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Executive Permanent Salaries for 2026 in Ireland

Get insights into 2026 permanent salary trends for Ireland’s executive leadership. From traditional C-suite roles to specialised tech-driven positions, see benchmarks for leaders driving enterprise-wide strategy.

Hiring for Executive in Ireland

The Irish executive market is currently characterised by heightened scrutiny and longer recruitment processes, with leadership demand focused heavily on roles that directly drive transformation and strategic outcomes.

In addition to traditional C-suite positions, there is a significant surge in demand for tech-focused leaders, including Chief AI, Data, and Sustainability Officers. Boards are now prioritising human leadership skills, seeking executives who demonstrate high emotional intelligence and the ability to foster psychological safety during periods of uncertainty.

Fractional and interim C-suite models are also becoming mainstream, allowing firms to access niche expertise for specific projects without long-term overheads.

In-Demand Executive Roles in Ireland

  • CEOs
  • CFOs
  • COOs
  • CTOs/CIOs
  • CPOs
  • Chief AI Officers (CAIO)
  • Chief Data Officers (CDO) / Chief Data Analytics Officers (CDAO)
  • Chief Information Security Officers (CISO)
  • Chief Sustainability Officers (CSO)

In-Demand Executive Skills in Ireland

  • AI fluency
  • Cybersecurity
  • Human leadership skills
  • Strategic acumen and cross-functional skills

Up, Down, or Flat? Executive Salary Trends in Ireland

Executive salaries in Ireland saw a healthy increase in 2025 across nearly all sectors, particularly in technology, manufacturing, and professional services.

Though hiring has become more selective, businesses have shown significant flexibility in offering competitive total compensation packages once a strategic leadership position is approved.

This upward trend is expected to continue into 2026 for high-impact leaders, especially those possessing the specialised AI fluency and crisis management skills currently prioritised by boards.

Executive Search Salaries in Ireland

Job Title
Search job title
Sub Sector
Job Title Sector Sub Sector Location 0 - 3 years 3 - 5 years 5+ years

Chief Executive

General Salaries
General Salaries
Annual rate
Financial Services General Salaries Ireland €300,000 - €500,000

Chief Operating Officer

General Salaries
General Salaries
Annual rate
Financial Services General Salaries Ireland €220,000 - €350,000

Chief Risk Officer

General Salaries
General Salaries
Annual rate
Financial Services General Salaries Ireland €220,000 - €350,000

Chief Compliance Officer

General Salaries
General Salaries
Annual rate
Financial Services General Salaries Ireland €150,000 - €300,000

Chief Investment Officer

General Salaries
General Salaries
Annual rate
Financial Services General Salaries Ireland €200,000 - €300,000

Chief Commercial Officer

Annual rate
General Salaries Ireland €150,000 - €300,000

Chief Data Officer

Annual rate
General Salaries Ireland €180,000 - €300,000

Chief Demand Officer

Annual rate
General Salaries Ireland €150,000 - €280,000

Chief Digital Officer

Annual rate
General Salaries Ireland €180,000 - €300,000

Chief Executive Officer

Annual rate
General Salaries Ireland €250,000 - €450,000

Chief Financial Officer

Annual rate
General Salaries Ireland €180,000 - €250,000

Chief Information Officer

Annual rate
General Salaries Ireland €200,000 - €350,000

Chief Information Security Officer

Annual rate
General Salaries Ireland €180,000 - €280,000

Chief Marketing Officer

Annual rate
General Salaries Ireland €150,000 - €300,000

Chief Operating Officer

Annual rate
General Salaries Ireland €150,000 - €300,000

Chief Operations Officer

Annual rate
General Salaries Ireland €150,000 - €300,000

Chief People Officer

Annual rate
General Salaries Ireland €150,000 - €300,000

Chief Product Officer

Annual rate
General Salaries Ireland €150,000 - €300,000

Chief Sales Officer

Annual rate
General Salaries Ireland €180,000 - €250,000

Chief Technology Officer

Annual rate
General Salaries Ireland €200,000 - €300,000

General Manager

Annual rate
General Salaries Ireland €180,000 - €300,000

Managing Director

Annual rate
General Salaries Ireland €180,000 - €300,000

Chief Internal Auditor

Annual rate
General Salaries Ireland €150,000 - €300,000

Chief Revenue Officer

Annual rate
General Salaries Ireland €110,000 - €230,000

R&D Director

Annual rate
Life Sciences Salaries Ireland €250,000 - €350,000

VP / Director of Engineering

Annual rate
Life Sciences Salaries Ireland €120,000 - €170,000

VP / Director of HR

Annual rate
Life Sciences Salaries Ireland €130,000 - €250,000

VP / Director of Manufacturing

Annual rate
Life Sciences Salaries Ireland €120,000 - €180,000

VP / Director of Operations

Annual rate
Life Sciences Salaries Ireland €140,000 - €180,000

VP / Director of Supply Chain

Annual rate
Life Sciences Salaries Ireland €110,000 - €200,000

VP of Quality

Annual rate
Life Sciences Salaries Ireland €130,000 - €180,000

Chief Information Officer

Annual rate
Technology Salaries Ireland €200,000 - €350,000

Chief Information Security Officer

Annual rate
Technology Salaries Ireland €180,000 - €280,000

Chief Technology Officer

Annual rate
Technology Salaries Ireland €200,000 - €300,000

Head of Architecture

Annual rate
Technology Salaries Ireland €180,000 - €250,000

VP / Director of HR

Annual rate
Technology Salaries Ireland €130,000 - €250,000

VP / Director of Sales

Annual rate
Technology Salaries Ireland €180,000 - €250,000