Top 20 Highest Paying Jobs in Ireland
By the end of 2021, Ireland’s GDP per capita is anticipated to reach 78,500.00 USD. It’s expected to continue growing, too, to reach around 80,000.00 USD by 2022.
The Irish job market is starting to make a recovery in the wake of COVID-19, and there are plenty of jobs opening up throughout the country. This includes many high-paying jobs.
It doesn’t matter if you’re looking to make a change to a more lucrative career, or if you’re a student planning for the future. In either case, this guide can help you make the best decisions (from a financial perspective).
Read on to learn more about the highest-paying jobs in Ireland, as well as the degrees that can help you land them.
What Salary Is Considered Rich in Ireland?
In 2021, the average salary is €53,817 per year. This is higher than the average earning in Europe, which is around €34,588 per year.
Those who work in the highest-paying jobs in Ireland and are considered “rich” typically earn closer to €80,000 to €100,000 per year or more.
Of course, we need to point out that the term “rich” is relative in Ireland, as it is in the rest of the world.
For a single person with no children, a salary of €75,000 would likely be more than sufficient. However, for someone who has 3 children, a salary over €100,000 would likely be needed to live comfortably.
What Is the #1 Highest-Paid Position in Ireland?
Of all the best-paid jobs in Ireland, the #1 highest-paid position is Chief Executive Officer (or CEO). Those who run their own businesses have a lot of opportunities to earn generous salaries and typically live very comfortably.
The highest salary for a CEO in Ireland is approximately €163,000 per year. For context, that converts to about £135,610 or $176,050 USD.
Want to earn a high salary but aren’t interested in the CEO life? There are plenty of other high-paying jobs you can consider in Ireland, including the following:
20. IT Manager
IT Manager Average Annual Salary: €84,000
👉 Browse IT Manager Jobs in Ireland on GrabJobs
19. Senior Quantity Surveyor
Senior Quantity Surveyor Average Annual Salary: €84,000
👉 Browse Senior Quantity Surveyor Jobs in Ireland on GrabJobs
18. Product Manager
Product Manager Average Annual Salary: €86,000
👉 Browse Product Manager Jobs in Ireland on GrabJobs
17. Engineering Project Manager
Engineering Project Manager Average Annual Salary: €87,000
👉 Browse Engineering Project Manager Jobs in Ireland on GrabJobs
16. Lawyer/Solicitor
Lawyer/Solicitor Average Annual Salary: €87,764
👉 Browse Lawyer/Solicitor Jobs in Ireland on GrabJobs
15. Quality Assurance Manager
Quality Assurance Manager Average Annual Salary: €89,000
👉 Browse Quality Assurance Manager Jobs in Ireland on GrabJobs
14. Physician
Physician Average Annual Salary: €90,000
👉 Browse Physician Jobs in Ireland on GrabJobs
13. Dentist
Dentist Average Annual Salary: €91,000
👉 Browse Dentist Jobs in Ireland on GrabJobs
12. Programmer
Programmer Average Annual Salary: €92,000
👉 Browse Commercial Manager Jobs in Ireland on GrabJobs
11. Software Architect
Software Architect Average Annual Salary: €93,000
👉 Browse Software Architect Jobs in Ireland on GrabJobs
10. IT Senior Project Manager
IT Senior Project Manager Average Annual Salary: €96,000
👉 Browse IT Senior Project Manager Jobs in Ireland on GrabJobs
9. Solutions Architect
Solutions Architect Average Annual Salary: €97,000
👉 Browse Solutions Architect Jobs in Ireland on GrabJobs
8. Software Development Manager
Software Development Manager Average Annual Salary: €101,000
👉 Browse Software Development Manager Jobs in Ireland on GrabJobs
7. Technical Architect
Technical Architect Average Annual Salary: €103,000
👉 Browse Technical Architect Jobs in Ireland on GrabJobs
6. General Practitioner
General Practitioner Average Annual Salary: €123,000
👉 Browse General Practitioner Jobs in Ireland on GrabJobs
5. Director of Operations
Director of Operations Average Annual Salary: €130,000
👉 Browse Director of Operations Jobs in Ireland on GrabJobs
4. Sales Director
Sales Director Average Annual Salary: €130,000
👉 Browse Sales Director Jobs in Ireland on GrabJobs
3. District Court Judge
District Court Judge Average Annual Salary: €136,124
👉 Browse District Court Judge Jobs in Ireland on GrabJobs
2. Finance Director
Finance Director Average Annual Salary: €139,000
👉 Browse Finance Director Jobs in Ireland on GrabJobs
1. Chief Executive Officer
Chief Executive Officer Average Annual Salary: €163,000
👉 Browse Chief Executive Officer Jobs in Ireland on GrabJobs
Top 5 Highest-Paying Industries in Ireland
As is the case in other countries, certain industries in Ireland are known for offering higher salaries (in general) than other industries. If you’re interested in working in one of the highest-paying industries in Ireland, here are 5 options to consider:
1. Business/Finance
The business/finance industry, understandably, ranks among the highest-paying industries in Ireland. Whether you’re interested in working for a major corporation or running your own business, there are plenty of high-paying jobs in this field for you to choose from, including the following:
Top 3 Job Titles
- Chief Executive Officer: Average Annual Salary €163,000
- Finance Director: Average Annual Salary €139,000
- Sales Director: Average Annual Salary €130,000
Job Prospects
There are plenty of job opportunities in the business/finance sector in Ireland. Prospects look very good for those who want to work in this field, especially those who are interested in working their way up to a higher-paying job.
