With the right training, you can secure one of the highest-paying jobs in Ireland.

These roles offer salaries that meet or exceed Ireland’s median full-time income of €44,816 as reported by the Central Statistics Office.

These well-paid careers can be found in different sectors such as:

Table of Contents

Ireland’s fitness industry continues to expand, with an increasing number of financially rewarding careers available. You can kickstart a career and start earning with OriGym’s Personal Training Diploma!

51 Highest Paying Jobs in Ireland

Finance and Banking

image of digital transaction depicting one of the highest paying jobs in Ireland

#1 Financial Analyst

Average Salary: €48,000
Starting Salary: €36,000
Highest Salary: €66,000

Financial analysts use data to forecast budgets, monitor KPIs, and support strategic planning. They work with businesses and independent clients to improve financial performance.

Qualifications and Training:

A degree in finance, accounting, or economics is required. Qualifications like CFAs or CAI are highly valued and can improve your employment prospects.

Career Progression:

Completing a master’s in finance or business can help you move into senior analyst or management roles.

#2 Actuary

Average Salary: €68,000
Starting Salary: €75,000
Highest Salary: €90,000

Actuaries use maths and statistics to assess risk and predict future outcomes. They support financial planning in insurance, pensions, and investments.

Qualifications and Training:

You’ll need a degree in actuarial science, maths, or statistics. Trainee actuaries must also pass exams through the Society of Actuaries in Ireland (SAI), the Irish professional body for actuaries:

welcome page for Society of Actuaries in Ireland

Career Progression:

Actuaries in Ireland can progress into managerial roles, lead key projects, mentor junior staff, and help shape strategic decisions across financial organisations:

#3 Investment Banker

Average Salary: €100,000
Starting Salary: €92,000
Highest Salary: €152,000

Investment bankers manage complex financial transactions. They support mergers, acquisitions, and public offerings to help clients raise capital and minimise risk.

Qualifications and Training:

A degree in finance, economics, or business is a standard requirement. You must also complete an internships or MBAs.

Career Progression:

Investopedia notes you’ll progress from analyst to associate, then to roles like Vice-President and Managing Director.

investment banking progression highest paying jobs in Ireland

#4 Chief Financial Officer

Average Salary: €164,000
Starting Salary: €102,000
Highest Salary: €269,000

CFOs manage financial strategy, budgeting, audits, and compliance to drive long-term planning and business growth.

Qualifications and Training:

A degree in finance, economics, or accounting is essential. ACCA or ACA certifications will also support career progression.

Career Progression:

According to DigitalDefynd, after reaching the CFO position, you can advance even further into top executive roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Board Director, or Chief Strategy Officer (CSO).

#5 Hedge Fund Manager

Average Salary: €100,000
Starting Salary: €96,000
Highest Salary: €103,000

Hedge fund managers analyse markets, manage risks and make high-stakes investment decisions, it’s one of the best-earning professions in finance.

Qualifications and Training:

Degrees in finance, economics, or maths may be required, alternatively employers may look for vocational training such as CISI certifications along with trading experience.

CISI qualification page highest paying jobs in Ireland

Career Progression:

You can start as a hedge fund analyst, before progressing to portfolio or risk manager roles with experience and ability to deliver proven returns.

#6 Corporate Lawyer

Average Salary: €89,000
Starting Salary: €76,000
Highest Salary: €107,000

Corporate lawyers advise businesses on contracts, compliance, and mergers. They also ensure legal protection during commercial transactions.

Qualifications and Training:

You’ll need to hold a law degree and pass the Law Society of Ireland’s entrance exams. You’ll also need to complete a two-year training contract with a law firm:

 law society training contract highest paying jobs in Ireland

Career Progression:

You’ll start as a trainee solicitor, then progress to associate, senior associate, and possibly partner with strong performance.

#7 Barrister

Average Salary:  €73,000
Starting Salary: €44,000
Highest Salary: €100,000

Barristers represent clients in courts of law, specialising in advocacy and legal advice..

Qualifications and Training:

You’ll need to complete an approved law degree or Diploma in Legal Studies, followed by one year of devilling before being called to the Bar.

Career Progression:

You’ll start as a junior counsel and, after around 12 years, can apply to become a senior counsel, awarded by the Government.

#8 Intellectual Property Lawyer

Average Salary: €103,138
Starting Salary: €71,684
Highest Salary: €128,359

IP lawyers protect creative assets like trademarks and patents by handling legal disputes involving intellectual property rights.

