Average earnings in Dublin are 55% higher than in Donegal, according to analysis from the Central Statistics Office. In 2022, Dublin had the highest mean (€60,804) and median (€46,136) annual earnings, while the lowest mean (€39,156) and median (€33,523) annual earnings were recorded in Donegal. These findings showcase the significant disparity in earnings across different counties in Ireland.
The analysis conducted by the Central Statistics Office revealed that Dublin topped the list in terms of average earnings. The highest median annual earnings were observed in Dublin across seven out of the thirteen economic sectors. In these sectors, annual earnings ranged from €27,200 in Accommodation & Food Services to €82,100 in Information & Communication. Moreover, the Information & Communication sector also boasted the highest median annual earnings in seventeen counties in 2022.
On the other end of the spectrum, the county with the lowest median annual earnings in nine economic sectors was Donegal. In Donegal, annual earnings ranged from €18,570 in Arts, Entertainment, Recreation & Other Services to €53,340 in the Education sector.
Interestingly, earnings varied across different age groups as well. The lowest median annual earnings were observed among individuals aged 15-24 years, while those in the 40-49 years age group had the highest median annual earnings in all counties.
Gender disparity in earnings was also a notable finding. Among those in the top 1% of earners, 74.8% were male, while only 25.2% were female. Similarly, among the top 10% of earners, 70.3% were male and 29.7% were female. In the top 25% of earners, males accounted for 61.8%, whereas females represented 38.2%.
It is worth noting that while progress has been made in terms of gender representation in top earnings brackets, there are still areas where disparities exist. The Education and Health sectors, in particular, showcase the greatest gaps between female representation in employment and representation in the top 1% of earners.
Eimear Heffernan, a statistician in the Earnings Analysis Division of the Central Statistics Office, highlighted the disparities within these sectors. She explained, In 2022, females represented 72.5% of all employments in the Education sector. However, only 29% of employments within the top 1% of this sector were represented by females. Similarly, females represented 76.5% of the Human Health & Social Work sector but only occupied 35% of the employments within the top 1% of earnings.
The earnings statistics compiled by the Central Statistics Office are based on administrative data sources, with the Revenue Commissioner’s employee tax data serving as the primary source. These findings provide valuable insights into the economic and demographic breakdowns of employee earnings in Ireland.
The analysis reinforces the ongoing need to address the disparities in earnings across counties and sectors. It is essential to develop strategies that promote equal opportunities and work towards narrowing the gender pay gap. By addressing these challenges, Ireland can take significant steps towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society where individuals are rewarded fairly for their efforts and contributions.
