Social Worker Salary in Ireland 2025-26

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Social Worker Salary in Ireland

The role of a social worker in Ireland is both vital and most rewarding. They play an important role in society. In this article, we will break down the social worker salary in Ireland depending on various important factors like experience, education, city, and workplace types. 

Whether you are just curious to know or looking to work as a social worker in Ireland, knowing the salary structure helps you to make informed decisions. In this blog, you will get a clear sample and overview of social work salaries in Ireland for 2025-26.

What is the Average Social Worker Salary in Ireland?

If you are looking for jobs in Ireland as social workers and wondering how much social workers earn there, here is a simple breakdown of their average salary in Ireland. On average, a social worker in Ireland makes around EUR 11,800 per year, which works out to roughly EUR 983 per month.

However, at the lower end of the scale, annual salaries can start at EUR 6,740, which is about EUR 561 per month, while those at the top of the field may earn up to EUR 19,200 per year, or EUR 1,600 per month. The salary of social workers in Ireland may vary depending on qualifications, experience, location, and the type of work style.

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Social Worker Salary in Ireland Based on Experience Level 

Experience is a significant driver of salary growth in social work. As professionals gain expertise, their earning potential increases, reflecting their ability to handle complex cases and leadership roles.

In Ireland, with entry-level offerings as a solid foundation, seasoned professionals earn substantially higher salaries. Here is a brief overview of the average social worker salary in Ireland by experience level: 

Experience Level Average Salary Per Year 
0-2 Years EUR  7,030
2-5 Years EUR  8,470
5-10 Years EUR  13,500
10-15 YearsEUR  14,200
15-20 Years EUR  16,900
20+ Years EUR  19,200

Social Worker Salary in Ireland Based on Education Level 

This section outlines the average social worker salary in Ireland based on education, helping you understand the financial benefits of higher qualifications in the social work field. Here is a brief overview of the average salary of a social worker in Ireland  by educational qualification:

Education Level Average Salary Per Year 
High School EUR  8,470
Certification or Diploma EUR  13,600
Bachelor’s DegreeEUR  17,900
Master’s DegreeEUR  25,000

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Social Worker Salary in Ireland Based on Organisation 

Social worker salaries in Ireland can vary widely depending on the type of organisation, with public sector roles often offering more stability and structured pay scales. Here is a brief overview of the average salary of a social worker in Ireland by organisation:

Organisation  Average Salary Per Year 
Tusla- Child & Family Agency EUR 42,000- EUR 51,000 
Health Service Executive EUR 45,000- EUR 59,000
Nua HealthcareEUR 25,000- EUR 50,000
TTM Healthcare Group EUR 41,000- EUR 51,000
Peter McVerry Trust  EUR 34,000- EUR 46,000
Daffodil Care Service EUR 20,000- EUR 28,000 
Brother of Charity Service EUR 36,000- EUR 45,000

Social Worker Salary in Ireland Based on Cities 

Geographic location can impact social worker salaries due to differences in the cost of living and demand. Let’s explore how social worker salary in Ireland vary between cities, where regional differences influence pay, with places like Limerick, Dublin, Cork, and Galway typically offering slightly higher annual incomes. 

Cities Average Salary Per Year 
CorkEUR  13,500
DublinEUR 12,000
GalwayEUR 12,800
LimerickEUR 13,600
WaterfordEUR 10,200

Social Worker Salary in Ireland Based on Positions 

Different social work roles come with varying responsibilities and salary ranges. Specialized or leadership positions typically command higher pay. This section breaks down compensation by job title, helping you understand how your specific roles or career trajectory can influence social worker salary in Ireland: 

Job Positions Average Salary Per Year 
Activity Coordinator EUR 12,500
Activity Leader EUR 23,500 
Campaign Manager EUR 47,100
Community Health WorkerEUR 13,600
Community VolunteerEUR 13,600
Education Planning SpecialistEUR 45,000
Foundation Director EUR 60,500
Fundraising EUR 30,300
Healthcare Social WorkerEUR 14,200
Homeless Shelter WorkerEUR 13,600
Sponsorship CoordinatorEUR 17,800
Volunteer CoordinatorEUR 16,000

Factors Influencing Social Worker Salaries in Ireland

Several factors beyond experience, education, organization, city, and position influence social worker salaries in Ireland. To help you out, here are some of the other factors that can impact the salaries:

  • CORU Registration: Registration with the Health and Social Care Professionals Council (CORU) is mandatory for practicing social workers in Ireland and can enhance employability and salary prospects.
  • Sector Demand: High-demand areas, such as child protection or mental health, may offer higher salaries due to specialized skills.
  • Additional Certifications: Training in areas like trauma-informed care or crisis intervention can lead to salary increases.
  • Work Hours: Agency or relief roles may offer higher hourly rates but less job security compared to permanent positions.

The social worker salary in Ireland offers a stable and rewarding career path, with earnings increasing based on experience, education, and job role. If you are working in the public or private sector, social work remains a fulfilling profession with strong future growth 

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FAQs

Q1: How much are social workers paid in Ireland?

The average social worker salary in Ireland is approximately EUR 42,258 per year, based on Indeed data from over 2,100 reported salaries as of July 2025

Q2: Who is eligible for social workers?

A Bachelor of Social Work degree is the minimum required.  It covers the fundamentals of social work, sociology, psychology, and human development.

Q3: What field of social work pays the most?

In Ireland in 2025, the highest-paying social work field is Corporate Social Responsibility Manager, with an average salary of EUR 115,500 annually. Other high-paying roles include Social Policy Analyst (EUR 96,920), Medical Social Worker (EUR 79,440), and Child and Family Therapist (EUR 78,943). These roles typically require advanced qualifications and specialized experience.

Q3: Is social worker in demand in Ireland?

Yes, social workers are in high demand in Ireland in 2025, particularly in child protection and mental health. With a 65.46% employment rate and a growing need for qualified professionals, the field offers strong job prospects.

This was all about the social worker’s salary in Ireland. If you are interested in knowing more about the salary structure of top professions, follow the Leverage Edu and Jobs Abroad pages.

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