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12 Highest Paying Jobs in Ireland in 2025: A Complete Guide!

12 Highest Paying Jobs in Ireland in 2025: A Complete Guide!

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12-03-2025

12 Highest Paying Jobs in Ireland in 2025: A Complete Guide!

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is the highest paying job in Ireland with an average annual salary of €163,000. Apart from this, there are numerous top-paying jobs in Ireland including Finance Director, District Court Judge, Sales Director, Director of Operations, etc. Ireland's strategic location and connectivity attract global corporations, providing lucrative career opportunities across industries like high-tech and life sciences. Numerous companies, providing excellent job opportunities for both domestic and international students in Ireland and beyond, have their headquarters located in Ireland. This blog is a comprehensive guide, including high-paying jobs with salaries, to offer insights for those in or planning to work in Ireland.

Table of contents

What are the Top Highest Paid Jobs in Ireland?
Highest Paying Part-Time Jobs in Ireland 2025
Conclusion
FAQS

What are the Top Highest Paid Jobs in Ireland?

Top Highest Paid Jobs in Ireland

Top 12 highest paid jobs in Ireland:

S.No	Job Role	Average Pay
#1	Chief Executive Officer (CEO)	€68,459 - €163K
#2	Finance Director	€99,171 - €147K
#3	District Court Judge	€23,612 - €149,441
#4	Sales Director	€23,612 - €149,441
#5	Director of Operations	€91,494 - €120K
#6	General Practitioner	€102,440 - €120K
#7	Technical Architect	€54,867 - €90K
#8	Software Development Manager	€101,002 - €122K
#9	IT Senior Project Manager	€85,103 - €98K
#10	Chief Actuary	€140,000 - €320,000
#11	Chief Financial Officer	€120,097 - €400,000
#12	Lawyers/ Solicitors	€76,110 - €85,000

Let's explore more about the 12 highest paying jobs in Ireland that are listed below,

1. Chief Executive Officer (€68,459 - €163K per year)

Average Annual Salary Range :€68,459 - €163K per year
Average Monthly Salary Range: €5,704.92 - €13,583 per month

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is the top position in a company. CEOs make critical decisions and shape the company’s direction. That’s why CEO is the highest-salaried job in Ireland. Even though this role is financially rewarding, it comes with significant responsibilities in managing operations and resources. A relevant degree, like an MBA, is recommended, although not mandatory. Key skills for a CEO include a strong work ethic, organisational skills, industry track record, dedication, resilience, and leadership abilities. Successful CEOs, like Richard Branson, highlight the importance of climbing the corporate ladder with dedication and strategic thinking.

2. Finance Director (€99,171 - €147K per year)

Average Annual Salary Range: €99,171 - €147K per year

Average Monthly Salary Range: €8,264.25 - €12,250 per month

The Finance Director is key in financial management and handles budgets, analyses data, and predicts economic trends. This role also includes managing the finance department, setting economic policies, and contributing to the overall financial strategy. To qualify, a finance or accounting bachelor's degree and around a decade of financial experience are typically required. Successful Finance Directors possess a deep understanding of financial principles, strong analytical skills, and the ability to make informed decisions. Skills like effective team management, economic forecasting, and budgetary expertise are essential for success in this well-paid position.

3. District Court Judge (€23,612 - €149,441 per year)

Average Annual Salary Range: €23,612 - €149,441 per year

Average Monthly Salary Range: €1,967.67 - €12,453.42 per month

District Court Judges oversee diverse cases, including damages claims, divorces, criminal matters like domestic violence injunctions, and various legal issues in the primary court of summary jurisdiction. They handle court of protection, anti-social behaviour injunctions, committals, and insolvency proceedings, ensuring fair and impartial decisions in criminal, civil, family law, and licensing matters. To qualify, judges need at least 10 years of legal experience, starting with a law degree and postgraduate qualification. Successful judges possess a deep understanding of the law, strong analytical and decision-making skills, effective communication abilities, and a commitment to upholding fairness and justice.

4. Sales Director (€94,869 - €100,000 per year)

Average Annual Salary Range: €94,869 - €100,000 per year

Average Monthly Salary Range: €7,905.75 - €8,333.33 per month

The Sales Director is recognized as one of the high-income roles in Ireland. In charge of sales operations, they oversee subordinate salespeople, lead sales managers, craft effective sales strategies, and stay updated on market trends. They’re shaping the company's revenue landscape. To qualify, a bachelor's degree in business administration or related fields is essential, along with prior experience as a sales manager. Successful Sales Directors exhibit exceptional leadership skills, strategic thinking, and strong communication and negotiation abilities to navigate the dynamic market landscape.

