New research from IrishJobs highlights continuing disparities in pay and workplace confidence between men and women in Ireland, with men reporting higher expected and actual salaries across the labour market.
Based on a survey of 470 recruiters and 670 candidates, combined with an analysis of 1.3 million job adverts, the study found that men expect a median salary of €64,000, while women anticipate €53,000, reflecting a 17% gap in pay expectations. The data also showed that in 2025, the median salary for male professionals was €55,000, compared to €44,000 for female professionals.
The research further found that 79% of men reported satisfaction with their pay, compared to 71% of women. In 2025, men received an average pay increase of 6.5%, while women saw a rise of 5.4%. Nearly half of women who received a raise felt the increase did not fully reflect their performance, compared to 30% of men. Confidence in negotiating pay remains markedly lower among women, with only 47% feeling confident, versus more than two-thirds of men.
Experts suggest structural and societal factors contribute to these disparities. Dr Adele Whelan, senior researcher at the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), noted that men are concentrated in higher-paying sectors like finance and technology, while women dominate essential but lower-paid areas such as health and education. She also pointed to caregiving responsibilities as a factor, explaining that women often prioritise job security or flexible hours over higher pay.
The findings come ahead of the EU Pay Transparency Directive, set to take effect in June. The new rules will require employers to publish salary ranges in job adverts and regularly report gender pay gaps. Only 38% of job adverts in Ireland currently display salary ranges, according to IrishJobs, highlighting the potential impact of increased transparency.
Christopher Paye, Country Director of The Stepstone Group Ireland, which oversees IrishJobs, said the findings underline the need to address “lingering cultural and structural barriers” that perpetuate pay inequalities. “When women are not empowered to feel confident about their market value, it reinforces inequalities that already exist in the labour market,” he said.
The study also drew attention to long-term effects, including pensions. Dr Whelan noted that the gender pension gap in Ireland is currently 35%, and disparities in digital skills persist, particularly among younger women under 35. These gaps suggest that inequalities are unlikely to resolve without targeted interventions.
The IrishJobs survey adds to a growing body of evidence indicating that while Ireland’s gender pay gap has narrowed to 8% according to Eurostat, significant challenges remain, particularly in negotiating pay, advancing in higher-paying sectors, and achieving long-term financial parity.
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