Irish tech roles now command salaries that compete with and often exceed those in other key global economies and tech markets.

Recruitment and HR platform Hays, in partnership with Horsefly, has released data that shows Ireland to be a top-tier destination for tech professionals. Hays collected data from 34 countries and almost 10,000 technology professionals globally to investigate the costs, availability, plans, desires and skills priorities of IT and tech workers. 

The report showed that Irish tech roles now command salaries that can compete with, and in some cases exceed, those in other key global economies and tech markets, reinforcing the country’s position as a crucial destination for skilled professionals. 

The ‘Hays Tech Talent Explorer’ found that while much of the global conversation is focused on AI and the impact of job displacement, a key element is in how artificial intelligence is reshaping technology roles, particularly as routine and administrative tasks become increasingly automated and professionals can focus on complex, high-impact work.

Hays suggested that in Ireland, this shift is contributing to continued salary growth, as there is an increased demand for professionals with diverse skillsets encompassing technical expertise, critical thinking, creativity, and decision-making abilities.

Global competition 

The research indicated that Ireland maintains a significant pay advantage in several key roles, including for data engineers and solutions architects. When compared to markets like the UK and Germany, Ireland performs strongly, with overall tech salaries in those countries trailing by 17pc and 19pc respectively, according to the report. 

The US, on the other hand, is currently the global leader in compensation, found Hays, as the average tech salary reaches approximately €108,387 compared to €81,338 in Ireland. However, Hays noted: “The data reveals a tightening gap in specialised fields such as data scientists. The findings suggest Ireland offers employers access to highly skilled technical talent at a more sustainable cost base.”

Salary benchmarks in Ireland were found to remain closely aligned with major global markets such as Australia and Singapore, while contractor day rates rival major hubs, including Luxembourg and Hong Kong. According to Hays, this is reflective of the Ireland’s strategic importance as a centre for global tech operations.

“Despite broader economic uncertainty, Irish tech wages continue to be driven by sustained demand for advanced, future-ready skillsets rather than AI-led disruption,” it said. 

Commenting on the research, senior managing director for Hays Ireland Barney Ely said, “Ireland is no longer just a European branch office for major tech companies – it is now a primary engine of global tech innovation. We are seeing a shift where AI is enabling tech professionals to move away from routine tasks and towards work that is more strategic and globally impactful.

“We’ve recently seen layoffs at major players across the tech industry, but the continued strength of salaries demonstrates the resilience of the Irish market. For talent, Ireland offers a landscape where technical skills are met with high-value rewards. For employers, the challenge is no longer just finding people, it’s partnering with experts who can navigate an increasingly AI-enhanced environment.”

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