Starting as a salesperson, financial analyst, or consultant, for example, can allow you to earn a high salary while also learning from experts and gaining the experience you need to one day earn a director or executive position.
👉 Browse Business Jobs in Ireland on GrabJobs
2. Healthcare
Ireland is similar to many other countries in the sense that the healthcare industry is one of the highest-paying industries. Those who work in healthcare typically must spend a lot of time in school developing their skills, so it makes sense that their salaries line up with the effort they put in to earn their job titles.
If you want to work in one of the highest-paying jobs in healthcare, here are 3 of the top options to work toward:
Top 3 Job Titles
- Sales Director: Average Annual Salary €130,000
- Dentist: Average Annual Salary €91,000
- Physician: Average Annual Salary €90,000
Job Prospects
Job prospects in the healthcare field are very promising now and in the future. Over the last year and a half, the demand for healthcare workers increased dramatically thanks to COVID-19, and the demand is still very high now (and will likely remain high for years to come).
It doesn’t matter if you want to work as a general practitioner, dentist, nurse, or hold any other position in healthcare. Your chances of finding work and earning a generous salary look quite good.
👉 Browse Healthcare Jobs in Ireland on GrabJobs
3. Information Technology
The information technology (or IT) industry is another high-paying industry in Ireland (and throughout the world). Most IT jobs offer a lot of room for growth, and there are plenty of positions available, some of which don’t require a specific level of formal education.
Here are the top 3 highest-paying jobs to consider in the IT industry:
Top 3 Job Titles
- Technical Architect: Average Annual Salary €103,000
- Software Development Manager: Average Annual Salary €101,000
- Solutions Architect: Average Annual Salary €97,000
Job Prospects
Prospects are excellent for those looking into jobs in the IT industry. If you consider yourself technologically savvy, or if you’re willing to undergo training to become technologically savvy, there are plenty of job opportunities at companies of all kinds and sizes.
From healthcare to marketing, nearly every business can benefit from some type of IT support, and your skills will come in very handy now and in the future.
👉 Browse Information Technology Jobs in Ireland on GrabJobs
4. Engineering
The engineering industry is another safe option for those who want to earn a high salary in Ireland. Engineering jobs are highly skilled positions, and engineers play a key role in helping all kinds of businesses to grow and succeed.
If you’re thinking about a career in engineering and want to maximize your earnings, here are 3 of the highest-paying jobs to work toward:
Top 3 Job Titles
- Engineering Project Manager: Average Annual Salary €87,000
- Automation Engineer: Average Annual Salary €72,160
- Aeronautical Engineer: Average Annual Salary €63641
Job Prospects
Job prospects are very promising for those who want to work in the engineering field. This is an industry that will always have a strong need for talented, skilled workers. For students who are wondering what kind of career to pursue, engineering is a lucrative choice that can provide a lot of opportunities and job security.
👉 Browse Engineering Jobs in Ireland on GrabJobs
5. Legal
The legal industry is another high-paying industry in Ireland. This industry can be more competitive than some other industries, but there are still opportunities for jobs and job growth if you’re willing to put in a lot of work ahead of time.
Not sure what kind of legal job you want to pursue? The following are 3 of the highest-paying job titles in the legal sector:
Top 3 Job Titles
- District Court Judge: Average Annual Salary €136,124
- Lawyer/Solicitor: Average Annual Salary €87,764
- Legal Advisor: Average Annual Salary €58917
Job Prospects
The legal industry is not growing as quickly as some of the other industries in Ireland, and it can be more challenging to find a job in this field. However, this shouldn’t be a deterrent to those who are considering a career change to the legal industry or who are studying law in school right now.
There will always be a certain level of demand for legal professionals in Ireland and throughout the world. For those who are passionate about upholding the law, there are still opportunities worth pursuing.
👉 Browse Legal Jobs in Ireland on GrabJobs
Top 5 Highest-Paying Jobs in Ireland for Fresh Graduates
For those who are getting ready to graduate from university, as well as those who are attending school right now and want to maximize their earnings once they graduate, it’s important to know what kind of job will yield the highest salary right out of school.
The following are 5 of the highest-paying jobs in Ireland for fresh graduates:
1. Aeronautical Engineer
Engineering jobs regularly rank as some of the best-paid jobs in Ireland, both for experienced professionals and fresh graduates. One of the highest-paying engineering jobs to consider is aeronautical engineering.