5. Director of Operations (€91,494 - €120K per year)

Average Annual Salary Range: €91,494 - €120K per year

Average Monthly Salary Range: €7,624.50 - €10,000 per month

The Director of Operations is a top-tier leader controlling all aspects of an organisation. Their role includes establishing strategic objectives, managing financial plans and expenditures, and ensuring regulatory compliance or moral standards. Day-to-day responsibilities involve evaluating employee productivity and reviewing business procedures to streamline operations for organisational growth. A bachelor's or master’s degree in business is required, with an MBA necessary for advanced education. Successful Directors of Operations show versatility, a keen eye for efficiency, financial insight, and strong leadership and communication skills for collaboration with diverse departments and achieving strategic objectives.

6. General Practitioner (€102,440 - €120K per year)

Average Annual Salary Range: €102,440 - €120K per year

Average Monthly Salary Range: €8,536.67 - €10,000 per month

General Practitioners (GPs) are also known as family doctors. They provide primary healthcare services and become the initial point of contact for patients. Their role involves identifying, diagnosing, and treating various medical conditions, ensuring comprehensive and accessible healthcare. GPs offer primary healthcare, diagnose conditions, medical assistance, recommend treatments, and may refer patients to specialists. To become a GP in Ireland, doctors typically complete a five or six-year medical degree program. Success in this role requires strong diagnostic skills, empathy, effective communication, broad medical knowledge, and staying updated on healthcare advancements. GPs also need strong interpersonal skills to establish rapport with patients and provide holistic care.

7. Technical Architect (€54,867 - €90K per year)

Average Annual Salary Range: €54,867 - €90K per year

Average Monthly Salary Range: €4,572.25 - €7,500 per month

A Technical Architect is a highly sought-after IT professional responsible for creating, executing, and maintaining robust systems for clients and businesses. Recognised as one of the best-compensated jobs in Ireland, they lead the entire IT system lifecycle and collaborate with upper management to identify key IT needs across hardware, software, security, networks and operational integrity. To start in this role, an undergraduate degree in software engineering or IT is essential, with a graduate degree considered advantageous. Successful Technical Architects possess technical expertise, strategic thinking, a deep understanding of software engineering and IT systems, effective communication skills, and adaptability to guide the evolving IT landscape.

8. Software Development Manager (€101,002 - €122K per year)

Average Annual Salary Range: €101,002 - €122K per year

Average Monthly Salary Range: €8,416.83 - €10,166.67 per month

Software Development Managers guide software developers, programmers, business analysts, system analysts, and software engineers through the entire software development process. Also, they lead a diverse team to create cutting-edge computer programs aligned with market research requirements. While technical expertise is essential, their focus is on effective leadership, report writing, and departmental oversight. To excel in this role, a bachelor's degree in computer science or IT is typically required, with some opting for an MBA for additional business sense. Previous experience in a software developer position is necessary. Effective communication and interpersonal skills are essential for this role.

9. IT Senior Project Manager (€85,103 - €98K per year)

Average Annual Salary Range: €85,103 - €98K per year

Average Monthly Salary Range: €7,091.92 - €8,166.67 per month

IT Senior Project Manager is a key figure supervising successful IT projects across multiple business units, one of the top-earning roles. They manage resources, schedules, budgets, and quality assurance while mentoring teams and staying updated on emerging technologies. This career typically requires a bachelor's degree in project management or computer science and several years of experience. Successful IT Senior Project Managers act as mentors, exhibiting strong leadership and project management skills. They should excel in team oversight and collaboration, maintain technical proficiency for corporate functions, and stay current with industry advancements.

10. Chief Actuary (€140,000 - €320,000 per year)

Average Annual Salary Range: €140,000 - €320,000 per year

Average Monthly Salary Range: €11,666.67 - €26,666.67 per month

The Chief Actuary, also known as the Risk Whisperer, is a pivotal figure in finance, specialising in assessing and managing risk. Actuaries, whose main focus is on risk assessment and management, utilise calculations and projections to guide companies in financial decision-making, minimising costs. Highly esteemed for their proficiency in mathematics and financial analysis, Chief Actuaries contribute to various sectors and typically hold specialised degrees in Actuarial Sciences or Statistics. Operating in sectors like insurance, investments, consultancies, and broking operations, Chief Actuaries are crucial players. Aspiring actuaries often pursue degrees in science, mathematics, or engineering. Beyond technical skills, effective communication is vital.

11. Chief Financial Officer (CFO) (€120,097 - €400,000 per year)

Average Annual Salary Range: €120,097 - €400,000 per year

Average Monthly Salary Range: €10,008.08 - €33,333.33 per month

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is involved in all financial activities, including monitoring monetary policies and financial data, and helps decide how the company should spend and earn money. They need to be good at organising things, understanding finances, and working well with others. The CFO checks how money moves in and out, figures out what the company is good at and where it needs to improve, and handles the budgets for different parts of the company. To qualify for this position, having a degree in economics, finance, or accounting is important, and it's also crucial to keep learning about money rules. The CFO's role demands exceptional organisational skills, a deep understanding of finance and mathematics, interpersonal proficiency, strategic thinking, and more.

