Public-private pay gap widening in healthcare, says survey

Private healthcare providers struggling with wage bills and staffing

Private healthcare providers in Ireland are stuggling to cope with rising wage bills and staffing shortages, according to a salary guide for the sector released today.

Private healthcare providers in Ireland are stuggling to cope with rising wage bills and staffing shortages, according to a salary guide for the sector released today.

The 2026 Excel Healthcare Salary Guide says that costs for private providers are increasing by up to 10% due to the new minimum wage of €14.15, while vacancy rates for nurses and healthcare assistants remain high despite the lifting of the HSE recruitment freeze.