Qualifications and Training:

You’ll need a law degree or approved pre-entry course before sitting the FE-1 exams. You can then either complete the  solicitor training path or pursue the Barrister-at-Law degree followed by devilling.

King’s Inns law degree offers direct path to highest paying jobs in Ireland

Career Progression:

Starting as a trainee or pupil, you can specialise in trademarks or patents and progress to partner or QC roles in top firms such as Two Birds:

 two birds site for one of the highest paying jobs in Ireland

#9 Judge

Average Salary: €99,000
Starting Salary: €95,000
Highest Salary: €103,000

Judges ensure fair trials by interpreting laws, assessing evidence, and presiding over court proceedings to deliver legal rulings and uphold standards.

Qualifications and Training

You must have at least 5 to 7 years’ post-qualification experience as a solicitor or barrister. Judges are named through the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) and begin in part-time or fee-paid roles:

judicial commission navigation page highest paying jobs in Ireland

Career Progression

You can progress as a judge from District Judge to Circuit Judge or High Court Judge. With experience, you may advance to the Court of Appeal or Supreme Court, or specialise in the judiciary, such as family or employment law.

#10 Legal Partner

Average Salary: €97,000
Starting Salary: €67,000
Highest Salary: €143,600

Legal Partners are senior solicitors or barristers who co-own or lead law firms. They oversee legal teams, manage client relationships, and shape the firm’s strategic and financial direction.

Qualifications and Training

To become a legal partner, you must first qualify as a solicitor by passing the Solicitors Qualifying Examination or as a barrister through Bar training and pupillage.

You’ll then need several years of developing your expertise, a strong client base, and commercial awareness. This demonstrates your ability to drive growth, lead teams, and support the firm’s long-term success.

Career Progression

To become a legal partner in Ireland, you must first qualify as a solicitor by passing the FE‑1 examinations or as a barrister by completing the Barrister‑at‑Law degree and devilling.

You’ll then need several years of developing your expertise, a strong client base, and commercial awareness. This demonstrates your ability to drive growth, lead teams, and support the firm’s long-term success.

Fitness Industry

#11 Online Coach

Average Salary: €25,000
Starting Salary: €23,000
Highest Salary: €26,000

Online coaches deliver fitness programmes digitally and support clients worldwide. High demand allows for flexible hours and strong earning potential.

Qualifications and Training

Holding a Level 4 Personal Trainer Qualification is a legal requirement to obtain professional insurance from providers like Public Liability:

Public liability insurance for fitness roles highest paying jobs in Ireland

Career Progression

Earn specialist qualifications to offer additional services that will expand your client base. For example, with a Level 5 Nutrition Course, you can offer bespoke meal plans and nutrition coaching.

#12 Fitness Influencer

Salary: Unlimited earning potential

Fitness influencers use social media to promote health and wellness, creating content, working with brands, and selling products.

Qualifications and Training:

No formal training is required, but completing a Level 4 Personal Training Qualification can help build trust with followers.

Career Progression:

You can grow your audience, land sponsorships, and launch products. Agencies like Gym Fluencers help connect influencers with brand deals:

landing page from gymfluencers depicting highest paying jobs in Ireland

#13 Personal Trainer

illustration of two people working out depicting highest paying jobs in Ireland

Personal Trainer Salary

Personal trainers design and lead bespoke exercise plans that help clients reach fitness goals.

Qualifications and Training:

A Level 4 PT qualification is essential for becoming a Personal Trainer, and is legally required for insurance coverage with providers like Public Liability.

Career Progression:

Personal trainers can progress into gym manager roles or kickstart their own business and become self-employed.

#14 Gym Owner

illustration of a fitness professional depicting highest paying jobs in Ireland

Average Salary: €40,000
Starting Salary: €39,000
Highest Salary: €41,000

Gym owners manage fitness centres, oversee staff and operations. For those seeking high-income careers in the fitness industry, this is one of the jobs that offers autonomy, growth, and a strong earning potential.

Qualifications and Training:

A Level 4 PT Qualification helps you understand the business side of the fitness industry, which is vitally important.

Career Progression:

After opening your own gym, you can expand your services to multiple locations.

Healthcare and Medicine

#15 Pharmacist

Average Salary: €62,970
Starting Salary: €40,580
Highest Salary: €103,1350

Pharmacists dispense medications and advise patients on safe usage. They also support healthcare teams and ensure legal compliance.

