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.
This Blog Includes:
- What is the Average Social Worker Salary in Ireland?
- Social Worker Salary in Ireland Based on Experience Level
- Social Worker Salary in Ireland Based on Education Level
- Social Worker Salary in Ireland Based on Organisation
- Social Worker Salary in Ireland Based on Cities
- Social Worker Salary in Ireland Based on Positions
- Factors Influencing Social Worker Salaries in Ireland
- FAQs
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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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 Years | EUR 14,200 |
| 15-20 Years | EUR 16,900 |
| 20+ Years | EUR 19,200 |
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 Degree | EUR 17,900 |
| Master’s Degree | EUR 25,000 |
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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 Healthcare | EUR 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 |
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 |
| Cork | EUR 13,500 |
| Dublin | EUR 12,000 |
| Galway | EUR 12,800 |
| Limerick | EUR 13,600 |
| Waterford | EUR 10,200 |
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 Worker | EUR 13,600 |
| Community Volunteer | EUR 13,600 |
| Education Planning Specialist | EUR 45,000 |
| Foundation Director | EUR 60,500 |
| Fundraising | EUR 30,300 |
| Healthcare Social Worker | EUR 14,200 |
| Homeless Shelter Worker | EUR 13,600 |
| Sponsorship Coordinator | EUR 17,800 |
| Volunteer Coordinator | EUR 16,000 |
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
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
A Bachelor of Social Work degree is the minimum required. It covers the fundamentals of social work, sociology, psychology, and human development.
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.
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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