Ireland emerges as top-tier tech salary market as Hays research shows wages outpacing European peers

Ireland has established itself as one of the world's most competitive markets for technology compensation, with salaries in key roles matching or exceeding those in major global economies, according to new research from recruitment and HR platform Hays in partnership with Horsefly. The findings carry direct relevance for HR and people management professionals responsible for compensation benchmarking, talent acquisition, and workforce planning in Ireland's technology sector.

Silicon Republic reported that the Hays Tech Talent Explorer drew on data from 34 countries and almost 10,000 technology professionals globally to investigate costs, availability, skills priorities, and compensation benchmarks across international tech markets.

Ireland maintains a significant pay advantage in several key roles, including data engineers and solutions architects, with overall tech salaries in the UK and Germany trailing by 17% and 19% respectively. Salary benchmarks in Ireland also remain closely aligned with markets such as Australia and Singapore, while contractor day rates rival major hubs including Luxembourg and Hong Kong.

The US remains the global leader in compensation, with average tech salaries reaching approximately €108,387 compared to €81,338 in Ireland. However, Hays noted that the data reveals a tightening gap in specialised fields such as data science, and that Ireland offers employers access to highly skilled technical talent at a more sustainable cost base.

Barney Ely, senior managing director for Hays Ireland, said: "Ireland is no longer just a European branch office for major tech companies. It is now a primary engine of global tech innovation."

Read the full Hays Tech Talent Explorer report and salary benchmarks.