Navigating the "Precision Hiring" Era - Comprehensive salary benchmarks across Technology, Finance, HR & Sales
Ireland's labour market in 2026 is marked by what analysts are calling "precision hiring" — where employers seek candidates whose skills align tightly with immediate needs. With over 2.8 million people employed, a rising national minimum wage of €14.15, and increased EU AI Act compliance requirements, employers are recalibrating how they attract, assess, and retain talent.
AI and machine-learning roles continue to command premium salaries, while demand for Cybersecurity and Cloud Architecture also remains strong.
| Role | Entry-Level (€) | Mid-Level (€) | Senior/Lead (€) |
|---|---|---|---|
| AI / Machine Learning Engineer | 45k – 55k | 70k – 90k | 110k – 140k+ |
| Cloud Architect (AWS/Azure/GCP) | 50k – 60k | 80k – 100k | 120k – 150k |
| Cybersecurity Analyst | 40k – 50k | 60k – 80k | 95k – 120k |
| DevOps / Platform Engineer | 45k – 55k | 65k – 85k | 100k – 130k |
| Software Engineer (Full-Stack) | 40k – 50k | 60k – 80k | 90k – 120k |
AI roles attract a 20-30% premium over traditional software engineering. Roles requiring EU AI Act compliance knowledge are especially sought after.
ESG and sustainability-related finance roles are rising stars, while traditional CFO and Finance Manager positions remain in high demand.
| Role | Entry-Level (€) | Mid-Level (€) | Senior/Lead (€) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chief Financial Officer (CFO) | — | — | 180k – 300k+ |
| Finance Manager | 50k – 60k | 70k – 90k | 100k – 130k |
| ESG / Sustainability Accountant | 45k – 55k | 60k – 80k | 90k – 110k |
| Tax Specialist | 45k – 55k | 65k – 85k | 95k – 120k |
| Financial Analyst | 38k – 48k | 55k – 75k | 85k – 110k |
ESG specialists are earning up to 15% more than general finance roles. Regulation, investor pressure, and green-funding requirements drive this premium.
HRIS and people analytics capabilities are increasingly valued as organisations seek data-driven HR functions.
| Role | Entry-Level (€) | Mid-Level (€) | Senior/Lead (€) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chief People Officer (CPO) | — | — | 160k – 250k |
| Talent Acquisition Lead | 45k – 55k | 60k – 80k | 90k – 115k |
| HR Business Partner | 45k – 55k | 60k – 80k | 85k – 110k |
| HRIS / People Analytics Specialist | 40k – 50k | 55k – 75k | 80k – 100k |
HRIS and analytics skills command 10-15% higher salaries. Workday, SAP SuccessFactors, and advanced Power BI proficiency are in demand.
Growth marketing and AI-driven marketing roles are the biggest movers, reflecting the shift toward data-centric customer acquisition.
| Role | Entry-Level (€) | Mid-Level (€) | Senior/Lead (€) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marketing Director | — | — | 110k – 160k |
| Head of Growth | — | 70k – 90k | 100k – 140k |
| Enterprise Sales Manager | 50k – 60k (+ OTE) | 70k – 90k (+ OTE) | 100k – 130k (+ OTE) |
| AI Marketing Manager | 45k – 55k | 65k – 85k | 95k – 120k |
Enterprise sales often includes 30-50% OTE (on-target earnings) on top of base salary. AI marketing roles are growing fastest, up 25% year-over-year.
These emerging positions represent the intersection of new technology, regulation, and changing business models:
Blends generative AI expertise with brand storytelling. Rare hybrid skill set makes these candidates highly sought after.
Part-time senior tech leadership for scale-ups. Demand outstrips supply as more companies seek flexible executive talent.
Post-pandemic focus on risk mitigation and diversification. Critical for manufacturing and retail sectors.
Goes beyond traditional security to business continuity. Essential as cyber threats become more sophisticated.
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