The Health Service Executive (HSE) has released its updated Consolidated Salary Scales effective 1 June 2026, in accordance with Department of Health Circular 2/2026. This guide covers official pay scales for every staff category — from healthcare assistants and nurses to consultants and senior management — all updated with the latest June 2026 figures.
Whether you are applying for a role in the Irish public health service, negotiating a salary, or simply want to understand how HSE pay works, this complete guide has everything you need.
Official source: Department of Health Circular 2/2026 — Health Sector Consolidated Salary Scales, effective 1 June 2026.
📢 Official Update — June 2026 Pay Increase
Under the Public Service Agreement 2024–2026, the following adjustments took effect on 1 June 2026:
- A 1% increase to the annualised basic salaries for all public servants.
- A 1% increase to allowances in the nature of pay.
This follows the February 2026 increase (which applied +1% or €500, whichever was greater). The June 2026 round is a straight 1% uplift across all grades.
The sanction of the Minister has been conveyed for the application of these revised rates as appropriate with effect from 1 June 2026 under sections of the FEMPI Acts and the Public Service Pay and Pensions Act 2017.
| Previous Effective Date | New Effective Date | Increase Applied |
|---|---|---|
| 1 February 2026 | 1 June 2026 | +1% on basic salary & allowances |
📊 How HSE Salary Scales Work
HSE salaries follow a structured incremental pay scale. Here is what you need to know:
- Incremental points: Each grade has between 1 and 19 salary points. Staff typically progress one point per year of satisfactory service.
- Long Service Increments (LSIs): Shown in bold in the official scales. The 1st LSI is paid after 3 years on the maximum; the 2nd after a further 3 years on LSI 1; the 3rd after a further 3 years on LSI 2.
- Weekly rate: Divide the annual rate by 52.18.
- Part-time/work-sharers: The relevant increase is applied to the full basic salary first, then pro-rata for the reduced hours.
- Sessional rates: Not available to any new employee recruited on or after 28 March 2014.
🩺 Medical & Dental Grades (June 2026)
Non-Consultant Hospital Doctors (NCHDs)
| Grade | Scale Points | Starting Salary | Maximum Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intern | 1 | €47,127 | €47,127 |
| Senior House Officer | 7 | €55,292 | €75,623 |
| Registrar | 6 | €70,276 | €82,756 |
| Specialist Registrar | 7 | €78,786 | €98,091 |
| Senior Registrar | 7 | €83,847 | €102,619 |
Senior Medical Officers
| Grade | Scale Points | Starting Salary | Maximum Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Area Medical Officer (Senior) / Medical Officer Senior | 8 | €97,771 | €116,950 + LSIs |
| Medical Officer, Principal | 1 | €125,413 | €125,413 |
| Director of Community Care | 1 | €133,873 | €133,873 |
| Specialist in Public Health Medicine | 1 | €140,566 | €140,566 |
| Community Ophthalmic Physician | 1 | €152,580 | €152,580 |
| Director of Public Health Medicine | 1 | €163,994 | €163,994 |
| Occupational Health Physician | 6 | €177,086 | €212,504 |
| Regional Director, Clinical | 6 | €238,221 | €286,151 |
Medical Officer of District/Community Hospital
Rates vary by hospital size and designated bed mix. Key June 2026 rates (1-point scales):
| Hospital Configuration | Rate (1/6/26) |
|---|---|
| 0–60 beds | €37,881 |
| 0–60 beds (1–12 assessment/rehab) / 61–120 beds | €42,023 |
| 121–180 beds / 0–60 beds (13–20 assessment/rehab) | €44,242 |
| >180 beds / 61–120 beds (1–12 assessment/rehab) | €46,457 |
| 61–120 beds (>20 assessment/rehab) / >180 beds (1–12 assessment) | €48,691 |
| >180 beds (>20 assessment/rehab) | €59,026 |
Dental Grades
| Grade | Scale Points | Starting Salary | Maximum Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vocational Trainee in Dentistry | 2 | €52,226 | €57,626 |
| Clinical Dental Surgeon (Grade I) | 4 | €59,412 | €69,941 |
| General Dental Surgeon | 9 | €75,569 | €109,548 + LSIs |
| Senior Dental Surgeon | 6 | €93,325 | €119,157 + LSIs |
| Senior Administrative Dental Surgeon | 6 | €97,993 | €125,112 + LSIs |
| Principal Dental Surgeon | 5 | €112,323 | €136,369 + LSIs |
| Specialist in Orthodontics | 1 | €181,679 | €181,679 |
🏥 Consultant Grades (June 2026)
Consultant Contract 2023 (New Contract)
| Category | Point 1 | Point 3 | Point 6 (Max) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical Consultant | €238,221 | €264,691 | €286,151 |
| Academic Senior Lecturer | €256,634 | €285,147 | €311,546 |
| Academic Associate Professor | €274,674 | €305,193 | €331,591 |
| Academic Professor | €292,798 | €325,330 | €351,728 |
Consultant Contract 2023 — Additional Allowances (June 2026)
| Allowance | Rate (1/6/26) |
|---|---|
| On-Call Flat Annual Payment | €11,348 |
| On-Call Rota 1 in 3 (additional) | €3,292 |
| On-Call Rota 1 in 2 (additional) | €9,305 |
| On-Call Rota 1 in 1 (additional) | €12,255 |
| Clinical Directors’ Allowance | €59,620 |
| Emergency Call-Out — per call (first 30, hourly rate) | €122.22 |
| Emergency Call-Out — per call (31–120) | €183.33 |
| Emergency Call-Out — per call (121+) | €244.44 |
| Annual call-out limit | €43,125 |
Consultant Common Contract 1997 (Type A — serving consultants)
| Category | Rate (1/6/26) |
|---|---|
| Category I (Psychiatrists, Geriatricians, Palliative Care, Emergency Medicine) | €256,997 |
| Category I — Southern/Mid-Western/North Eastern/South Eastern Area | €251,266 |
| Category I — Eastern Regional Area | €245,846 |
| Category II (general consultants — Eastern Regional) | €234,849 |
Type B and Type B* rates also apply to serving consultants on the 1997 contract — contact your HR department for the exact applicable rate based on your contract and location category.
