The hiring outlook for Irish administrative and business support professionals is set to remain positive in 2026, with organisations continuing to recruit across permanent, contract and project-based roles. As the importance of operational and customer-facing support grows, employers are using competitive pay to attract and retain skilled staff. Generative AI and other digital tools are now firmly embedded, driving efficiency and enabling teams to focus on higher-value strategic contributions. At the same time, upskilling remains a priority, with sustained investment in training programmes to prepare workforces for the evolving demands of the modern workplace.

Salary calculator

View salaries by category

Starting salaries can vary depending on your skills, experience, the size and sector of the organisation, and local demand for the role. Salaries are based on compensation data observed by Robert Half across Dublin and Greater Dublin, reflecting starting pay only (excluding bonuses, benefits, and perks). Figures are shown in ranges and percentiles to account for varying experience levels.

Talent acquisition

Learning and development

Executive support

Customer services

Office support

Secretarial

Position title

25th percentile

50th percentile

75th percentile

Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO)/ Chief People Officer

135000

165000

195000

HR Director

114000

139000

164000

Head of HR

102500

112500

125750

HR Project Manager (HRIS/ Compensation and Benefits)

77500

102250

110000

HR Manager

78250

91750

104000

HR Generalist

50000

55000

60000

HR Business Partner

70000

77500

85000

HR Advisor

60000

65000

70000

HR Officer/ Coordinator

41750

45000

50000

HR Administrator

39750

41000

43500

25th percentile

The candidate has little or no prior experience in the position and is still developing relevant skills.

50th percentile

The candidate has an average level of experience and has most of the necessary skills.

75th percentile

The candidate has above-average experience, has most or all the necessary skills, and may have specialised qualifications.

Most in-demand technical skills commanding premium pay

Employers value technical skills that drive efficiency and growth, with data analytics, project management and digital marketing among the most sought after.

Data analytics

Expense processing

Project and programme management

Digital marketing skills

Compensation - the cornerstone of talent retention

Fair and meaningful remuneration continues to be a key element in attracting and retaining talented employees. Keeping salaries competitive is key.

Pay drivers for administrative and business support talent

35% of employers are most likely to increase salaries based on merit and exceeding performance goals

24% would increase pay to remain competitive

23% would increase pay after an equal evaluation across employees

The majority of Irish organisations are encouraging their business support teams to adopt generative AI tools to improve efficiency. Upskilling is expected to remain a strong focus as employers prepare their teams for future demands.

standard

of employers encourage their admin staff to explore gen AI tools for routine tasks and enhanced productivity of employers encourage their admin staff to explore gen AI tools for routine tasks and enhanced productivity.

standard

promote a culture of self-learning promote a culture of self-learning

Top certifications, functional areas and in-demand roles 

Jobseekers with relevant certifications often secure higher entry-level salaries, particularly in fields needing specialist capabilities. Here are a few of the most sought-after accreditations.  

NVQ Business Admin 

Secretarial diploma / Pitman 

PRINCE 2 

ISO9001 

Functional areas where businesses are most likely to hire admin and business support staff in 2026.

Human resources

Administrative

Marketing / sales

Data entry / customer service

Staying aligned with roles that are most in demand ensures companies keep up with fast-changing skills, strengthen team performance and stay ahead of the competition. In 2026, these positions will be in highest demand.

Executive / Personal Assistant

Sales / Account Manager

Marketing Manager

HR Manager / HR Business Partner

Hiring now or looking for a job?

Build your team with skilled talent

Looking for a job?

The salaries listed in the Salary Guide from Robert Half are the result of a rigorous, multistep process to ensure our projections accurately reflect the marketplace. They are based on compensation for professionals observed by Robert Half across Dublin and Greater Dublin. The salaries listed in the salary tables represent starting compensation only, meaning pay for someone new to a company in the position listed. Our estimates do not include bonuses, benefits or perks. We report salaries in percentiles and ranges, recognising that professionals join companies at varied experience levels. Non-salary data referenced in this Salary Guide is based on an online survey developed by Robert Half and conducted by an independent research firm. During August 2025 Robert Half commissioned research amongst 200 hiring managers from large and medium sized businesses across Dublin and Greater Dublin using an online data collection methodology. The respondents were evenly split to represent hiring managers in finance and accounting, IT and tech, and admin and business support.