Salary negotiations can be one of the most daunting and even awkward parts of the hiring process. In fact, some people won’t even bring it up in the interview for fear of being cast as money oriented.
But let’s face it, we all work to earn money and pay our bills. And we should be paid what we are entitled to based on our skills and experience, right? Well, this can only happen if you have the right information and the confidence to use it.
In this article, we’ll give you some actionable advice on negotiating salaries for tech jobs in Ireland. And yes, that includes info on current salary ranges for common tech roles based on where you are located.
Why Salary Negotiation is Important
As noted earlier, there are lots of candidates out there who are worried about discussing salaries in the interview. They simply wait for an offer and accept it once it’s within their range.
But here’s the thing – employers expect you to negotiate. Better yet, research shows that professionals who negotiate their salaries often earn 10-20% more over their careers compared to those who accept the initial offer.
So yes, it’s important.
Tips for Effective Salary Negotiation
Here are a few tips to get you started on the path to hitting your ideal salary.
1. Research Industry Salary Benchmarks
Use reliable resources such as job boards, salary surveys, and recruitment agencies to understand the market rate for your role.
Tools like Glassdoor, Payscale, and local reports from IDA Ireland can provide insights into salary expectations.
2. Know Your Worth
Evaluate your unique skills, certifications, and experience. For example, expertise in niche areas like AI, DevOps, or cybersecurity can command higher salaries.
Highlight projects, achievements, or certifications that set you apart during negotiations.
3. Consider Regional Variations
Salaries in Ireland can vary significantly by location. For example, tech jobs in Dublin generally pay higher due to the cost of living, while regions like Cork, Limerick, and Galway offer competitive but slightly lower salaries.
4. Practice Confidence and Clarity
Be confident but respectful when discussing salary. Use data to back up your request, such as industry benchmarks and your personal achievements.
Clearly articulate your expectations and be prepared to explain why they are justified.
5. Negotiate Beyond Salary
If salary flexibility is limited, consider negotiating other benefits such as remote work options, training budgets, additional vacation days, or performance bonuses.
6. Be Open to Compromise
Be realistic and open to meeting the employer halfway. A collaborative approach often brings better results than a rigid stance.
Average Salary Ranges for Common Tech Roles in Ireland (2024)
It’s worth bearing in mind that these ranges can vary quite a bit. So treat these more as rough guidelines rather than rigid benchmarks.
Software Developer
Region | Entry-Level (€) | Mid-Level (€) | Senior (€) |
Dublin | 40,000–55,000 | 60,000–80,000 | 90,000+ |
Cork | 35,000–50,000 | 55,000–75,000 | 85,000+ |
Galway/Limerick | 34,000–48,000 | 52,000–72,000 | 80,000+ |
Data Scientist
Region | Entry-Level (€) | Mid-Level (€) | Senior (€) |
Dublin | 45,000–60,000 | 65,000–85,000 | 100,000+ |
Cork | 40,000–55,000 | 60,000–75,000 | 90,000+ |
Galway/Limerick | 38,000–53,000 | 58,000–70,000 | 85,000+ |
DevOps Engineer
Region | Entry-Level (€) | Mid-Level (€) | Senior (€) |
Dublin | 50,000–65,000 | 70,000–90,000 | 100,000+ |
Cork | 45,000–60,000 | 65,000–85,000 | 95,000+ |
Galway/Limerick | 43,000–58,000 | 63,000–80,000 | 90,000+ |
Cybersecurity Analyst
Region | Entry-Level (€) | Mid-Level (€) | Senior (€) |
Dublin | 50,000–60,000 | 70,000–85,000 | 100,000+ |
Cork | 45,000–55,000 | 65,000–80,000 | 90,000+ |
Galway/Limerick | 42,000–50,000 | 62,000–78,000 | 88,000+ |
Quality Assurance (QA) Engineer
Region | Entry-Level (€) | Mid-Level (€) | Senior (€) |
Dublin | 35,000–50,000 | 55,000–70,000 | 80,000+ |
Cork | 33,000–48,000 | 52,000–68,000 | 75,000+ |
Galway/Limerick | 32,000–45,000 | 50,000–65,000 | 70,000+ |
Regional Considerations for Negotiation
Dublin: The highest-paying region for tech roles, but with a higher cost of living. Candidates in Dublin often negotiate for remote work options or commuter allowances.
Cork and Limerick: Salaries are slightly lower, but the cost of living is more affordable. Companies here may offer unique benefits like relocation packages or training opportunities.
Remote Work: Many companies across Ireland now offer remote or hybrid roles, allowing candidates to negotiate location flexibility.
Tools and Resources for Salary Research
Glassdoor Ireland:Provides salary insights for various tech roles in Ireland.
Payscale: Offers detailed salary breakdowns by region and experience level.
Salary negotiations for tech jobs in Ireland don’t have to be intimidating. By doing your research, preparing your case, and understanding regional salary trends, there’s no reason why you can’t hit that ideal salary range.
Just remember, salary negotiation is not just about numbers—it's about creating a win-win situation where both you and the employer feel satisfied.
If you're looking for a new challenge but are unsure about salary, get in touch with the team here at Software Placements. We’ve helped thousands of candidates negotiate salaries and we’re always happy to help.