Qualifications and Training:

You’ll need a Master’s degree in pharmacy, complete an internship placement, and register with the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI):

PSI pharmacist registration - highest paying jobs in Ireland

Career Progression:

Gradireland states pharmacists can progress into management or academic roles, such as pharmacy manager or third-level lecturer. You can also specialise as a clinical research officer or a development chemist:

Pharmacist career paths - highest paying jobs in Ireland

#16 Dentist

Average Salary: €60,000
Starting Salary: €50,000
Highest Salary: €95,000

Dentists perform check-ups and carry out procedures like fillings and extractions to maintain oral health.

Qualifications and Training:

You need a degree in dental surgery and register with the Dental Council of Ireland to practise as a dentist in the Republic of Ireland.

Dentistry registration - highest paying jobs in Ireland

Career Progression

Dentists in Ireland can work in public or private practice and may progress into academic research or specialist fields like orthodontics or oral surgery.

#17 Psychiatrist

Average Salary: €76,000
Starting Salary: €66,000
Highest Salary: €124,000

Psychiatrists diagnose and treat mental health disorders using medication, therapy, and holistic approaches.

Qualifications and Training:

You need a medical degree followed by a 12-month internship and 5–6 years of specialist psychiatry training. You must then register with the Irish Medical Council to practise as a psychiatrist.

Career Progression:

The Irish Student notes that psychiatrists in Ireland can progress to consultant level after completing specialist training and registering on the Specialist Division of the Irish Medical Council.

Psychiatry training path - highest paying jobs in Ireland

#18 Anaesthetist

Average Salary: €60,000
Starting Salary: €58,000
Highest Salary: €62,000

Anaesthetists manage patient safety during surgeries and provide pain relief in medical settings.

Qualifications and Training:

A medical degree, one‑year internship, and specialist training in anaesthesia from the College of Anaesthesiologists of Ireland is required, along with registration on the Specialist Register of the Irish Medical Council:

CIA courses page for one of the highest paying jobs in ireland

Career Progression:

You can become a consultant anaesthetist or move into education, leadership, or research roles in hospital departments:

#19 Surgeon

Average Salary: €157,000
Starting Salary: €54,000
Highest Salary: €300,000

Consistently ranked among the best jobs in Ireland in healthcare, surgeons perform operations to treat injuries and illnesses.

Qualifications and Training:

A medical degree followed by one‑year internship and surgical specialist training through the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), with entry to the Specialist Register of the Irish Medical Council once training is completed.

Doctor registration steps - highest paying jobs in Ireland

Career Progression:

You can progress your career by managing departments, training medical students, or becoming a senior consultant in surgical practices.

#20 Consultant Doctor

Average Salary: €52,000
Starting Salary: €50,000
Highest Salary: €55,000

Consultants lead patient care, supervise junior medical staff, specialise in specific fields and contribute to research.

Qualifications and Training:

You need a medical degree, a one‑year internship, and 5–8 years of specialist training (Basic and Higher Specialist Training), followed by registration on the Specialist Register of the Irish Medical Council.

Career Progression:

You can move into HSE leadership, advisory roles, or boost earnings through private practice, positioning Consultancy as one of Ireland’s most respected high-income careers in medicine.

Technology and Engineering

#21 Cybersecurity Specialist

uls_msc_software_engineering_course_overview_highlighting_job_duties_for_highest_paying_jobs_in_ireland copy

Average Salary: €70,000
Starting Salary: €50,000
Highest Salary: €120,000

Cybersecurity specialists protect systems from threats and enjoy one of the best jobs that pay well in the tech sector.

Qualifications and Training:

A degree in computer science, along with certifications like the CEH qualification, can boost job prospects:

uls_msc_software_engineering_course_overview_highlighting_job_duties_for_highest_paying_jobs_in_ireland copy

Career Progression:

You can move into roles such as cybersecurity consultant, risk analyst, or head of information security with experience.

#22 Software Engineer

Average Salary: €62,000
Starting Salary: €50,000
Highest Salary: €80,000

Software engineers develop, maintain systems, write code, and fix bugs.

Qualifications and Training:

A degree in software engineering, computer science, or computer applications from Irish universities like the MSc in Software Engineering at University of Limerick is required.

uls_msc_software_engineering_course_overview_highlighting_job_duties_for_highest_paying_jobs_in_ireland copy

Career Progression:

You can move into senior developer roles, become a software architect, or transition into management and product strategy.

