Women earn €150 less a week than men, new data shows

CSO data shows that overall, the median weekly earnings in Ireland grew by 4.5% to just under €731 during 2024, compared to just under €700 in 2023

Median weekly earnings for men during 2024 stood at €802.14, compared to women at €654.07.

The median weekly wage for women in 2024 was €150 less than men, despite earnings among women increasing at a faster rate, new data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) shows.

The data shows that overall, the median weekly earnings in Ireland grew by 4.5% to just under €731 during 2024, compared to just under €700 in 2023.

Median weekly earnings were significantly higher among men, at €802.14, compared to women at €654.07.

Median weekly earnings in 2024 were up 4.5% on 2023https://t.co/sip9cvhiZA#CSOIreland #Ireland #Earnings #LabourCosts #LabourMarket #BusinessStatistics #Business #BusinessNews #IrishBusiness pic.twitter.com/q3wZne4o9x

— Central Statistics Office Ireland (@CSOIreland) July 29, 2025

Dr Eimear Heffernan, statistician with the CSO, said since 2022, median weekly earnings for employments among women “have increased by 10.3%, compared with 8.1% among males”.

The data shows one in five people recorded earnings of less than €400 a week last year, with 38.9% of those being aged between 15 and 24.

Those working in the information and communication sector saw weekly earnings of €1,440.36 during 2024 — the highest of any sector, followed by the financial, insurance, and real estate sector at €1,027.24.

The lowest median weekly earnings were recorded among employment in accommodation and food services, at €391.62.

“Median weekly earnings increased across each economic sector,” the CSO said.

“Despite recording the lowest weekly earnings, employments in accommodation and food services recorded the largest annual increase in earnings at 7.5%. 

Similarly, employments in arts, entertainment, recreation and other services recorded an increase in median weekly earnings of 6.5%, while those in information and communication rose by 6.2%.”