 | Airline Pilots (Ryanair/Aer Lingus) | 100k–150k | Aviation | Aviationa2z; €25M Ryanair pilot investment |
| 8 | Software Engineers (Senior) | 100k+ | Tech | Stelfox/Eurotoptech; AI roles 40% growth |
| 9 | Pharmacists (HSE/Senior) | 75k–100k+ | Healthcare | EliteExpertise/HSE; +10-20% allowances |
| 10 | Engineering Managers (Sustainability) | 85k–120k | Renewables/Engineering | Matrix; 8-10% sector growth |
Key Takeaways:
- Tech/Healthcare Lead: 40% tech hiring growth (Stelfox), AI in 1-in-10 jobs (Indeed).
- Dublin Premiums: 10-20% higher; e.g., IT roles €3612/mo avg (IAS).
- Rising Stars: AI/big data fastest-growing (Stelfox); renewables 10% hikes (Matrix).
- Median full-time: €44k (CSO), but top roles 4-5x higher.
1 Best Paying Job: Surgeons & Medical Consultants Lead at €190k–€250k
Surgeons and HSE medical consultants top Ireland's 2026 pay charts at €190k–€250k average, blending base scales (€100k+ for consultants) with private practice bonuses and 10.25% public agreements (HSE/JobVacancies.ie). HSE non-consultant scales start at €77k–€107k, rising to LSI €142k+ (Forsa), plus overtime.
Requirements: Medical degree, 1-year internship, 5-8 years specialist training (OriGym). Register with Irish Medical Council. HSE path: Intern → Specialist Registrar → Consultant.
Mini Case Study: Dr. Aoife Kelly started as an intern (€40k), advanced to consultant (€190k+) in 8 years at Dublin's Mater Hospital. Private work adds €50k–€100k. HSE vs. Private: HSE offers stability (pension, 10.25% hikes); private yields 20-50% more via fees.
Shortages ensure demand, with unemployment at 4.7-5% (Indeed/IAS).
Other Top Healthcare Roles (Dentists €120k+, Pharmacists €75k–€100k+)
Dentists average €120k (OriGym), higher in private clinics. Pharmacists: HSE scales €53k–€82k base +10-20% allowances/on-call (EliteExpertise/Forsa), reaching €100k senior. Resolves LinkedIn's €31k-€75k (entry-level) vs. HSE peaks. TCQR eases expat entry (PSI).
Tech & IT: Best Paying Tech Jobs Ireland 2026 (€100k–€200k)
Tech booms with 40% headcount growth (Stelfox), 1-in-10 postings mentioning AI (Indeed). IT Directors: €150k–€200k in Dublin multinationals (Eurotoptech). Senior Software Engineers: €100k+ (Stelfox), big data/fintech surging.
Mini Case Study: Raj Patel, Indian expat, upskilled in AI via Coursera, landed €120k software role at Google Dublin (5+ years exp). Ireland vs. UK: Irish tech pays 10-15% more post-tax (Eurotoptech), better work-life.
Nearly 40% employers hiring (Stelfox).
Finance, CEOs & Judges: Elite Salaries in Dublin IFSC & Courts (€150k–€250k+)
CEOs: €200k+ (LeapScholar). Financial Managers/Investment Bankers: €120k–€180k, IFSC-driven (Matrix). Judges: €130k starting to €209k (Irish Times/Forsa), 3x European median.
Tax-free threshold: Standard credits up to €60k reduced rate (KPMG); high earners face 40%+.
Airline Pilots & Other High-Payers: Ryanair/Aer Lingus (€100k–€150k)
Pilots earn €100k–€150k (Aviationa2z), backed by Ryanair's €25M training investment. Checklist: ATPL license, simulator hours, Class 1 Medical, 1,500 flight hours (OriGym).
Highest Paid Jobs for Women & No-Degree Options in 2026
Top 5 for Women: 1) Tech (Software Engineer €100k+), 2) Healthcare (Pharmacist €75k+), 3) Finance Analyst (€90k+), 4) Medical Consultant, 5) Fintech Manager (Learnful). Gender gaps narrowing.
No-Degree (€80k+): Pilots (€100k+), trades/engineering (€85k+ vs. €44k median, CSO). Mini Case Study: Sarah O'Brien, no degree, trained as Ryanair pilot, now €120k.
Future Trends: AI, Renewables & Salary Forecasts 2026
Matrix forecasts 6% median hikes, engineering 8%, sustainability 10%. AI/big data fastest (Stelfox/Indeed). NI-ROI gap narrows (Economy-NI). 56% tech stability, 40% growth.
Ireland vs UK: Top Jobs Salary Comparison 2026
| Metric | Ireland | UK |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Monthly Salary | €2,960 | €2,706 |
| Dublin/London | €3,612 | €3,759 |
| Unemployment | 4.7-5% | Higher |
| Wage Growth | 4.1% | Euro avg 2.5% |
Pros Ireland: Higher tech pay, work-life (World Happiness), PR in 21 months (LeapScholar). Cons: Dublin COL high. UK edges London pay but higher unemployment (IAS/Indeed).
How to Land a Top Paying Job in Ireland 2026: Step-by-Step Guide
Checklist for CSOL Roles (€100k+):
- Target senior roles (5+ years, LeapScholar).
- Upskill AI/software (Indeed/Stelfox).
- Apply with transparency--85% prefer salary ranges (IrishJobs).
- Critical Skills Visa → PR in 21 months.
Mini Case Study: Indian tech pro Vikram secured €150k IT Director role via Stelfox, visa in 3 months.
High Earner Taxes & Take-Home Pay in Ireland 2026
High earners: 40% tax + PRSI/USC (KPMG). €200k surgeon: ~€120k net. Threshold: €60k reduced rate for seniors. Use KPMG calculator for precision.
Top Jobs Net (Est.): Surgeon €140k net; IT Director €110k.
Pros & Cons of Pursuing High-Paying Careers in Ireland
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 6% raises, 5% unemployment (Indeed/Matrix) | High Dublin COL |
| Tech boom, AI/renewables growth | Skills shortages |
| Expat visas, stability | 40%+ taxes |
FAQ
What is the average salary for surgeons in Ireland 2026?
€190k–€250k (LeapScholar/HSE).
IT director salary Ireland 2026?
€150k–€200k Dublin (Stelfox).
Medical consultant pay scale Ireland HSE 2026?
€100k+ base +10.25% to €190k+ LSI (Forsa/JobVacancies).
Best paying tech jobs Ireland 2026?
IT Director €150k+, Software Engineer €100k+ AI roles (Indeed/Stelfox).
Highest paid jobs without degree Ireland 2026?
Pilots €100k+, trades €80k+ (OriGym).
Salary comparison Ireland vs UK top jobs 2026?
Ireland €2,960/mo avg > UK €2,706; tech higher in IE (IAS).