#23 Data Scientist

Average Salary: €60,000
Starting Salary: €50,000
Highest Salary: €75,000

Data scientists build models and uncover trends in large datasets to support business decisions.

Qualifications and Training:

You’ll need a background in maths, statistics, or computer science. Skills in Python and SQL are also highly valuable:

example of SQL courses for data scientists one of the highest paying jobs in Ireland

Career Progression:

You can become a lead analyst, senior scientist, or launch your own data-focused business:

#24 Cloud Computing Engineer

Average Salary: €41,000
Starting Salary: €40,000
Highest Salary: €43,000

Cloud engineers design and maintain cloud systems that host websites, apps, and data infrastructure.

Qualifications and Training:

A degree in IT or Computer Science is required, along with further training such as Azure certifications:

microsoft azure site courses for one of the highest paying jobs in Ireland

According to Gradireland, you can move into positions like cloud architect, DevOps engineer, or technical lead in Ireland’s growing cloud infrastructure sector.

Career Progression:

You can advance into roles like cloud architect, infrastructure manager, or solutions engineer.

#25 Artificial Intelligence Engineer

Average Salary: €66,000
Starting Salary: €45,000
Highest Salary: €81,000

AI engineers develop machine learning models and intelligent systems for practical applications across industries.

Qualifications and Training:

A degree in computer science or AI is typical. Experience with Python, TensorFlow, or PyTorch is also essential:

snapshot of the PyTorch courses for one of the highest paying jobs in Ireland

Career Progression:

You can become an AI lead, developing models for business or healthcare, or launch your own AI‑driven startup.

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Aviation and Transport

#26 Logistics Manager

Average Salary: €55,000
Starting Salary: €43,000
Highest Salary: €70,000

Logistics managers oversee supply chain operations, ensuring goods move efficiently from suppliers to customers.

Qualifications and Training:

A degree or diploma in logistics, supply chain, or transport management is required. Irish options include programmes such as the MSc in Supply Chain Management at Maynooth University or Level 7 credits and diplomas from the Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport (CILT Ireland):

cilt logistics course offerings linked to highest paying jobs in Ireland

Career Progression:

You can progress into senior operations roles, procurement director, or consultancy within logistics and transport sectors.

#27 Marine Engineer

Average Salary: €35,000
Starting Salary: €32,000
Highest Salary: €76,000

Marine engineers build and maintain ships and offshore systems, ensuring vessel safety, supervising repairs, and resolving engineering problems at sea or in dock.

Qualifications and Training

You’ll need a Bachelor of Engineering in Marine Engineering or Nautical Science. These are offered through institutions like the National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI), in partnership with MTU Cork.

nmcis marine degree programs one of the highest paying jobs in Ireland

Career Progression

You can advance your career by moving into project management, maritime safety, or salvage operations.

#28 Air Traffic Controller

Average Salary: €67,000
Starting Salary: €45,000
Highest Salary: €100,000

Air traffic controllers manage the Irish airspace, guiding take-offs and landings, keeping flights safe and on schedule.

Qualifications and Training

Applicants must pass aptitude assessments and complete specialist training via Entry Point North Ireland, commissioned by AirNav Ireland, and have a Leaving Maths Certificate and be aged over 19.

airnav ireland recruitment page showcasing roles among highest paying jobs in Ireland

Career Progression

Progression opportunities include roles as supervisor, trainer, or controller recruitment officer with experience and certification.

#29 Train Driver

illustration of a train driver depicting highest paying jobs in ireland

Average Salary: €49,000
Starting Salary: €34,000
Highest Salary: €59,000

Train drivers operate passenger or freight trains, monitor signals, and ensure journeys are safe and punctual across the rail network.

Qualifications and Training

You must meet EU standards and complete an approved training programme with Irish Rail or partner centres regulated by the Commission for Railway Regulation (CRR):

irish rail careers page for one of the highest paying jobs in Ireland

Career Progression

Train drivers can move into qualified driver trainer, dispatch operations, or line management roles in rail operations.

#30 Airline Pilot

Average Salary: €80,000
Starting Salary: €50,000
Highest Salary: €100,000

Airline pilots fly commercial aircraft, carry out pre-flight checks, and manage in-flight navigation, making it one of the best jobs in England for those with the right training.

