Friday 14 February 2025
Engineering is proving to be a lucrative career with salary increases at every career stage, according to the Engineers Ireland Salary Report 2025, published earlier this month. The report found that salaries increase steadily as engineers advance in their career, and those who obtain professional qualifications see even greater financial benefits. The report highlights the strong demand and rewarding prospects for a career in engineering.
Salary progression
The survey looked at salary levels, bonuses, pension contributions, salary top-ups, and other benefits in the engineering profession, with 1,643 members taking part. It revealed that a graduate engineer with less than two years’ experience can earn up to €44,000. Early career engineers reported strong increases in salaries over the past year: 41% of engineers with 3-5 years’ experience received a raise of more than 10%.
Mechanical engineers with 6-10 years under their belt earned higher wages than civil, electrical or energy disciplines, taking home €66,000.
For mid-level career engineers, the energy sector offers the highest salaries. An engineer with over 10 years’ experience can expect to be paid €78,000, as compared to €71,000 for civil engineering. Engineers with over 30 years’ experience earn between €100,000-€120,000.
Value of Professional Titles
Earning a professional title, such as Chartered Engineer or Fellow, is another route to higher pay for engineers. The survey showed that the pay gap between engineer and chartered engineer varied from €7,000 to €22,000, depending on the career stage. Engineers Ireland awards registered professional titles such as ‘Chartered Engineer’ and ‘Fellow’, recognising the competence, continuing professional development and leadership of its members.
Multiple benefits
45% of engineers receive an annual bonus, and the median value of the bonus is €5,000. Other benefits provided included education, training or CPD; health insurance, company car, share purchase options, annual dividends, and overtime.
Pension planning
The vast majority of engineers received pension contributions from their employer, valued typically at 5% of the salary.
To read the Engineers Ireland Salary Report 2025 in full, please click here.