AI, Data & Analytics Salary Guide 2026
For the IT Search AI, Data & Analytics Salary Guide Ireland 2026, we surveyed 633 Ireland-based technology professionals to gain deeper insight into how the AI, Data & Analytics market is expected to perform in 2026 and what drives the people within it. We hope this data helps our clients make smarter, more confident decisions around retaining and attracting top AI, Data & Analytics talent. A huge thank you to all the clients, candidates, and partners who made this possible.
Ireland’s AI, Data & Analytics sector is entering a phase of maturity and consolidation in 2026. The early rush of experimentation seen in 2023–2024, largely evolved into embedding AI across business operations, with a focus on balancing innovation with compliance, governance, and measurable ROI.
Demand is being fuelled by strong foreign investment, a maturing startup ecosystem, and government initiatives supporting AI research and enterprise adoption. Demand is particularly strong
for professionals with both AI expertise and domain knowledge, especially in financial services, healthcare, and regulated industries.
Market Sentiment and Adoption
A recent IT Search poll shows that 60% of professionals say AI has made their working lives easier, citing efficiency gains and automation of routine tasks. A further 23% express cautious optimism, though they note challenges such as poor design and unrealistic productivity expectations. Notably, 17% report AI has created more disruption than benefit, up from 15% last year, reflecting concerns around top-down implementation and the loss of human judgement in roles requiring empathy and creativity.
Economic Impact
The AI Economy in Ireland 2025 Report (Trinity College Dublin with Microsoft) projected AI could contribute at least €250 billion to GDP by 2035, with an additional €60 billion possible under favourable policy and adoption conditions. These long-term figures remain unchanged, but 2026 sees greater emphasis on how adoption at scale can translate into productivity gains and sector-specific competitiveness in the nearer term.
Position
Junior (1-3yrs)
Mid (3-6yrs)
Senior (6+ yrs)
Mid-Level Contract Daily Rate
Senior/Lead Contract Daily Rate
Data Analyst
€40,000 - 55,000
€55,000 - 75,000
€75,000 - 85,000
€300 - 375
€375 - 425
Modelling Analyst
€40,000 - 55,000
€55,000 - 75,000
€75,000 - 85,000
€300 - 375
€375 - 400
Data Scientist
€55,000 - 65,000
€75,000 - 85,000
€90,000 - 110,000
€450 - 550
€550 - 650
AI Engineer
€55,000 - 65,000
€75,000 - 90,000
€90,000 - 120,000
€500 - 550
€550 - 700
Data Engineer
€45,000 - 60,000
€65,000 - 80,000
€80,000 - 110,000
€400 - 450
€500 - 650
BI Developer
€40,000 - 55,000
€55,000 - 70,000
€70,000 - 90,000
€300 - 375
€375 - 425
Analytics/BI Manager
€90,000 - 110,000
€110,000 - 120,000
€500 - 550
€550 - 700
Data
Governance
Manager
€90,000 - 110,000
€110,000 - 140,000
€500 - 550
€550 - 700
Head of
Analytics
€110,000 - 130,000
€130,000 - 175,000+
€750+
If you have any queries in regards to the salary survey or anything AI, Data & Analytics recruitment related, contact Zuzana on +353 1 507 9281 or email zuzana.havlova@itsearch.ie.
IT Search Tech Salary Guide for 2026
Download the full IT Search Salary Guide 2026 to benchmark your salary or to discover what your business should be paying to attract top talent in a competitive market.
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As the core of recruitment is finding top talent, it only makes sense that we ensure we work alongside the very best in the market. We are a group of like-minded technical recruiters who put people at the core of everything we do. Our specialist technical recruitment consultants have the capacity to build teams, appoint leaders and nurture the careers of technology professionals in all locations across permanent and contract roles.
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