Engineering remains a lucrative career choice, as demonstrated by the Engineers Ireland Salary Report 2025. Published today, the report found that salaries increase steadily as engineers advance in their careers, 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
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 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.
The Engineers Ireland Salary Report 2025 survey provides data on salary levels, bonuses, pension contributions, salary top-ups, and other benefits in the engineering profession. The information in this report was collected through an online survey of members, which received 1,643 responses from Engineers Ireland members in January 2025.
About Engineers Ireland
Engineers Ireland is the voice of the engineering profession in Ireland. Its 28,000 members make up a community of creative professionals delivering sustainable solutions for society. Engineers Ireland has been representing the engineering profession since 1835, making it one of the oldest and largest professional bodies in Ireland. Members come from every discipline of engineering and range from students to fellows of the profession.