Qualifications and Training

You need an ATPL, which involves simulator hours, theory exams, in-flight experience, along with a Class 1 Medical:

iaa atpl licence guide for pilots linking to highest paying jobs in Ireland

Career Progression

Pilots can progress from First Officer to Captain, instructor, examiner, or flight operations management, with career pathways tracked by AFTA’s professional pilot development plan.

Media, Arts and Entertainment

#31 Music Producer

Average Salary:€65,357
Starting Salary: €89,701
Highest Salary: €109,993

Music producers manage recording sessions, working with artists and engineers to create polished final tracks across music genres.

Qualifications and Training

Formal education isn’t essential, but studying sound engineering and gaining studio experience through apprenticeships offered by providers like Larp Music improves employability:

snapshot of music course for one of the highest paying jobs in Ireland

Career Progression

You can move into studio management or broader media production jobs across the creative industry.

#32 Video Game Developer

Average Salary: €42,000
Starting Salary: €35,000
Highest Salary: €55,000

Game developers design and code systems, combining programming skills with creativity to build engaging player experiences.

Qualifications and Training

A degree in game development or computer science is preferred. Strong portfolios and internships can also improve career prospects.

Career Progression

Experienced developers can move into senior developer or project lead roles, or work as technical or creative directors.

#33 Film Director

woman with camera representing film director one of the highest paying jobs in Ireland

Average Salary: €37,000
Starting Salary: €36,000
Highest Salary: €39,000

Film directors lead the creative and technical process behind films, managing actors, crews, and production to deliver a unified vision.

Qualifications and Training

A degree in film or media helps, but experience, networking, and building a strong showreel is equally as important.

Career Progression

You can progress your career by self-producing projects, directing larger films, or working with major studios:

#34 TV Presenter

Average Salary: €28,000
Starting Salary: €20,000
Highest Salary: €30,000

TV presenters host shows, interview guests, and keep audiences engaged through confident delivery, charisma, and clear communication.

Qualifications and Training

Degrees in journalism, media, or communications are useful. Presenting courses offered by the BCFE and local media roles will help build experience:

media courses at FET college for one of the highest paying jobs in Ireland

Career Progression

You can work with national broadcasters, move into acting or writing, or present on international or prime-time shows.

Senior Management and Business

#35 Professional Athlete

Illustration of an athlete depicting highest paying jobs in Ireland

Average Salary: €21,000
Starting Salary: €14,000
Highest Salary: €21,000

Professional athletes train rigorously and compete in events, representing clubs, sponsors, or national teams in high-level competitions.

Qualifications and Training

Early training, coaching, or sports science degrees can support athletic development.

Career Progression

As an athlete, you can move into coaching, development, sports science, and nutrition roles.

#36 Operations Manager

Image of a business professional depicting highest paying jobs in ireland

Average Salary: €61,000
Starting Salary: €50,000
Highest Salary: €82,000

Operations managers oversee daily functions, optimise workflows, manage resources, and lead teams to hit business goals efficiently.

Qualifications and Training

A business or management degree is a common requirement, whilst programmes such as FutureLearn can build leadership skills:

homepage of FutureLearn’s business courses for one of the highest paying jobs in Ireland

Career Progression

You can move into senior or executive leadership roles with experience.

#37 Management Consultant

Average Salary: €50,000
Starting Salary: €45,000
Highest Salary: €55,000

Management consultants help businesses improve performance, efficiency, and profitability through expert analysis and strategic advice.

Qualifications and Training

A degree in business, economics, or a related field is common. You can study consulting and operations at institutions like TUS:

tus higher diploma in ops management aligned with highest paying jobs in Ireland

Career Progression

Consultants can advance their careers by becoming senior advisors or partners.

#38 Sales Director

illustration of a professional depicting highest paying jobs in Ireland

Average Salary: €95,000
Starting Salary: €75,000
Highest Salary: €125,000

Sales directors lead teams and develop strategies to grow revenue, placing them among the best salary jobs in Ireland business sector provides.

Qualifications and Training

You’ll need experience in sales and a business or marketing degree. UCD Dublin Professional Academy helps develop leadership skills:

ucd course sales management for one of the highest paying jobs in ireland

Career Progression

You can move into director of sales or CEO roles to advance your career in this field.

#39 Marketing Director

Average Salary: €101,000
Starting Salary: €75,000
Highest Salary: €145,000

Marketing directors plan and lead campaigns to grow brand awareness, attract customers, and increase sales across all platforms.

