Welcome to this month’s Strive newsletter, where we share the latest updates and live opportunities across Financial Services, Property, Construction, Engineering and Life Sciences. As the year draws to a close, many employers and professionals are looking ahead to what 2026 may bring in terms of salary increases and bonus expectations. Across all sectors, there are clear signs that businesses are under continued pressure to retain skilled employees, resulting in stronger salary growth, improved packages and increased competition for talent. In this edition, our consultants outline current hiring activity and provide an overview of how salaries and bonuses are expected to develop in the year ahead.
Banking & Financial Services
Salary & Bonus Outlook
Hiring activity throughout 2025 remained particularly strong among domestic firms, especially those supporting Irish businesses and consumers through lending and advisory services. This trend is expected to continue into 2026, with salary growth driven by demand for qualified advisors, sales professionals, credit specialists and operations staff. Most organisations are indicating base salary increases of approximately 3-5%, with more significant adjustments for QFA qualified professionals, mortgage specialists and positions linked to regulatory delivery or revenue generation.
Year-end bonuses for 2025 are expected to remain consistent, typically ranging from 5-20% depending on role, individual performance and the type of organisation. Bonuses within retail banking remain steady but conservative, while broker and lending environments continue to offer more performance-based structures. Employers are placing a strong focus on retention, leading to an increase in additional benefits such as spot bonuses, training support and development incentives alongside standard bonus schemes. Credit unions continue to trail slightly behind other financial institutions in terms of salary growth and bonus structures, although there are some exceptions. Overall, the outlook across the sector points to moderate salary increases, stable bonuses linked to performance, and a broader focus on total reward as organisations compete to retain experienced staff.
Live Roles
- Account Executive – SME Lending (New market entrant) – Dublin/Hybrid, €80,000 OTE
- Part-qualified Accountant – Financial Services – Dublin/Hybrid, €55,000 – €60,000
- Credit Underwriter – SME Lending – New Entrant – Dublin/Hybrid, €50,000 – €70,000
- Mortgage Associates, Advisors & Specialists – Nationwide, €75,000 OTE
- Member Service Officer – Dublin City – Credit Union, €35,000 – €50,000
Property
Salary & Bonus Outlook
Within the property and facilities sector, the outlook for 2026 remains positive. Many employers are planning to introduce modest salary increases, typically in the region of 3%, reflecting both market conditions and the importance of retaining experienced staff. Bonus structures continue to play an important role, generally ranging between 5-25% depending on position and level of responsibility. For most employees, these bonus levels are expected to remain stable, with overall earnings growth coming primarily from base salary increases
Live Roles
- Sales & Marketing Manager (Residential Developer) Dublin 2, €80,000 – €90,000
- Building Manager (Commercial Property Firm) Dublin 2, €70,000 – €80,000
- Property Manager (Tenancy) Dublin 2, €40,000 – €55,000
- Senior Lettings Administrator, Dublin 6, €45,000
- Chartered Valuations Surveyor, Dublin 2, €90,000
Construction
Salary & Bonus Outlook
The construction sector continues to perform strongly, with demand for experienced professionals showing no signs of slowing into 2026. Employers are finding it difficult to secure experienced Project Managers, Site Managers and Quantity Surveyors, leading to increased focus on salary and overall packages. Most roles are expected to see salary growth of between 5-10%, with higher increases for positions that are particularly difficult to fill, such as pre-construction and senior commercial roles. Bonus structures are also becoming more competitive, with site based roles typically offering between 10-20% and management or commercial roles ranging from 15-30%. Contractors and developers are continuing to strengthen their overall offering, including allowances and retention incentives, in order to secure and retain key staff.
- Project Manager – Schools Project (South Dublin) – Main Contractor | €90,000 + package
- Site Manager – Housing Development – Main Contractor | €75,000 + package
- Pre-Construction Manager – Residential Developer (Dublin)- €120,000 + package
- Quantity Surveyors – All Levels – Main Contractors & Developers (Commercial & Residential) | €45,000–€90,000
Civil Engineer
Salary & Bonus Outlook
The outlook for the civil engineering sector remains strong heading into 2026, supported by increased demand for improved transport infrastructure. Recent developments such as the approval of the MetroLink project and the planned extension of the Luas Green Line to Finglas highlight the scale of investment expected in the coming years. At the same time, Ireland continues to experience a shortage of skilled professionals. Reports indicate that the current workforce remains significantly below peak levels seen during previous periods of growth. As a result, employers are likely to introduce salary increases of around 5%, alongside additional benefits such as company vehicles and bonus structures typically ranging between 10% and 15% depending on experience
Live Jobs:
- Civils Quantity Surveyor – Transportation Project – Hybrid Option | Salary between €65,000-€70,000
- Site Engineer – Solar Project. Civil Experience is a must | Salary is €65k and it is based in Kerry
- M&E Quantity Surveyor – Mix of Data Centre, Pharmaceutical and Fit Outs
- Hybrid Option | Salary is between €70,000 – €80,000.
Life Science
Salary & Bonus Outlook
Salary levels within the life sciences sector continue to vary based on experience, technical capability and level of responsibility, however a general upward trend is evident, with increases typically ranging between 5% and 10%. Bonus structures are largely performance based and usually fall between 5% and 20% of base salary, depending on both company and individual performance. Many of the more competitive employers in the sector are enhancing their overall packages through additional benefits such as share schemes, healthcare, pension contributions and professional development opportunities. These offerings are becoming increasingly important in attracting and retaining high calibre professionals in a competitive market.
Live Jobs
- Regulatory Affairs Specialist (Mid – Level): €55,000 – €75,000
- Field Service Engineering (Junior – Mid Level): €40,000 – €60,000
- Pharmaceutical EHS Specialist (Mid Level): €65,000 – €85,000
- Quality Control Analyst (Junior Level): €35,000 – €40,000
