Robert Half, the world’s first and largest specialised talent solutions and business consulting firm, has unveiled its inaugural 2025 Ireland Salary Guide, providing key insights into the shifting landscape of hiring and remuneration trends in the country. The comprehensive report covers labour market dynamics, benefits and incentives, as well as the starting salaries for a range of roles across diverse sectors in Ireland.
Rising Demand for Skilled Professionals
According to the findings, 95% of Irish businesses are expected to make permanent hires in 2025, with 85% of companies planning to increase their use of contract-based hiring. In response to skills shortages across professional services, businesses are implementing competitive salaries and offering flexible benefits to attract top talent. Generational differences are also becoming more pronounced, with Gen Z professionals most vocal about their salary expectations.
Luke Edmunds, Branch Director, Ireland, at Robert Half, explained, “As Ireland’s economy evolves amid global challenges, businesses are striving to keep pace with the demands of an increasingly skilled workforce. Competitive pay, flexible benefits, and a strong company culture will be key to attracting and retaining the best talent.”
Generative AI’s Impact on Employment Trends
The adoption of Generative AI is accelerating, with nearly 70% of businesses encouraging staff to use AI for routine tasks and to enhance productivity. In sectors such as finance, accounting, and IT, AI is becoming a core component of daily operations, which in turn is driving up demand for professionals with skills in these technologies.
Finance and Accounting sectors are seeing active recruitment for permanent, contract, and project roles, as companies integrate AI into their processes. 31% of companies plan to expand permanent roles, while 61% will maintain their workforce and fill any vacancies. Additionally, 64% of organisations encourage AI usage for routine tasks, and 37% are implementing in-house AI training initiatives.
High Salary Expectations Among Younger Generations
The guide also highlights a rising trend in salary expectations, particularly among Gen Z professionals. A 68% of Gen Z workers are seeking higher pay, compared to 22% of Gen X and just 10% of Baby Boomers. This generational shift is shaping the labour market, as businesses adjust their compensation strategies to meet the demands of younger employees who are placing greater emphasis on salary and work-life balance.
IT and Technology companies, particularly in Ireland’s role as the EU tech hub, are increasingly focused on offering competitive pay and continuous upskilling opportunities to attract and retain top talent. 28% of firms are planning to expand permanent roles, with 70% maintaining headcount. 74% of firms are encouraging AI integration into their daily tasks, while 46% are offering internal AI training programmes.
Positive Outlook for Administrative and Business Support Roles
The outlook for administrative and business support roles is also positive, with all organisations surveyed planning to hire in 2025. Companies are focusing on AI-enabled productivity and continuous skills development, with 69% of employers promoting AI adoption and 40% investing in internal training initiatives.
In summary, the 2025 Ireland Salary Guide from Robert Half highlights the critical importance of AI adoption, salary competitiveness, and the growing need for skilled professionals across industries. Companies are increasingly adapting their hiring strategies to meet these demands, focusing on the emerging trends of AI, skills development, and generational shifts in employee expectations.