Qualifications and Training

A degree in marketing or business is essential. Digital Marketing Institute courses can also boost your expertise:

digital marketing courses website depicting highest paying jobs in Ireland

Career Progression

You can move into CMO roles or start your own marketing agency or consultancy. Both are considered among the best jobs that pay well for experienced professionals with a strategic mindset.

Skilled Professions and Other Sectors

#40 Chief Executive Officer

Average Salary: €127,000
Starting Salary: €73,000
Highest Salary: €188,000

CEOs lead companies by setting strategic direction and making decisions that drive business growth and profitability.

Qualifications and Training

Most CEOs hold degrees in business or economics, often with MBAs. The Irish Management Institute (IMI) also offers executive leadership programmes tailored to aspiring and senior business leaders:

Leadership courses in Ireland offer access to the highest paying jobs in Ireland

Career Progression

Experienced CEOs often become investors, board advisors, or launch new companies in emerging sectors. If you’re passionate about fitness, having CEO expertise can help you start your own home fitness business.

#41 Electrician

illustration of a confident man highest paying jobs in Ireland

Average Salary: €50,000
Starting Salary: €45,000
Highest Salary: €55,000

Electricians install and maintain electrical systems, ensuring safety and compliance in homes, businesses, and industrial settings.

Qualifications and Training

You must complete an apprenticeship offered by providers like Generation Apprenticeship and earn a Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Craft.

Apprenticeship jobs board connects seekers to highest paying jobs in Ireland

Career Progression

Electricians can move into supervisory roles, you could start your own business, or specialise in smart systems.

#42 Plumber

illustration of a plumber depicting highest paying jobs in Ireland

Average Salary: €44,000
Starting Salary: €38,000
Highest Salary: €53,000

Being a plumber is one of the occupations that pays well because it requires completing vocational training and apprenticeships. You’ll install and maintain water, heating, and drainage systems to ensure essential services run smoothly.

Qualifications and Training

You’ll need to complete a Solas Plumbing Apprenticeship to earn a Level 6 QQI qualification.

Career Progression

As a plumber, you can become a foreperson, specialise in green tech, or run your own firm.

#43 Veterinarian

Average Salary: €57,000
Starting Salary: €49,000
Highest Salary: €75,000

Veterinarians treat and diagnose animals, perform surgery, and advise owners on health and welfare.

Qualifications and Training

You must complete a veterinary degree such as the MVB at SETU and register with the Veterinary Council of Ireland.

Veterinary Council ensures high standards for the highest paying jobs in Ireland in animal care

Career Progression

As a vet you may specialise in surgery, animal behaviour, or move into academic and regulatory roles.

#44 Social Media Manager

Average Salary: €35,000
Starting Salary: €28,000
Highest Salary: €45,000

Social media managers create content, grow audiences, and manage brand presence across social platforms, making it a prime example of good paying jobs in Ireland for those with digital skills.

Qualifications and Training

A degree in marketing or communications is helpful, whilst training such as Meta certifications can add employability value.

snapshot of courses for social media manager one of the highest paying jobs in Ireland

Career Progression:

You could become head of social, work in consultancy, or specialise in online community management. You may also specialise in other areas where you can become an online community manager connecting consumers and brands.

#45 E-Commerce Business Owner

Average Salary: €75,000
Starting Salary: €53,000
Highest Salary: €100,000

E-commerce owners manage online businesses, selling products and handling marketing, logistics, and customer service.

Qualifications and Training

Courses from Shopify Compass or Google Digital Garage teach essential skills for this role.

homepage of Googles digital skills site for one of highest paying jobs in Ireland

If you’re passionate about fitness, completing a Level 4 PT qualification can help you with creating an online platform to sell fitness programmes other specialist services.

Career Progression

On the Jobtrees website, you can expand your store, enter new markets, or invest in other digital businesses.

#46 Architect

Average Salary: €41,300
Starting Salary: €30,680
Highest Salary: €54,280

Architects design buildings, produce construction plans, and oversee projects from concept to completion.

Qualifications and Training

You’ll need an RIAI-accredited degree plus one year of supervised experience and a professional practice exam.

homepage banner from CIOB courses for one of the highest paying jobs in Ireland

Career Progression

Architects can specialise in conservation or sustainability, or establish their own practice.

#47 Psychologist

Average Salary: €60,000
Starting Salary: €42,000
Highest Salary: €90,000

Psychologists study behaviour and mental health, helping clients manage emotions and improve well-being.

