Information Technology Salary Guide Ireland 2026
Ireland’s 2026 IT Salary Guide is here!
We have two salary guides for you, pick the one you need!
- Software Development Salary Guide
- Data Centre Operations Salary Guide
2025 Market Trends: A Look Back and What’s Next
As we reflect on 2025, the landscape was defined by caution and stabilisation. In the software world, the market was heavily influenced by global events, including the US election and geopolitical shifts, leading to a quieter hiring period in the first half of the year. Candidates became notably more risk-averse, wary of the “last in, first out” dynamic, which slowed movement across the sector.
Meanwhile, the Data Centre sector experienced its own dramatic start to the year. Early 2025 saw shockwaves sent through the industry when major players like Microsoft pulled back on European projects. However, the sector proved resilient; those gaps were quickly filled, though it forced the industry to sit up, pause, and strategise.
Software Development: The Mid-Senior Gap & The AI Shift
Sneak Peeks from the Guide:
- Interview Evolution: The days of abstract whiteboard puzzles are fading. 2026 will see a shift toward practical assessments and real-world context testing.
- Salary Shifts: While some areas saw modest growth, specific niches like AI & Machine Learning saw salary shifts of up to 4.6%, driven by a demand for specialised skills in NLP and Computer Vision.
- The Contract Market: It has become an employer-driven market, with day rates showing increased flexibility.
Data Centre Operations: A Critical Talent Shortage
Sneak Peeks from the Guide:
- Critical Facilities Boom: The demand for talent in Critical Facilities (Electrical/Mechanical) has driven a massive salary shift of 7.8%.
- AI Integration: AI isn’t just for software; there is a surging demand for AI-focused engineers to manage cooling systems, security, and automation within data centres.
- Hiring Strategy: Reactive hiring is no longer sufficient. Successful companies in 2026 will need to focus on proactive talent pipelining to avoid project delays.
Looking Ahead at 2026
The road ahead requires agility. Whether you are navigating the “Global Talent” competition in software development or the skills gap in data centre operations, having the right data is essential. To help you navigate these changes, we’ve created two highly focused guides:
- Software Development Salary Guide 2026
- Data Centre Operations Salary Guide 2026
We know these industries face unique challenges, so we’ve tailored each guide to provide specific insights that truly matter. These resources are some of our most requested each year and have helped:
Hiring managers attract top talent with competitive offers and transparent packages.
Candidates benchmark their roles, understand the value of their specific tech stack, and plan their next career steps.
Ready to get started? Download your guide(s) now and begin planning for a successful 2026. We’d love to hear your thoughts once you’ve had a chance to explore them!
Download GuideMapping out your plans for 2026?
Whether you’re considering your next role or mapping out hiring plans, we’re here to help:
- For Job Seekers: Browse our jobs page for live roles or reach out to one of our recruiters.
- For Employers: Let’s chat about how we can support your 2026 recruitment strategy.
You can also check out our career insights page for advice, tips, and more to support your journey.
