30 Jan 2025
Ireland, with a booming GDP of €119.2 billion in 2024, strongly attracts migrants from all developing countries, including Ghana. Its strong economy and fair wage system allow workers to earn well and build a secure future. Understanding how wages work is essential to ensure fair pay and make smart financial choices.
If you are a Ghanaian expat living in Ireland and plan to send money to Ghana from Ireland, it's essential to understand your salary and workplace rights. This guide will clarify how wages are structured across different jobs, enabling you to maximize your work experience in Ireland while supporting your family back home.
In Ireland, the wage system is highly regulated to ensure workers receive fair pay for their labor. The minimum wage sets the baseline pay that all employers must meet and is reviewed regularly. As of January 2024, the national minimum wage stands at €12.70 per hour, considering the rising cost of living and inflation. This is one of the highest minimum wage rates in the European Union, making Ireland a competitive choice for foreign workers.
The wage structure in Ireland is mainly hourly-based, although salaries for certain roles may be structured monthly. Workers typically receive wages for a 39-hour workweek. Any additional hours are compensated through overtime pay.
Several key factors determine the salaries in Ireland.
Salaries vary significantly across sectors. For instance, a data analyst in the tech industry typically earns more than a sales associate in retail.
Higher qualifications often lead to better compensation. For example, someone with a Master's degree in finance usually earns more than someone with a Bachelor's degree in marketing.
Wages also vary depending on whether workers are employed in the public or private sectors. The public sector typically offers more stability, with set wage scales that increase with experience.
Accumulating experience enhances your professional network and skill set, making you more valuable to employers and often resulting in higher salaries.
Roles with greater responsibilities, such as chief technology officer (CTO) or head of operations, command higher salaries than entry-level positions like marketing assistant.
Pay can vary depending on location. Major cities like Dublin and Cork typically offer higher wages than smaller towns. To make a reliable money transfer from Ireland to Ghana, choose ACE Money Transfer today. Build your future and make a positive impact back home!
The financial health and market presence of a company impact salaries. At renowned firms like Microsoft or Johnson & Johnson, employees earn more than those at smaller startups.
External economic conditions, including unemployment rates and inflation, influence wage levels across different sectors.
In Ireland, full-time workers earn about €3,220 monthly, up to around €38,600 annually. The country is growing fast in many fields, like engineering, technology, life sciences, marketing, finance, and accountancy. Many international students and experienced professionals want to start their careers in Ireland.
To help you understand what you might earn, here’s a quick look at the average salaries in the top seven industries:
Industry | Average Annual Salary (Euro) |
Healthcare | €61,967 |
Legal | €61,818 |
IT | €56,207 |
Engineering | €55,581 |
Marketing & Sales | €47,754 |
Construction | €47,587 |
Part-time workers in Ireland earn an average of €15.14 per hour. This amounts to approximately €2,461 per month. Part-time jobs are essential for Ghanaian students, who can work part-time while attending classes. These jobs are a great way to help cover living expenses during their studies.
Ghanaian expats seeking additional income alongside their full-time jobs can benefit from part-time work. It makes it easier to send money to Ghana from Ireland home while covering their living expenses in Ireland.
Average hourly rates for common jobs in Ireland for migrants range from €10 to €14, depending on the role. Common jobs include:
The rates can vary depending on the specific region, the nature of work, and the worker's level of experience.
Research shows that foreign nationals in many countries, including Ireland, tend to earn less on average than native-born workers. Several factors contribute to this disparity, such as differences in education, work experience, language barriers, and the transferability of skills from migrants' home countries to Ireland.
Migrants are not homogeneous; they come from various countries and regions with differing skill levels and reasons for migrating (such as work, family reunification, or seeking international protection). These factors directly impact wage outcomes. For example, while some migrants come with highly transferable skills or advanced degrees, others might need time to upskill or gain experience in Ireland’s market.
Ghanaian migrants need to understand Ireland’s tax system to calculate net income. Knowing the applicable tax bands and exemptions is essential for managing finances and facilitating a money transfer from Ireland to Ghana back home.
Key deductions include:
You are now aware of important information relevant to Ghanaian migrants in Ireland. Awareness of salary expectations, tax rules, and job options is essential for effective financial planning and stability. For a reliable way to an online money transfer from Ireland to Ghana, choose ACE Money Transfer today. Build your future and make a positive impact back home!
Sectors like healthcare, IT, engineering, and hospitality often have a high worker demand, presenting good opportunities for migrants.
Standard working hours are typically 39 per week, but this can vary by industry and job type.
Yes, Ireland has various tax credits and reliefs that low-income workers may qualify for, helping to reduce their overall tax burden.
The process involves gathering necessary documents, completing the application form, and submitting it to the relevant immigration authority. Eligibility criteria can vary based on work permits or family connections.
Networking through professional groups, LinkedIn, or industry-specific events can help you find a mentor who can provide guidance and support.
