Directors in Dublin can earn a wide range of salaries depending on their experience, qualifications, industry, company size and other factors. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at director salaries in Dublin and provide average salary ranges across different industries and company sizes.
Average Director Salaries in Dublin
According to recent salary surveys, the average director salary in Dublin is approximately €120,000 per year. However, director salaries can vary significantly above and below this average depending on specific roles and industries. Here are some key statistics on average Dublin director salaries:
- Average base salary: €120,000
- Average total compensation (including bonus): €140,000
- Top 10% earn: €180,000+
- Bottom 10% earn: €85,000
These figures encompass directors across all industries, company sizes and experience levels in the Dublin region. Director salaries tend to be highest among large multinational corporations and financial institutions, while smaller Irish companies pay less on average.
Director Salaries by Industry
There is considerable variation in director pay depending on the industry. Here are average director salaries by major industry in Dublin:
Technology
Technology is a high paying industry for directors in Dublin. Large global tech companies like Google, Facebook, LinkedIn and Amazon have major operations in Dublin and pay top rates for high-level talent.
- Average base salary: €140,000
- Average total compensation: €170,000
Finance
As a major European financial hub, Dublin offers lucrative salaries for directors in fields like banking, insurance, asset management and finance. International banks often pay the most.
- Average base salary: €130,000
- Average total compensation: €160,000
Pharmaceuticals
Major drug companies have significant operations in Ireland and need highly skilled directors to oversee complex R&D and manufacturing.
- Average base salary: €120,000
- Average total compensation: €140,000
Engineering & Manufacturing
Ireland has attracted many global engineering and manufacturing leaders. Director salaries are competitive but slightly below financial services and tech.
- Average base salary: €110,000
- Average total compensation: €130,000
Retail & Hospitality
These consumer-facing industries tend to pay less for director roles compared to technical fields.
- Average base salary: €90,000
- Average total compensation: €110,000
Director Salaries by Company Size
In addition to industry, director salaries also differ substantially based on company size. Here are average salaries based on number of employees:
Company Size | Average Base Salary | Average Total Compensation |
Large (over 1,000 employees) | €140,000 | €170,000 |
Medium (150-1,000 employees) | €120,000 | €140,000 |
Small (under 150 employees) | €100,000 | €120,000 |
As shown above, directors at Ireland’s largest multinational companies earn substantially higher salaries. Small Irish companies have lower revenues and tighter budgets, so director pay is reduced.
Highest Paying Director Positions
While salaries differ by industry and company size, they also vary substantially based on the specific role and responsibilities. Here are some of the highest paying director positions in Dublin:
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
The CEO is the top executive role responsible for overseeing the entire company. CEO salaries are the highest and often reach over €200,000 at large corporations.
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
CFOs manage all financial operations including accounting, reporting, budgeting and planning. Strong financial skills command large salaries, often over €150,000 for CFOs of big companies.
Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
CTOs oversee all technology development and strategy, especially at technology and engineering companies. Salaries exceed €140,000 at top tech firms.
Chief Operating Officer (COO)
COOs are senior executives who manage day-to-day business operations and strategy. They earn similarly high salaries to CFOs and CTOs at large enterprises.
Sales Directors
Sales directors lead all sales activities and revenue generation. Top performers can earn large commissions and incentives on top of a €120,000+ base salary.
Factors That Influence Director Salaries
What factors most impact how much a director gets paid in Dublin? Here are some of the key determinants of director salary levels:
- Industry – The industry significantly influences pay, with fields like tech and finance paying more.
- Company size – Large corporations have bigger budgets and pay top dollar for directors.
- Qualifications – Advanced degrees and credentials add to earning potential.
- Years of experience – Extensive experience leads to higher salaries.
- Scope of responsibility – Overseeing larger teams, budgets and activities commands higher pay.
- Leadership role – Titles like CEO and CFO earn the most.
- Revenue generation – Sales directors have bonus incentives tied to revenues.
A director who strategically builds up their skills, experience and leadership roles can maximize their salary over a career in Dublin.
Negotiating a Director Salary in Dublin
When negotiating or requesting a salary for a director role, keep these tips in mind:
- Research the pay range for your industry, company size and responsibilities.
- Consider asking for 10-20% above your target salary to leave room for negotiation.
- Emphasize how you add value through leadership, strategic expertise and results.
- Leverage competing offers to negotiate a higher salary.
- Request performance bonuses and stock options to increase total compensation.
- Ask for annual salary reviews tied to your performance and value added.
With preparation and persuasive negotiation tactics, directors can often earn towards the higher end of salary ranges in Dublin.
Conclusion
In summary, Dublin directors earn attractive salaries, but pay varies substantially based on industry, experience, responsibilities and company size. The most lucrative director roles are with large multinational corporations in high-paying fields like technology and finance. Salaries reach over €200,000 for CEOs and CFOs of top Irish and global companies based in Dublin. Directors can maximize their earning potential by developing in-demand expertise, seeking leadership roles and negotiating salaries skillfully.