Average weekly earnings in Ireland have risen above €1,000 for the first time, new figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) reveal. The milestone was reached in the first quarter of 2025, reflecting a steady trend of income growth across the economy.
According to the CSO’s latest Labour Market report, average weekly earnings climbed to €1,026 between January and March — a 5.6% increase from €972 during the same period last year.
The data, which excludes the agriculture sector and businesses with fewer than three employees, highlights the continued resilience of the Irish labour market despite broader economic uncertainty across Europe.
Commenting on the findings, CSO statistician Louise Egan said the rise in earnings is part of a sustained upward trend. “Average earnings in the economy continue to increase year-on-year, surpassing €1,000 for the first time in the series,” she noted.
Egan attributed the earnings growth to several underlying factors, including steady employment expansion and a stable level of job openings. “This is driven by a number of factors, including a stable job vacancy rate for the past 18 months, as well as annual employment growth of 3.3%,” she added.
The job vacancy rate at the end of the first quarter stood at 1.3%, slightly higher than a year earlier, suggesting that demand for workers remains robust in many sectors.
The earnings increase comes amid ongoing discussions about the cost of living, wage inflation, and workforce sustainability. While the milestone will be welcomed by many employees, it also raises questions about whether rising wages are keeping pace with inflation and housing costs, which remain key concerns for households across the country.
Ireland’s labour market has shown strong resilience in recent years, bolstered by growth in technology, finance, healthcare, and construction. However, business leaders and economists are also watching for signs of overheating or skills shortages in key industries.
As the government prepares for its next round of budget planning, the new CSO data is likely to factor into discussions around public sector pay, tax reform, and efforts to balance economic competitiveness with rising living standards.
