Is €40,000 a Good Salary in Ireland? An Honest Look
A €40,000 salary is a common starting point for many graduates and professionals in Ireland. But in the face of a high cost of living, how far does it really go? Let's take a realistic look.
Ultimate Salary Calculator Team
Our content is written and reviewed by finance and tax enthusiasts to ensure accuracy.
Your Take-Home Pay from €40k
First things first: your net pay. After Income Tax, USC, and PRSI are deducted, here's what you can expect to have for the 2025 tax year.
Take-Home Pay (Annually)
€2,430.42 per month
Gross Salary
€40,000.00
€3,333.33 / month
Total Deductions
€10,835.02
€902.92 / month
Your Personal Allowance
€4,000.00
Total tax credits
Effective Tax Rate
27.09%
Total deductions as % of gross salary.
Deductions Breakdown
Your annual take-home pay is approximately €29,164.98, or €2,430.42 per month. This figure is the foundation for your budget. See how your own situation compares with our Irish salary calculator.
How Does €40k Compare to the Average?
A €40,000 salary is below the national average full-time salary in Ireland (which is closer to €49,000). While it's a respectable income, it requires careful budgeting, especially in major cities.
- In Dublin: A €40k salary is very challenging. You will almost certainly need to live in a house-share arrangement, and a significant portion of your income will go towards rent.
- In Other Cities (Cork, Galway, Limerick): This salary is more manageable. You could afford to rent a room in a shared apartment and live a modest but comfortable lifestyle with some room for savings.
- In Rural Areas: €40,000 is a decent salary that allows for a good quality of life with lower housing costs.
The Verdict
A €40,000 salary in Ireland is a solid starting block but is not considered high. It requires disciplined financial management, particularly in Dublin where the cost of living is a major factor. It provides a foundation to build from but offers limited capacity for large-scale savings or significant discretionary spending in urban areas.