Qualifications and Training

You’ll need a PSI-accredited psychology degree, followed by a postgraduate qualification and supervised practice.

homepage banner from CIOB courses for one of the highest paying jobs in Ireland

Career Progression

Psychologists may become Principal or Consultant Psychologists, or transition into research and policy roles.

#48 Construction Manager

Average Salary: €70,000
Starting Salary: €60,000
Highest Salary: €80,000

Construction managers lead building projects, manage teams, ensure compliance, and solve site issues.

Qualifications and Training

You’ll need a construction management degree and CIOB membership. CPD courses can also improve your employment opportunities:

ciob membership page for one of the highest paying jobs in ireland

Career Progression:

You can move into consultation, specialise in inspections, or lead larger projects.

#49 Oil Rig Worker

Average Salary: €45,000
Starting Salary: €36,000
Highest Salary: €51,000

Oil rig workers operate drilling equipment and ensure safety during offshore extraction operations.

Qualifications and Training

Offshore engineering training and BOSIET (Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training) safety training are essential for working on rigs:

nmci courses for oil rig worker one of the highest paying jobs in Ireland

Career Progression

With experience, workers can advance to rig supervisor, safety coordinator, or offshore operations manager.

#50 Property Developer

Average Salary: €43,000
Starting Salary: €36,000
Highest Salary: €57,000

Property developers buy, renovate, or build real estate for profit, managing projects from start to finish.

Qualifications and Training

Construction, real estate, or finance knowledge is essential for this role. You can also develop your skills through RICS.

homepage of RICS courses for one of the highest paying jobs in Ireland

Career Progression

PeopleHawk says you can expand your portfolio or manage larger commercial developments.

#51 Entrepreneur

Salary: Unlimited earning potential

Entrepreneurs create and run businesses, overseeing funding, growth, strategy, and operations across various industries. It’s one of the most dynamic high-income careers, offering flexibility and unlimited earning potential.

Qualifications and Training

Business experience and online training from providers like Coursera can help develop essential skills and knowledge for this role:

coursera business courses for one of the highest paying jobs in Ireland

Career Progression

Entrepreneurs can evolve into serial founders, invest in other ventures, or grow their business into a national or global brand.

Find Your Dream Career At OriGym

Looking for a high-paying career in a thriving industry? OriGym’s Personal Trainer Diploma gives you the skills and qualifications to succeed in the fitness sector and start earning quickly.

Get in touch today to take the first step toward your new career.

FAQs

Do you need a degree for high-paying jobs in Ireland?

graphic for gap and gown for university

Many Irish industries now value practical skills, experience, and professional qualifications over degrees. Fields like tech, trades, and fitness often reward ability and initiative more than academic credentials.

Whether you’re coding, training clients, or fixing boilers, strong skills and certifications can lead to high earnings—no lecture hall required.

Which industries pay the most in Ireland?

graphic of money representing cash you could earn in one of the highest paying jobs in Ireland

Top-paying sectors include:

  • Finance
  • Tech
  • Law
  • Engineering
  • Healthcare

But other areas offer great earnings too. Skilled trades, sales, and fitness can pay well when you build expertise and client trust.

For example, the healthcare sector is currently booming. Irish healthcare spending is set to rise from €36.6bn in 2024 to an estimated €45–50bn by 2028.

Demand for people-focused roles in health and wellness is growing fast, and employers are offering competitive salaries, even without degrees. What matters most is what you know and how you apply it.

How can I transition into a high-paying career?

two people discussing career changes into one of the highest paying careers in Ireland

Start by choosing a career with strong demand and a skills gap. Then get qualified and start applying your knowledge.

Love health and fitness? OriGym’s personal training courses give you everything you need to start a successful, degree-free career.

According to Skillnet Ireland, 66% of Irish businesses say upskilling is essential for growth, and nearly 80% plan to boost digital skills in the coming years.

The OECD Skills Strategy Ireland also highlights how upskilling drives wages, job stability, and long-term employability across sectors.

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About the Author: Liam Donohoe

liam donohoe origym authour
Liam graduated from Liverpool John Moores University with a 2:1 in BA (Hons) English and Creative Writing. He has also co-written a short film that has been featured in several film festivals. In October 2023, he ran and completed his first half marathon and for 2024, he's now training to complete his first metric marathon. In his spare time, Liam likes to teach himself German, read books, lift weights and listen to metal music that only passionate fans of the genre will understand.

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