By Quick answer: Ireland’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 5.0% in September 2026, unchanged from August and up from 4.9% a year earlier, according to the CSO. That equals about 149,500 people unemployed. Employment stood at 2,839,300 in Q2 2026, and average weekly earnings were about €1,046.88 (preliminary).
What is Ireland’s unemployment rate now?
The CSO’s monthly estimate for September 2026, published on 30 September, put unemployment at 5.0%. The rate has hovered between roughly 4.6% and 5.1% through 2026:
| Month (2026) | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|
| February | 4.6% |
| April | 4.8% |
| June | 5.0% |
| July | 5.1% |
| September | 5.0% |
The Labour Force Survey also showed 74.3% of 15- to 64-year-olds in employment in Q2. Eurostat’s harmonised rate for Ireland was 5.0% in August, against 6.1% for the EU and 6.4% for the euro area.
Is the job market getting weaker?
It has cooled from the post-pandemic peak, not collapsed. In Q1 2026 the CSO showed the labour force growing at its slowest annual rate in five years, with a fall in tech employment, and Bank of Ireland economists called the figures “concerning” at face value. Indeed’s Irish job postings index was reported down around 47% from its 2022 peak. Deloitte’s chief economist described the labour market as resilient and stable ahead of Budget 2027.
What are people earning?
Average weekly earnings were about €1,046.88 in Q2 2026 (preliminary CSO estimate). The National Minimum Wage is €14.15 an hour for workers aged 20 and over until the end of 2026, rising to €14.94 from 1 January 2027. See our guide to the minimum wage rise.
Which sectors are hiring in Ireland?
Industry surveys and the government’s skills lists consistently point to:
- Healthcare and life sciences: doctors, nurses, medical technicians, care workers
- Technology and digital: software, cloud, cybersecurity, data and AI roles, despite recent softness in some tech hiring
- Construction and engineering: civil, electrical and mechanical engineers and skilled trades
- Finance, compliance and risk
Non-EEA applicants should read our guide to Critical Skills work permits.
What does this mean if you are job hunting?
- Competition is stronger than in 2022, so tailor each application.
- Roles on the Critical Skills list still attract faster permit routes.
- Wage growth has been above 3% on Indeed’s measure, so negotiate with data.
- Use our practical job-search guide for steps and sources.
Key takeaways
- Unemployment: 5.0% (September 2026), about 149,500 people.
- Employment: 2.84 million in Q2 2026.
- Hiring has cooled but remains strong in healthcare, tech, construction and finance.
FAQs
What is the unemployment rate in Ireland?
5.0% in September 2026, according to the CSO’s seasonally adjusted monthly estimate.
How many people are employed in Ireland?
2,839,300 in Q2 2026, per the CSO Labour Force Survey.
What is the average weekly wage in Ireland?
About €1,046.88 in Q2 2026 (preliminary CSO figure).
What is the minimum wage in Ireland in 2026?
€14.15 per hour for those aged 20 and over, rising to €14.94 on 1 January 2027.
Which jobs are in demand in Ireland?
Healthcare, technology, engineering, construction and finance roles feature most often on shortage lists.
Sources: CSO monthly unemployment September 2026 (via Irish Examiner, 30 September 2026); CSO Labour Force Survey Q2 2026 and Earnings Q2 2026 summary; RTÉ (21 May 2026, 4 March 2026); Irish Times (4 March 2026); Raisin and Irish Times on Budget 2027.
