Nurse Salary Guide Ireland 2026


 Ireland continues to be one of the most attractive destinations for nurses in 2026, offering competitive salaries, strong employment demand, and clear career progression across public and private healthcare settings. Whether you’re a newly qualified nurse, an experienced professional, or considering agency work, understanding nurse salaries in Ireland is key to planning your career.

This guide breaks down nurse salaries in Ireland in 2026, including pay by role, experience, sector, and location.

Average Nurse Salary in Ireland 

In 2025, the average nurse salary in Ireland typically ranges from:

  • €35,000 – €70,000 per year

  • Higher earnings possible through:

    • Agency work

    • Overtime and night shifts

    • Specialist roles

    • Management positions

Public sector salaries are mainly aligned with HSE pay scales, while private hospitals and agencies often offer more flexible and higher short-term rates.

Staff Nurse Salary in Ireland

Newly Qualified Staff Nurse

  • €35,000 – €38,000 per year

  • Entry point on the HSE scale

  • Incremental annual increases

Experienced Staff Nurse

  • €40,000 – €55,000 per year

  • Based on years of service

  • Additional pay for:

    • Night duty

    • Sundays and bank holidays

    • Overtime

Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) & Advanced Roles

Specialist and advanced practice roles command higher salaries due to additional qualifications and responsibilities.

Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)

  • €55,000 – €65,000 per year

Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP)

  • €65,000 – €75,000+ per year

Common CNS and ANP specialties include:

  • Emergency nursing

  • Mental health

  • ICU

  • Oncology

  • Diabetes care

Nurse Manager & Leadership Salaries

Nurse Manager / CNM Roles

  • CNM1: €50,000 – €60,000

  • CNM2: €60,000 – €70,000

  • CNM3 / Director of Nursing: €70,000 – €85,000+

These roles include leadership, staffing, and operational responsibilities and often come with enhanced pension benefits in the public sector.

Agency Nurse Pay Rates in Ireland

Agency nursing remains one of the highest-earning options in Ireland.

Typical Agency Nurse Rates

  • €30 – €55 per hour

  • Higher rates for:

    • Night shifts

    • Emergency cover

    • Rural or hard-to-staff locations

    • Short-notice bookings

Many agency nurses earn €65,000 – €90,000+ annually, depending on hours worked.

Private vs Public Nurse Salaries

SectorSalary RangeBenefits
Public (HSE)€35,000 – €75,000         Pension, job security, increments
Private Hospitals    €38,000 – €65,000Flexibility, faster progression
Agency Nursing€60,000 – €90,000+High pay, flexible shifts

Nurse Salaries by Specialisation

SpecialisationTypical Salary
ICU Nurse€45,000 – €65,000
Mental Health Nurse      €42,000 – €60,000
Theatre Nurse€45,000 – €65,000
Paediatric Nurse€40,000 – €58,000
Emergency Nurse€45,000 – €68,000

Factors That Affect Nurse Pay in Ireland

Several factors influence how much a nurse earns in Ireland:

  • Years of experience

  • Location (urban vs rural)

  • Shift patterns

  • Agency vs permanent employment

  • Additional qualifications

  • Demand in specific specialties

Nurse Salary Growth & Job Outlook 2026

Ireland continues to experience high demand for nurses due to:

  • Population growth

  • Ageing demographics

  • Ongoing staffing shortages

This demand is expected to:

  • Support steady salary growth

  • Increase agency rates

  • Create opportunities for international nurses relocating to Ireland

Is Nursing in Ireland Worth It in 2026?

Yes. Ireland offers:

  • Competitive pay
  • Strong job security
  • International career opportunities
  • Flexible working options
  • Clear progression pathways

For many nurses, combining agency work with permanent roles provides the best balance of income and stability.

Looking for Higher-Paying Nursing Opportunities in Ireland?

At XpressHealth, we connect nurses with high-paying agency and permanent roles across Ireland—offering flexible shifts, competitive rates, and ongoing support.

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