Ireland continues to stand out as a leading EU hub for global technology firms – and the demand for IT and tech professionals is set to remain robust in 2026 with organisations planning hires across permanent, contract and project-based roles. As the industry develops, employers are focusing on attracting and retaining top talent through competitive salaries and targeted pay reviews – with increases aimed at high-impact positions rather than broad adjustments. Skills in engineering, data and security are in especially high demand, while generative AI is becoming firmly embedded as a tool to drive efficiency and productivity. Upskilling remains a priority, ensuring workforces are ready to adopt emerging technologies and succeed in an ever more digital business landscape.

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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.

IT leadership

Business intelligence and data analytics

Cloud and infrastructure

Digital transformation - project services

Information security

Software development and testing

Position title

25th percentile

50th percentile

75th percentile

Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

146000

190000

241000

Chief Information Officer (CIO)

157250

211000

263750

Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

145250

204750

229750

Chief Architect

176500

191500

221000

IT Director

125750

144500

166000

Enterprise Architect

121250

140750

166500

Solution Architect

116000

133250

159500

Data Architect

117000

132500

147500

Head of IT

109000

123000

135250

Infrastructure Architect

106750

117000

137250

IT Manager

73250

83000

100000

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 securing higher pay

Technical expertise in data, automation, cloud, software development and project management is driving premium pay as employers compete fiercely for these in-demand skills.

Data and analytics / automation / machine learning

Cloud

Software and applications development

Project and programme management

Pay – a priority for tech talent retention

Salary remains a crucial factor in attracting and retaining skilled IT and tech workers. Timely pay reviews are essential to ensuring that employees at risk of leaving are incentivised to stay.

Pay drivers for IT and tech talent

33% of IT and tech managers consider equal evaluation across employees as the main driver for salary increases

27% would increase pay to remain competitive

24% would increase pay based on employee merit

The majority of businesses are encouraging their tech teams to use generative AI tools to improve efficiency and streamline routine tasks, while a small number are still exploring its potential before rolling it out more widely. Upskilling remains a key priority as businesses prepare their workforces to adapt.

standard

of IT employers encourage the use of gen AI for routine tasks and enhanced productivity of IT employers encourage the use of gen AI for routine tasks and enhanced productivity

standard

of businesses plan to focus on internal AI upskilling programmes of businesses plan to focus on internal AI upskilling programmes

Top certifications, functional areas and in-demand roles

Candidates holding recognised certifications typically command stronger starting salaries, especially in areas where specialist skills are essential. Below are some of the most in-demand accreditations.

Cloud (AWS / Azure / GCP / Salesforce)

CISSP / CISM

Prince2 / Scrum

ISO27001

Functional areas where businesses are most likely to hire IT and tech staff in 2026.

Data and analytics / automation / machine learning

IT service / support / operations

IT security / networking

Software development

Aligning hiring strategies with the most sought-after roles enables businesses to keep pace with shifting skill trends, strengthen workforce performance and stay competitive. In 2026, these jobs will lead demand.

Fullstack Developer

Head of IT

Desktop Support

Data Analyst

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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.