Navigating Software Development Salaries in Ireland

Posted on: 02nd May 2024
by Cathal McAliskey
IT Jobs and Recruitment Insights

Are you considering a career in software development in Ireland? Or perhaps you're already in the field and want to benchmark your salary against industry standards? Understanding salary ranges for different types and levels of software development roles can be crucial for making informed career decisions. In this blog, we'll delve into software development jobs in Ireland, comparing insights from recruitment agencies, including GemPool’s salary guide, to provide you with a comprehensive overview.

Understanding the Landscape:

Ireland has emerged as a vibrant hub for technology companies, attracting talent from around the globe. From multinational corporations to innovative startups, the demand for skilled software developers continues to rise. As a result, salaries in the software development sector have become increasingly competitive.

Key Roles in Software Development:

1. Backend Software Developer/Engineer: These professionals are responsible for developing and maintaining server-side applications, databases, and APIs, ensuring efficient data processing and system functionality. They possess strong programming skills and specialise in specific languages/frameworks such as Java, Python,C#.Net, PHP, Ruby, Golang, C++, Kotlin, Node

2. Frontend Software Developer/Engineer: These professionals are responsible for creating and optimising user interfaces, implementing designs, and enhancing user experience.  They specialise in specific languages/frameworks such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, TypeScript, Angular, React, Vue, jQuery, Next

3. Full-Stack Software Developer: Full-stack developers have expertise in both front-end and back-end development. They are proficient in backend and frontend technologies and databases, allowing them to work on all aspects of a web application.

4. Mobile Developer/Engineer: A mobile developer is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining mobile applications for iOS or Android platforms, ensuring seamless performance, user experience, and adherence to platform guidelines and standards. They specialise in specific languages/frameworks such as Swift, Objective-C, Kotlin, Java, React Native, Dart, Flutter

5. DevOps Engineer: DevOps engineers bridge the gap between development and operations teams, focusing on automating processes, implementing continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD), and managing infrastructure using tools like Docker and Kubernetes.

6. Software Architect: Software architects are responsible for designing the overall structure of a software system, including its components, modules, and interactions. They often have extensive experience in software development and possess strong leadership and communication skills.

Average Salaries by Experience and Skill Set:

• Backend

  • Junior Backend Developer: €30,000 - €45,000 per year

  • Mid-Level Backend Developer: €45,000 - €70,000 per year

  • Senior Backend Developer: €70,000 - €90,000+ per year

  • Lead Backend Developer: €90,000 - €110,000+ per year

• Frontend

  • Junior Frontend Engineer: €30,000 - €45,000 per year

  • Mid-Level Front End Engineer: €45,000 - €70,000 per year

  • Senior Frontend Engineer: €70,000 - €90,000+ per year

  • Lead Frontend Developer: €90,000 - €110,000+ per year

• Full Stack

  • Junior Full-Stack Developer: €35,000 - €50,000 per year

  • Mid-Level Full-Stack Developer: €50,000 - €75,000 per year

  • Senior Full-Stack Developer: €75,000 - €95,000+ per year

  • Lead Full-Stack Developer: €95,000 - €115,000+ per year

• Mobile

  • Junior Mobile Developer: €30,000 - €45,000 per year

  • Mid-Level Mobile Developer: €45,000 - €70,000 per year

  • Senior Mobile Developer: €70,000 - €90,000+ per year

  • Lead Mobile Developer: €90,000 - €110,000+ per year

• DevOps

  • Junior DevOps Engineer: €35,000 - €50,000 per year

  • Mid-Level DevOps Engineer: €50,000 - €75,000 per year

  • Senior DevOps Engineer: €75,000 - €95,000+ per year

  • Lead DevOps Engineer: €95,000 - €115,000+ per year

• Software Architect

  • Mid-Level Software Architect: €60,000 - €90,000 per year

  • Senior Software Architect: €90,000 - €105,000+ per year

  • Lead Software Architect: €105,000 - €120,000+ per year

Navigating the Job Market:

When exploring software development jobs in Ireland, leveraging the expertise of recruitment agencies like GemPool can be invaluable. Whether you're seeking opportunities in Dublin or other tech hubs across the country, employment agencies and recruiters can provide valuable insights and support throughout the job search process.

In 2024, the Ireland software development market continues to evolve, driven by technological advancements, changing consumer preferences, and global economic factors. Here are three notable trends I have spotted:

1. AI and Machine Learning: Businesses across various industries in Ireland are increasingly seeking AI and machine learning solutions to gain competitive advantages, enhance customer experiences, and optimise operations. Demand is particularly high for AI-powered applications in areas such as predictive analytics, natural language processing, and computer vision. Companies are investing in AI to automate repetitive tasks, extract insights from large datasets, and personalise services, driving the need for skilled software developers proficient in AI and machine learning technologies.

2. Cybersecurity: With the rapid growth of cyber threats and data breaches, cybersecurity remains a top priority for organisations. There is a growing demand for software developers with expertise in developing robust cybersecurity solutions, including threat detection systems, encryption algorithms, and secure authentication mechanisms. As businesses strive to protect sensitive information and ensure regulatory compliance, they are investing in advanced cybersecurity technologies and hiring skilled professionals to strengthen their defences against cyber attacks.

3. Low-Code/No-Code Development: The demand for rapid application development is driving the adoption of low-code/no-code development platforms. These platforms enable users with limited coding skills to build and deploy software applications quickly and efficiently, without writing extensive code. Businesses are leveraging low-code/no-code platforms to accelerate digital transformation initiatives, streamline development processes, and create custom solutions. Software developers play a crucial role in integrating and extending these platforms, as well as providing support and customisation services.

In summary, software development offers promising career prospects in Ireland, with competitive salaries based on experience and skill set. By understanding industry standards and leveraging the resources of recruitment agencies, including insights from salary guides, like ours, you can navigate the job market with confidence and pursue rewarding opportunities in this exciting field. Whether you're a junior developer embarking on your career journey or a seasoned architect shaping the future of technology, the software development landscape in Ireland is ripe with possibilities. You can explore some of our current career options here.