As countries (and billionaires, as Jeff Bezos has recently shown) work to expand their space exploration efforts, there’s a growing need for aeronautical engineers who can assist with the technical aspects of things. The salary for aeronautical engineers is commensurate with this need, as they earn an average salary of €87,298 per year.
In addition to aeronautical engineering, there are plenty of other engineering jobs worth considering in Ireland. For example, chemical engineers can earn a starting salary of around €60,000 per year and work their way up to an average salary of a little of €80,000 per year.
👉 Browse Aeronautical Engineer Jobs in Ireland on GrabJobs
2. Associate Architect
Architects can also earn a generous salary right out of school, too. Associate architects who are just beginning their career can enjoy a starting salary of around €60,000 per year, and there are lots of opportunities for growth (and pay raises) over time, too.
Students should keep in mind the fact that there’s always a demand for skilled professionals who can help with the design process for homes, commercial buildings, and other structures. As a result, there’s lots of job security in this field as well.
👉 Browse Associate Architect Jobs in Ireland on GrabJobs
3. Lawyer/Solicitor
It’s true that lawyers have to spend a lot of time in school before they can start practicing. In Ireland, for example, it takes an average of 3-7 years to become a lawyer.
Despite it taking a while to become qualified to practice law, most legal professionals consider the long-term salary benefits to be worth the initial effort they have to put in.
Newly qualified solicitors typically earn a salary of around €40,000 per year. This might not seem like a lot compared to some of the other jobs on this list, but it’s higher than a lot of entry-level positions in Ireland.
Over time, lawyers can earn a lot more than this per year, too. After all, the average salary for a lawyer in Ireland is €87,764.
👉 Browse Lawyer Jobs in Ireland on GrabJobs
4. UI/UX Designer
Of all the jobs in the Information Technology industry, the UI/UX (short for User Interface/User Experience) designer position offers one of the best starting salaries for fresh graduates.
For a brand new UI/UX designer, the average starting salary is around €45,000. As you saw from the list of IT jobs above, though, there’s room to earn a lot more than this if you stick with the IT field long enough.
A career as a UI/UX designer doesn’t require one specific education path, either. Many people who pursue these jobs have a degree in computer science, but it’s not always necessary. Plenty of others get hired after taking a short-term class in coding, programming, or UI/UX design.
👉 Browse UI/UX Designer Jobs in Ireland on GrabJobs
5. Financial Analyst
The financial analyst position is one of the highest-paying jobs in Ireland for fresh graduates with a degree in finance, accounting, or a similar field.
A financial risk analysis, for example, can earn a starting salary of around €40,000 per year.
As with the other careers on this list, there’s plenty of room for growth in this field, though. You might start out as a financial analyst making a modest salary, but you could eventually work your way up to a career as a consultant, advisor, or director, all of which come with more substantial salaries.
Not only do financial analyst positions offer higher salaries for fresh graduates, but they also provide plenty of job security. Individuals and businesses both can benefit from help from an expert who can offer financial advice and ensure they’re managing their money correctly.
It doesn’t take as long to earn a degree in finance or accounting as it does some other degrees, either. Most people can complete a 4-year degree and start working right away after graduating.
👉 Browse Financial Analyst Jobs in Ireland on GrabJobs
What Degree Pays Most in Ireland?
Of course, if you want to land one of the best-paid jobs in Ireland for fresh graduates, you’ll need to have the right degree or training.
Here are some of the highest-paying degrees to consider if you want to land a high-paying job in Ireland right out of school:
Degree Type
Potential Annual Salary
Engineering
€63,641 to €87,000 per year
Architecture
€60,000 to €87,000 per year
Law
€40,000 to €87,764 per year
Computer Science
€45,000 to €103,000 per year
Finance
€40,000 to €64,000 per year
Of course, these are just estimates to give you a general idea of what you can earn after graduating from a university in Ireland.
These are all great degrees to consider if you want to maximize your earnings and make a good living as soon as you’ve graduated. However, there are plenty of other degrees to look into as well, such as medical degrees and business degrees.
It’s worth noting, too, that these jobs and degrees offer some of the best starting salaries.
There are plenty of other jobs in Ireland that come with higher salaries, but it takes time to reach that earning level. If you want to make as much money as possible right after leaving school, pursuing one of these jobs might be a better option.
Land One of the Highest-Paying Jobs in Ireland Today
Are you ready to land one of the highest-paying jobs in Ireland? As you can see, there are lots of options to consider, whether you’re a student thinking about the future or a seasoned workforce veteran looking to make a career change.
Keep this information in mind so you can start working on your skills, signing up for the right classes, and taking the steps you need to take to ensure you get hired.
Do you need help searching for high-paying jobs in Ireland? At GrabJobs, we make it easier than ever for you to look for jobs that align with your goals and qualifications.
Check out our free job search tool today to narrow down your options and find the best and highest-paying jobs near you.
