Minimum Wage

Generally, the amount of pay is agreed between the employee and employer at the point of job offer, however, most employees are entitled to a minimum wage under the National Minimum Wage Act 2000

Since 1 January 2023, the national minimum wage is €11.30 per hour, some employees get sub-minimum rates, such as people aged under 20 years. (see the ‘Rates’ section below). These rates are due to increase from January 2024 and the amount will be confirmed in the budget due on 10 October 2023.  

The national minimum wage does not stop an employer from offering a higher wage but an employee cannot agree to be paid less than the minimum wage or to do unpaid work , unless they are employed by a close family relative or are on a recognised apprenticeship.

Different rates of pay for certain sectors

Employees in certain sectors, such as the security sector and the cleaning sector, have other minimum rates of pay. The rules for these sectors are set out in Employment Regulation Orders (EROs) made by Joint Labour Committees. 

From January 2023 the following National Minimum Wage applies (Subject to meeting the age and sector eligibility criteria)

Previous years information:

From 1^st January 2022 (subject to conditions) the National Minimum Wage (NMW) increased to;