Blogs • Our Courses

Ireland Minimum Wage 2025: What Workers and Employers Need to Know

The national minimum wage is €13.50 per hour from 1 January 2025. Here is how the new rates work, who is covered, what counts toward pay, and practical steps to stay compliant or maximise your take home pay.

Looking for the latest Ireland minimum wage rates?

This article explains the 2025 minimum wage rates. From 1 January 2026, Ireland’s national minimum wage increased to €14.15 per hour for workers aged 20 and over.

€14.15 Aged 20 and over
€12.74 Aged 19
€11.32 Aged 18
€9.91 Under 18

For the newest payroll updates, including minimum wage, USC, PRSI, RPNs and MyFutureFund, read our updated 2026 guide.

Read the Ireland Payroll Changes 2026 guide
Rates 2025 Young worker rates Board and lodgings Rights and compliance Frequently asked questions
Ireland minimum wage 2025 hero graphic showing €13.50 per hour rate
Ireland minimum wage 2025 adult rate €13.50 per hour.

National Minimum Wage rates from 1 January 2025

Chart comparing Ireland 2025 minimum wage rates by age group
Quick visual summary of adult and youth rates for 2025.
Category Hourly rate Notes
Aged 20 and over€13.50Standard adult rate
Aged 19€12.1590 percent of adult rate
Aged 18€10.8080 percent of adult rate
Under 18€9.4570 percent of adult rate

Source: Government notice on the National Minimum Wage increase effective 1 January 2025 (gov.ie).

What counts toward the minimum wage

  • Gross pay includes basic pay and any shift premium, bonus, or service charge paid to you.
  • If you receive board or lodgings from your employer, the maximum amounts that can be counted are:
    • Board only: €1.21 per hour worked
    • Accommodation only: €31.89 per week or €4.55 per day

Reference: official 2025 notice on gov.ie linked above.

Quick checks for employees

  • Confirm your hourly rate on your payslip matches the correct category for your age.
  • If tips or service charges are paid through payroll, check they are shown clearly.
  • Track hours worked including premium hours. Keep your own log for cross check.
  • If you receive board or lodgings, verify any amounts offset are within the legal limits.

If there is a shortfall, raise it with payroll or your manager first, then use official guidance on next steps.

Compliance checklist for employers

  • Update hourly rates for all affected staff from the first full pay period on or after 1 January 2025.
  • Apply the correct sub minimum rates for workers aged 19, 18, and under 18 where permitted.
  • If board or lodgings are provided, cap offsets at the published 2025 limits and record them clearly on payslips.
  • Review contracts, rosters, and budgeting to ensure ongoing compliance with the new rates.
  • Ensure record keeping is robust and that staff can access payslips and rate information on request.

Use the official 2025 rate table on gov.ie for verification.

FAQs

Is this article still current for 2026?

This article explains the Ireland minimum wage rates for 2025. For the latest 2026 rates and wider payroll changes, including USC, PRSI, RPNs and MyFutureFund, read our updated guide here: Ireland Payroll Changes 2026.

When did the €13.50 rate start

The new rates apply from 1 January 2025. See the government publication for confirmation (gov.ie).

How do the young worker rates work

Young worker rates are set as a percentage of the adult rate. In 2025 the hourly rates are €12.15 for age 19, €10.80 for age 18, and €9.45 for under 18. These apply where lawful and should be shown clearly on payslips.

Do tips count toward minimum wage

Tips paid through payroll form part of gross pay for minimum wage calculations. Employers must follow tipping legislation and provide transparent payslips.

Can accommodation provided by an employer reduce the cash wage

Yes within limits. For 2025 the maximum that can be offset is €31.89 per week or €4.55 per day for accommodation, and €1.21 per hour for board. Any offset must be recorded and not exceed the caps set out in the government notice.

What if I think I have been underpaid

Raise the issue with your employer in writing with dates, hours, and payslip references. If unresolved, consult official guidance or seek advice from a qualified advisor. Keep copies of all records.

Grow beyond the minimum with The Career Academy IE

Build job ready skills that employers value and move toward higher earning roles with flexible online study and tutor support.

Programs designed for real results

  • Accounting and Bookkeeping Learn practical finance, reconciliations, payroll and VAT. Explore Accounting • Bookkeeping
  • Business and Management Strengthen communication, supervision and operations. Explore Management
  • Short, focused courses Bite sized learning that fits your schedule, with clear next steps when you want to advance.
  • Industry-recognised pathways Build confidence with practical assessments and tutor feedback.

Your next three steps

  • 1) Pick a starting point that matches your current experience.
  • 2) Set a weekly study target and book your first tutor check-in.
  • 3) Apply new skills at work or in a portfolio to strengthen your CV.
author avatar
The Career Academy
Read articles by The Career Academy team. Find study tips, course advice, and simple career guides to help you learn online with confidence.