The Construction sector continues to experience strong demand, driven by infrastructure investment, housing delivery targets and commercial development. This 2026 Salary Guide benchmarks market activity from 2025, highlighting in-demand construction skills, current salary ranges and how employers are competing to secure experienced talent across Ireland.

Construction Job Market Outlook 2026: Skills in Demand and Salary Insights

Inflation-Linked Rises in Salaries

Salaries across the sector have risen slightly, largely in line with inflation. The most notable increases have been within Facilities Management (FM), where ongoing candidate shortages continue to drive competition and push salaries upward. In contrast, the broader construction market has stabilised, with most employers and candidates settling into more consistent expectations around pay and progression.

Infrastructure and Sectoral Shifts

Investment in infrastructure has remained a major focus, largely to support Ireland’s growing residential demand. This aligns with national data showing an additional 29,600 employees joining the construction workforce year on year. Of these, 123,700 are now primarily engaged in new housing developments and renovations, up from 94,200 just a year ago — clear evidence of the strong shift towards residential construction.

By comparison, the industrial and data centre markets remain relatively quiet, particularly in Dublin, where we’ve seen reduced activity. However, there’s been a noticeable uplift in the commercial sector, driven by ongoing urban development and corporate investment projects across the capital.

Technology and AI Concerns

One of the emerging talking points among construction employers is the potential impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the industry. Many organisations are exploring how AI can streamline design, project management, and resource planning — though there’s also a degree of caution as companies assess where automation makes sense in such a people- and process-driven sector.

Hybrid Work and Retention

 Hybrid and remote roles have become less widely available compared to recent years. That said, companies that continue to offer flexibility are finding themselves at a clear advantage when attracting and retaining talent. Candidates remain cautious about changing roles, with many choosing to stay put due to the work–life balance and flexibility they already enjoy. This has contributed to a low level of churn across the industry — an ongoing theme since the post-pandemic rebound.