Central Statistics Office (CSO) figures show average annual earnings increased by 3.3 per cent to €38,871 in 2018, from €37,637 the previous year. This compares to an annual increase of just under 2 per cent in 2017. The latest earnings data show average annual earnings rose in all 13 economic sectors surveyed by the CSO in 2018. Average annual earnings in the construction sector rose by 5.7 per cent, rising from €38,391 to €40,561. The public administration and defence sector recorded the lowest average annual earnings growth of 1.7 per cent in the year increasing from €48,907 to €49,724.

Source: The Irish Times June 11, 2019 11:15 UTC