Average weekly earnings in Ireland revealed as growth outpaces inflation

Average weekly earnings in Ireland rose by 4.4% in the first quarter of 2026, as wage growth continued to outpace inflation across much of the economy, according to new figures from the Central Statistics Office.

The latest Earnings and Labour Costs data from the CSO showed average weekly earnings increased to €1,074.61 in Q1 2026, compared with €1,029.81 during the same period last year.

Average hourly earnings also climbed by 4% year-on-year to €33.13, while average weekly paid hours edged slightly higher from 32.3 to 32.4 hours.

The figures indicate continued strength in the labour market despite a slight easing in recruitment demand.

The national job vacancy rate stood at 1.1% at the end of the first quarter, down from 1.3% a year earlier and slightly below the 1.2% recorded at the end of Q4 2025.

The data also showed labour costs for employers continuing to rise, with average hourly other labour costs increasing by 4.5% to €5.78. Average hourly total labour costs reached €38.92, up 4.1% year-on-year.

The Information and Communication sector remained the highest-paying area of the economy, with average hourly total labour costs of €62.65, followed by Financial, Insurance and Real Estate Activities at €58.88 and Education at €50.98.

At the other end of the scale, Accommodation and Food Service Activities recorded the lowest hourly labour costs at €20.39.

Commenting on the figures, Dr Niall O’Sullivan, Statistician in the Earnings Analysis Division at the Central Statistics Office, said earnings growth continued to be supported by stable labour market conditions.

“Average earnings in the economy continue to increase year-on-year, driven by a number of factors, including a stable job vacancy rate since 2024,” he said.

The CSO noted that consumer prices rose by 3% over the same period, meaning wage growth continued to outpace inflation for many workers.

According to the report, average weekly earnings increased across 11 of the 13 economic sectors surveyed.

The strongest annual growth was recorded in the Administrative and Support Services sector, where weekly earnings rose by 7.7%, followed by a 6.7% increase in Education.

Dr O’Sullivan said hourly earnings also rose across most sectors of the economy.

“Average hourly earnings grew on an annual basis by 4.0% to €33.13, increasing in 11 of the 13 economic sectors,” he said.

The Public Administration and Defence sector recorded the highest job vacancy rate at 3.5%, followed by Information and Communication at 2.1%, highlighting continued demand for workers in public services and technology-related industries.

While vacancies have eased slightly overall, the figures suggest Ireland’s labour market remains relatively tight, with wage growth continuing across most sectors of the economy.

Source: Cormac Cahill, Business Plus, 26th May 2026.