Our 2025 Salary Guide for Manufacturing & Engineering offers a comprehensive overview of salary trends and compensation packages within the manufacturing and engineering industries. This guide is an essential resource for employers and job seekers, providing insights into market demand, benefits, and salary benchmarks for various positions. Stay competitive and well-informed with our detailed data, helping you attract and retain top talent in these critical sectors.

Manufacturing & Engineering Hiring Trends to Look For in 2025

Sustainability Demand

Sustainability is becoming a core focus in engineering, especially in Ireland’s push to combat climate change. Engineers skilled in sustainable design, energy efficiency, and decarbonization will be in high demand throughout 2025. With an emphasis on wind energy, solar power, and energy storage systems, engineering teams will need professionals capable of integrating eco-friendly solutions into traditional engineering projects. This trend is aligned with Ireland’s growing commitment to meeting environmental targets and transitioning to renewable energy sources, making sustainability a key area for engineering talent.

Smart Technologies Integration

As smart technologies such as IoT, AI, and automation gain traction in engineering, professionals with expertise in these areas will remain in high demand. Projects in data centres, semiconductor manufacturing, and smart infrastructure are driving this trend, which is expected to continue into 2025. The integration of digital transformation in engineering processes will require engineers who can work with cutting-edge technology to enhance efficiency, scalability, and sustainability. Roles focused on these innovations will be crucial for companies looking to stay competitive in an increasingly tech-driven market.

Tackling Talent Shortages

The engineering sector faces an ongoing talent shortage, exacerbated by an aging workforce and a lack of younger entrants. To address this in 2025, companies will offer competitive salaries, flexible work options, and comprehensive benefits packages to attract and retain skilled professionals. Upskilling initiatives and apprenticeships will play a significant role in addressing the skills gap, as will collaborations between companies and educational institutions. We will continue to see the encouragement for women to enter STEM fields through targeted campaigns and support networks.

Additionally, more companies will look to international talent and offer critical skills visas to bolster their workforce, especially to attract experienced specialised engineers.