12. Lawyers/ Solicitors (€76,110 - €85,000 per year)

Average Annual Salary Range: €76,110 - €85,000 per year

Average Monthly Salary Range: €6,342.50 - €7,083.33 per month

Becoming a legal advocate requires a significant 3-7 year educational commitment, but the long-term salary benefits are considered worthwhile. Legal advocates, also known as lawyers or solicitors, play a crucial role in providing legal advice and representation to clients. They specialise in areas such as crime, corporate, family, or environmental law. Their responsibilities include researching laws, preparing legal documents, negotiating settlements, and representing clients in court. Successful legal advocates possess analytical skills, attention to detail, and strong communication abilities, along with negotiation and interpersonal skills. Ethical integrity, confidentiality, and a commitment to upholding justice are fundamental traits for lawyers in their roles as legal advocates.

Highest Paying Part-Time Jobs in Ireland 2025

Explore some high-wage part-time jobs in Ireland with average salary per hour,

Sales Assistant - €21 per hour (₹1,785 per hour)
Tutor - €25 per hour (₹2,125 per hour)
Library Assistant - €16 per hour (INR 1,360 per hour)
Jobs at Restaurants/ Bars/ Cafes - €10 per hour (₹850 per hour)
Community Support Worker - €24 per hour (Rs. 2,040/- per hour)
Driver Helper - €15 per hour (₹1,275 per hour)
Babysitting - €9 to €10 per hour (₹765 to ₹850 per hour)
Industrial Cleaner - €11 per hour (₹935 per hour)
Administrative Assistant - €15 per hour (1,275 in Indian Rupees per hour)
Call Center Agent - €11 per hour (₹935 per hour)
Healthcare Assistant - €13.85 per hour (₹1,177.25 per hour)
Research Assistant - €17.59 per hour (₹1,495.15 per hour)
Customer Service - €14.10 per hour (₹1,198.50 per hour)
Community support Worker - €18.8 per hour (₹1,598 per hour)

Conclusion

Now you know the highest paying jobs in Ireland require lots of knowledge and skills. To be hired in one of the high-salaried jobs, make sure you develop those skills and become employable. While medical and business degrees are lucrative options, the mentioned roles, including CEOs, finance directors, district court judges, and technical architects, stand out for their immediate earning potential. Although other jobs in Ireland have higher salaries, reaching those levels may take time. For those aiming to maximise earnings, these professions present appealing opportunities in prestigious and well-paying sectors, particularly within the thriving business industry.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the highest paying job in Ireland?

Chief Operating Officer (CEO) with an average annual salary, of €163,000 is considered the highest paying job in Ireland.

2. What jobs make 200k a year in Ireland?

Jobs that offer salaries of around 200k a year often include executive-level positions in major companies, senior roles in finance or technology, and certain specialised roles in fields like law or medicine.

3. Which career is best in Ireland?

The best career in Ireland depends on individual preferences, skills, and interests. However, careers CEOs, finance directors, district court judges, and IT senior project managers are some of the highest-paying jobs in Ireland.

4. What jobs pay 100k a year in Ireland?

Roles in software development, senior management positions, certain medical professions, and specialised roles in finance or engineering can potentially offer salaries of 100k or more.

5. What are the highest paying jobs in Ireland without a degree?

Firefighter
Property manager
Electrician
Plumber
Executive assistant
Builder
Delivery driver
Real estate agent
Sales executive
Hair stylist

6. What qualifications are typically required for these high-paying jobs?

High-paying jobs often require relevant educational qualifications, such as degrees or certifications. For executive or specialised roles, advanced degrees (Master's or higher) may be preferred. Experience, skills, and a proven track record in the respective field are also crucial for obtaining high-paying positions.

7. What are the highest paying industries in Ireland?

Technology/IT Sector
Pharmaceutical and Healthcare
Finance and Banking
Engineering
Energy and Renewable Resources

8. What are the highest paying jobs in Ireland for freshers?

Software Developer/Engineer
Data Analyst
Pharmaceutical Research Assistant
Financial Analyst
Sales Representative

About Author Manimegalai Samidurai

Manimegalai is a multifaceted professional, excelling as an author, writer, and study-abroad expert. Her vast knowledge of English proficiency exams, including IELTS, GRE, SAT, and PTE, and exceptional content writing skills make her a go-to resource for students seeking guidance and support in their foreign education journey. She is a trusted authority in writing content related to these test-prep exams, making her an invaluable resource for those seeking guidance. With her well-researched and informative blogs, articles, and study materials, Manimegalai has helped countless students achieve their desired band scores and get admissions to top-notch colleges & universities in countries like Canada, USA, UK, Australia, Ireland, etc.

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