The pandemic will have no significant adverse effects on salaries this year, according to Matrix Recruitment's 2021 Salary Guide which was published today.
According to Kieran McKeown, MD of Matrix Recruitment, salaries across a wide range of sectors including finance, manufacturing, engineering, IT and quality and laboratory, will be in line with last year, although the recruitment expert is anticipating marginal increases in specific industries and roles, particularly where there may be skills shortages.
Speaking about the employment outlook for 2021, Kieran McKeown said that any measure of sectoral stability is to be welcomed.
"The outlook is more positive than we would have anticipated six months ago, given the turbulence of the employment market during 2020," he said.
Financial services sector
The survey found that 2021 is looking positive for those working or looking to work in financial services, bolstered by the fact that Ireland has become a top choice for financial institutions relocating from the UK on the back of Brexit.
This year, the survey states that financial controllers can expect a salary of between €60,000 - €85,000, while risk officers can expect to earn between €45,000 - €60,000 both of which are in line with 2020 salaries.
While salaries for many roles are not expected to see an upward move in 2021, it found that certain areas can expect to see modest growth, especially in the capital.
For 2021, a credit union lending or loans officer, for example, can expect to command a salary of up to €45,000 up 17% on 2020 figures.
The survey found that there is a significant difference in salary expectations and offerings often seen between Dublin and the rest of the country.
The research shows that credit analysts, for example, can expect to earn between €30,000 - €45,000 in Dublin this year; regionally, however, this drops to between €24,000 - €30,000.
Accountancy went through huge technological advancements over the past 12 months, accelerated by Covid-19.
As a result, the demand for highly skilled technical accountancy talent has increased significantly, keeping salaries competitive.
In Dublin, a financial director can expect to earn between €150,000 - €200,000.
The starting salary in the Midlands and the West of Ireland for the same role is €100,000 and in the South East, €120,000.
IT sector
The drive to digitalise has also resulted in the IT market becoming increasingly candidate-driven with demand for experienced network engineers and system administrators rising across the country.
Demand for high calibre IT candidates with expertise in Java, JavaScript and C++ has also intensified with starting salaries in this area expected to range between €45,000 - €75,000.
A chief technology officer can expect to earn between €120,000 - €160,000 working in Dublin (€90,000 – €140,000 in the regions) and the starting salary for an IT director, regardless of location is €100,000 this year.
The survey found that IT managers will earn up to €120,000 in Dublin, which is currently more lucrative for IT engineers.
