Contracting in Ireland is on the rise with a recent survey reporting that 71% of recruitment firms predict a growth in contract roles in 2025.
Whether you are a company looking to hire expert contract talent or a professional considering a freelance career, it’s crucial to understand the evolving Irish landscape.
At Next Generation, we specialise in contracting and temporary staffing across Ireland. In this guide, we will break down the key insights and considerations shaping contracting jobs in 2025.
TOP SECTORS & CONTRACTING JOBS IN IRELAND
Based on the 2025 Ireland’s Project Economy Report and our own insights, the key sectors where contracting jobs have remained consistent over the last four years are: Pharmaceuticals, Medical Devices and Life Sciences(39%), Finance (12%), Technology & Communications Technology (12%) and Engineering (7%).
Some other contract roles in high demand include:
● Project Managers and Process Engineers
● Automation and Validation Engineers, Commissioning Engineers
● Engineering Roles in Manufacturing and Biopharma (e.g., Mechanical engineers, chemical engineers and equipment engineers)
● Finance and Accounting Specialists (e.g., Financial contractors, qualified accountants).
● Supply Chain and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Specialists
● Compliance and Governance Professionals (e.g., Risk management, regulatory compliance and quality assurance).
CONTRACTING FOR COMPANIES: BENEFITS & HIRING TIPS
Hiring contractors offers multiple benefits for organisations, including:
Quick access to specialised skills like cloud engineers and regulatory consultants.
Fast-tracking project delivery - without the overhead of permanent hires.
Filling workforce gaps due to leave, restructuring or growth.
Enabling companies to stay compliant and cost-effective.
Tips for Companies Hiring Temporary Staff in Ireland:
Competitive Rates: Align pay with market rates to attract skilled contractors.
Streamline Hiring: Efficient processes help secure talent quickly and reduce project delays.
Partner With Experts: Agencies like Next Generation ensure access to vetted talent and offer real market insight.
CONTRACTING FOR CANDIDATES: BENEFITS & CAREER TIPS
For individuals, 2025 is an excellent time to explore temporary or contracting opportunities in Ireland:
The average earnings of skilled independent contractors is 61% higher than those of equivalent full-time employees in Ireland (Ireland’s Project Economy Report, 2025).
Career flexibility to choose projects and industries that suit your goals.
Rapid skill development working across teams, technologies and sectors.
Less red tape as contractors can often avoid internal bureaucracy.
Tips For Securing Contract Jobs in Ireland:
Upskill Regularly: Certifications in sector-specific requirements and up-to-date industry knowledge will help you stay ahead.
Keep your CV, Portfolio & LinkedIn Updated: Clear, skills-based profiles stand out.
Network Actively: Join industry groups and attend events to build connections.
Work With a Trusted Agency: Recruitment specialists can find the right roles for you, fast.
THINGS TO CONSIDER
If you are hiring contract talent or looking for contract jobs for yourself in Ireland, here are three essential aspects to bear in mind:
Day Rate: For companies, understanding market benchmarks ensures competitive offers. For candidates, knowing your worthhelps you negotiate confidently.
Based on Ireland’s Project Economy Report, 2025, the overall average daily rate is €552. The average daily rate is €632 for Information and Communication Technology roles, €695 for Finance contractors, €519 for Engineering and €486 for Pharma and Life Sciences. Know that factors like experience, age, urgency and duration also influence rates.Admin & Compliance: Companies must ensure correct classification of contractors to remain compliant with Revenue guidelines. Contractors need to choose the right setup (Umbrella company, limited company or sole trader) and understand tax and insurance obligations.
Contract duration, VAT and timesheets are other aspects to consider.Onboarding & Integration: Companies should provide quick access to systems, clear deliverables and relevant contacts. Contractors should be proactive in engaging with teams and aligning with project goals from day one to hit the ground running.
At Next Generation, we have helped Ireland’s top organisations fill critical roles with skilled contract talent in under 72 hours. Get in touch with us to learn how we can help you make the right hiring and career decisions.
