Dublin has transformed into Europe's tech hub, hosting the European headquarters of Google, Meta, LinkedIn, Salesforce, and hundreds of startups. If you're in tech and considering Europe, here's what you need to know about salaries and life in Ireland's capital.
Why Tech Companies Love Dublin
- 12.5% corporate tax rate (one of Europe's lowest)
- English-speaking within the EU
- Strong talent pipeline from Irish universities
- Easy access to US and EU markets
- Vibrant startup ecosystem
Tech Salaries in Dublin (2026)
| Role | Junior | Mid | Senior |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | €45-55k | €65-85k | €90-130k |
| Data Scientist | €50-60k | €70-90k | €95-140k |
| Product Manager | €55-65k | €75-95k | €100-150k |
| DevOps/SRE | €50-60k | €70-90k | €95-130k |
Note: FAANG companies typically pay 20-30% above these ranges, plus stock options.
Irish Tax System
Ireland has relatively high income tax rates:[?]
- Up to €42,000: 20%
- Above €42,000: 40%
- USC (Universal Social Charge): 0.5-8% additional
- PRSI (Social Insurance): 4%
For a €80,000 salary, expect ~€4,800/month net (after all deductions).[?]
Cost of Living in Dublin
Dublin's main challenge is the housing crisis. Rents are among the highest in Europe:[?]
- 1-bedroom (city center): €2,000-2,500/month
- 1-bedroom (suburbs): €1,500-1,900/month
- Shared apartment (room): €900-1,300/month
- Groceries: €300-400/month
- Transport (Leap card): €120/month
- Eating out: €300-500/month
Best Areas for Tech Workers
- Grand Canal Dock: Silicon Docks - walking distance to Google, Meta
- Rathmines/Ranelagh: Popular with young professionals
- Smithfield: Up-and-coming, more affordable
- Dún Laoghaire: Coastal suburb, DART connection
Is Dublin Worth It?
For tech careers, Dublin offers excellent salaries, international company exposure, and a gateway to Europe. The tradeoff is high rent and Irish weather. Most expats find it worthwhile for 2-5 years of career building.
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