How much does a nurse earn in Ireland? Salary and pay rate guide

As nurse salaries and pay rates are subject to change, the following information is correct as of 29^th July 2025 and will be updated as and when any updates occur. 

We have taken a look at the nurse salary and pay rates in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. 

In the Republic of Ireland, the Health Services Executive (HSE) runs the health service and is the country’s largest employer. There are excellent opportunities to work in the private sector too, with 18 hospitals in the Private Hospitals Association employing more than 8,000 staff. 

In Northern Ireland, health and social care services are provided through Health and Social Care (HSC), which oversees five health Trusts nationwide. Each Trust is responsible for several different hospitals. Between them, they employ around 66,000 people, so there are plenty of opportunities for qualified nurses to work in the HSC and the private sector, with numerous private hospitals and clinics grouped in and around Belfast in particular. 

Across both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, there are also opportunities for nurses to work with agencies such as the Nursing Guild. We are here to support clients when no one else can, working with exceptional nurses, midwives and HCAs to respond to temporary, last-minute requirements and provide a high standard of care when it is needed. 

Salary guide for nursing roles in Ireland

Nurse pay rates differ across Ireland. How much you earn will depend on factors such as your location, employer, role and experience. 

Across the two public healthcare systems, the average nurse hourly rates in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland are as follows: 

• Republic of Ireland – according to the Economic Research Institute, the average hourly rate for nurses in the Republic of Ireland is €29.37. 
• Northern Ireland – according to the Northern Ireland Health and Social Care Quarterly Workforce Statistics, most nurses work at band 5 level, which begins on £15.33 an hour and reaches £18.66 at the top of the salary banding. 

Nursing salaries in the Republic of Ireland

Within the HSE, most job roles have their own pay band, divided into incremental pay steps that steadily increase over time up to a ceiling rate. 

Here at the Guild, we have different rates available for different nursing roles, and for the various shifts across the Republic of Ireland that we need our nurses to work. 

Below, we have looked at a selection of nursing jobs in the Republic of Ireland to provide you with an idea of the average salaries and pay rates. HSE annual salary and hourly rates are based on INMO data and do not include additional allowances. The agency nursing hourly rates are based on P2 hourly rates provided by the Nursing Guild. 

Staff nurse

• Average HSE annual salary – €57,535 
• Average HSE hourly rate – €28.37 
• Average agency hourly rate – €53.50 

Midwife

• Average HSE annual salary – €45,967 
• Average HSE hourly rate – €22.67 
• Average agency hourly rate – €64.50 

Public health nurse

• Average HSE annual salary – €68,401 
• Average HSE hourly rate – €33.73 
• Average agency hourly rate – €53.50 

Specialist nurse

• Average HSE annual salary – €67,715 
• Average HSE hourly rate – €33.73 
• Average agency hourly rate – €64.50 

Many nurses choose to take on agency work part-time. It can be a great way to top up their pay alongside their full-time roles.

Nursing salaries in Northern Ireland

In Northern Ireland, the figures below represent average salaries and pay rates for registered nurses. 

Agency nursing rates tend to be higher. A nurse working in Northern Ireland with the Guild can earn up to:

• Registered nurse (RN) – £46.50 hourly pay rate 
• Registered nurse specialist – £54.50 hourly pay rate 
• In charge of a specialist unit – £65.50 hourly pay rate 

Find out more about our pay rates along with our reward and benefits, which includes paying our nurses’ NMC & NMBI fees.

Nursing opportunities with the Guild

If you’re a nurse who is exploring agency work in Ireland, we’d love for you to get in touch.

We are currently looking for nurses in these specialisms, who are available to work on temporary, last-minute placements across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Start your adventure by registering with us today.

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