Each year the Irish recruitment firm CPL publishes a salary guide which gives an overview of average salaries across a range of roles and sectors within small to medium enterprises (SMEs) and larger organisations and multinationals. The most recent survey has now been published – check it out here.
The salary guide looks at typical wages across a number of the science, technology, engineering and maths-related (STEM) sectors.
For students (and interested parents!) finalising their CAO choices through the change of mind facility, it can be a useful tool to get a sense of what you might typically earn in a given role, or what the earning potential is further along a career.
Below is an overview of some STEM-related areas and their average salaries. Remember though, it’s not always about the money – finding a job that you love, that stimulates your passion and keeps you feeling fulfilled is often far more rewarding than any pay packet!
ENGINEERING
- Chemical Engineer 35-65k
- Civil Engineer 25-55k
- Design Engineer 30-55k
- Electrical Engineer 30-65k
- Engineering Manager 50-80k
- Industrial Engineer 30-45k
- Mechanical Engineer 30-50k
- Mechanical Technician 25-35k
- Network Support Engineer 30-55k
- Operations Manager 55-70k
- Software Engineer 35-70k
Visit the STEPS website for more detail on careers in engineering.
SCIENCE
Quality
- Quality Assurance (QA) /Quality Control (QC) Manager 55-85k
- QA/QC Analyst 26-45k
- QA Technician 30-57k
- Lab Technician 22-32k
- Lab Assistant 22-32k
- Director of quality 90-150k
Analytical
- Microbiology Analyst 28-40k
- Biochemist/Chemist 28-42k
- Analytical Chemist 30-45k
- Biotechnologist 28-42k
- Food QA Technologist 22-35k
- R&D Process Development Manager 65-85k
Clinical
- Biostatistics Manager 58 – 75k
- Clinical Operations Manager 55 – 90k
- Clinical Research Officer 30 – 50k
- Clinical Data Manager 40 – 65k
Regulatory Affairs
- Regulatory Affairs Manager 29-55k
- Compliance Manager 55-85k
- Compliance Analyst 28-57k
- Environmental Officer 25-50k
- Senior Scientist (R&D) 35-55k
Other
- General Manager Pharmaceuticals 100-120k
- General Manager AGRI-Food 100-120k
TECHNOLOGY (ICT)
- Director of Development 100-150k
- Information Security Architect 55 – 100k
- Helpdesk Support 24 – 32k
- Web Developer Design 28 – 55k
- Technical Architect 65 – 100k
- Oracle PL/SQL Developer 45 – 75k
- Systems Analyst 26 – 65k
- IT Project Manager 55 – 90k
- Applications Support Manager 50 -80k
- ICT Consultant 45 – 80k
Visit our ICT sector page for more info on working in this area.
MANUFACTURING
- Purchasing Director 85-110k
- Production Operatives 25-38k
- Supply Chain: Plant Manager 60-70k
- Supply Chain: Logistics Manager 65-75k
Visit our Manufacturing sector page for more info on these career areas.
FINANCE
- Accounts Payable Manager 45-65k
- Junior Accounts Payable Manager 25-30k
- Credit Control Manager 45-65k
- Financial Analyst 45-58k
- Fund Accountant 32-38k
- Credit Risk Management 70-90k
- Compliance Manager 55-90k
- Mortgage underwriter 40-50k
- Treasury Manager 70-80k
- Banking Administrator 26-28k
- Pensions Manager 50-95k
- Claims Manager 60-90k
Our business-friendly approach is paying off and we continue to attract foreign direct investment from industries like Pharmaceuticals, Aviation, ICT and the Funds Industry. Global technology continues to develop at a rapid pace and these industries will lead the way.
If we continue to adapt quickly to educate and train our people to develop the right skills we will maintain our edge in attracting the growth industries of the future.
- Anne Heraty, Chief Executive Officer, CPL
