🔍 Check Your Hourly Rate
💶 Irish Minimum Wage Rates 2026
| Age Group | Rate per Hour | Weekly (39hrs) | Annual (approx) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age 20+ (standard) | €13.50 | €526.50 | €27,378 |
| Age 19 | €12.15 (90%) | €473.85 | €24,640 |
| Age 18 | €10.80 (80%) | €421.20 | €21,902 |
| Under 18 | €9.45 (70%) | €368.55 | €19,165 |
The Irish Living Wage is approximately €14.80/hour. Many employers pay above minimum wage to attract and retain staff.
📅 History of Irish Minimum Wage Increases
| Date | Hourly Rate | Change |
|---|---|---|
| January 2026 | €13.50 | +€0.80 |
| January 2025 | €12.70 | +€1.40 |
| January 2024 | €12.70 | +€1.40 |
| January 2023 | €11.30 | +€0.80 |
| January 2022 | €10.50 | +€0.30 |
❓ Minimum Wage FAQ Ireland
What is the minimum wage in Ireland in 2026? ▼
The national minimum wage in Ireland is €13.50 per hour from January 1st 2026. This applies to all employees aged 20 and over. Younger workers are entitled to a percentage of the minimum wage based on their age.
How much is minimum wage per month in Ireland 2026? ▼
Working 39 hours per week at €13.50/hour, a full-time minimum wage worker earns €526.50 gross per week — approximately €2,281 per month gross. After PAYE, USC and PRSI with standard credits, take-home pay is approximately €1,950 per month net.
What if my employer pays me less than minimum wage? ▼
If your employer pays below the national minimum wage, you can make a complaint to the Workplace Relations Commission (workplacerelations.ie). The WRC will investigate and can order your employer to pay arrears. It is illegal for your employer to penalise you for making a complaint. You can also contact SIPTU or your trade union.
Do tips count towards minimum wage in Ireland? ▼
No — since the Tips and Gratuities Act 2022, tips and service charges cannot be used to make up minimum wage. Your base hourly rate must be at least €13.50 regardless of tips received. Employers must also display a clear tips distribution policy in the workplace.
What is the Irish Living Wage vs Minimum Wage? ▼
The National Minimum Wage is the legal floor set by government (€13.50/hr in 2026). The Living Wage is independently calculated by the Living Wage Technical Group as the hourly rate needed for a basic but adequate standard of living — approximately €14.80/hour in 2025. The government has committed to closing this gap by benchmarking minimum wage to 60% of median earnings.