👩⚕️ Nursing & Midwifery Grades (June 2026)
Pre-Registration & Student Nurses
| Grade | Rate (1/6/26) |
|---|---|
| Student General/Children’s/ID/Midwifery Intern (Pre-Registration) | €31,326 |
| Student Psychiatric Nursing Intern (Pre-Registration) | €31,920 |
| Student Public Health Nurse | €42,284 |
| Staff Nurse (Awaiting Registration) | €33,370 |
| Staff Nurse, Psychiatric (Awaiting Registration) | €34,004 |
Staff Nurse / Staff Midwife
| Grade | Scale Points | Starting (1/6/26) | Maximum (1/6/26) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Staff Nurse (General / Children’s / ID / Midwife) | 13 | €38,166 | €56,592 + LSI |
| Mental Health Staff Nurse | 13 | €38,908 | €56,948 + LSI |
| Enhanced Nurse (General / Children’s / ID / MH) | 9 | €45,259 | €58,424 + LSI |
| Senior Staff Nurse (General) | 1 | €59,278 | €59,278 |
| Senior Staff Nurse (Mental Health) | 1 | €59,653 | €59,653 |
| Public Health Nurse (new appointees from 30.9.2023) | 11 | €62,699 | €79,227 + LSI |
| Community Mental Health Nurse | 11 | €62,699 | €79,227 + LSI |
| Community Psychiatric Nurse | 10 | €60,703 | €71,768 |
Clinical Nurse / Midwife Specialist & Manager Grades
| Grade | Scale Points | Starting (1/6/26) | Maximum (1/6/26) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical Nurse Specialist (all types) | 11 | €62,699 | €79,227 + LSI |
| Clinical Nurse Specialist Candidate (all types) | 8 | €57,780 | €68,046 |
| Clinical Nurse Manager 1 | 8 | €57,780 | €68,046 |
| Clinical Nurse Manager 2 | 11 | €62,699 | €79,227 + LSI |
| Clinical Nurse Manager 3 | 6 | €72,146 | €81,478 |
Advanced Nurse / Midwife Practitioner
| Grade | Scale Points | Starting (1/6/26) | Maximum (1/6/26) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced Nurse Practitioner (General / Community / Children’s / ID) | 9 | €72,843 | €89,894 |
| Advanced Nurse Practitioner (Mental Health) | 7 | €74,496 | €89,894 |
| Advanced Midwife Practitioner | 9 | €72,843 | €89,894 |
| Advanced Midwife Practitioner, Candidate | 6 | €72,146 | €81,478 |
| Nursing/Midwifery Practice Development Co-ordinator | 9 | €72,843 | €89,894 |
Nurse Tutor & Education Grades
| Grade | Scale Points | Starting (1/6/26) | Maximum (1/6/26) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical Nurse Instructor (General) | 9 | €65,419 | €76,528 |
| Nurse Tutor (General / Mental Health / Midwifery) | 10 | €73,793 | €82,809 |
| Specialist Co-ordinator, Nursing | 10 | €73,793 | €82,809 |
| Principal Nurse Tutor | 8 | €77,392 | €89,888 |
| Director, Centre of Nurse Education | 8 | €84,720 | €102,140 |
Assistant Director & Director of Nursing
| Grade | Scale Points | Starting (1/6/26) | Maximum (1/6/26) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assistant Director of Public Health Nursing | 6 | €72,151 | €82,836 |
| Assistant Director of Nursing (Band 1 Hospitals) | 9 | €72,843 | €89,894 |
| Assistant Director of Nursing (Non-Band 1 Hospitals) | 8 | €69,178 | €82,835 |
| Assistant Director of Nursing (Mental Health) | 7 | €74,496 | €89,894 |
| Director of Nursing Band 5 (General) | 7 | €73,682 | €83,246 |
| Director of Nursing Band 4 (General) | 7 | €78,762 | €91,764 |
| Director of Nursing Band 3 (General) | 7 | €84,294 | €94,073 |
| Director of Nursing Band 2A (General) | 7 | €89,292 | €98,858 |
| Director of Nursing Band 2 (General) | 7 | €90,012 | €105,241 |
| Director of Nursing Band 1 (General) | 7 | €96,621 | €112,739 |
| Director of Public Health Nursing | 6 | €94,722 | €109,109 |
| Director of Nursing, Mental Health Services | 6 | €94,722 | €109,109 |
| Area Director of Nursing, Mental Health Services | 5 | €113,483 | €132,397 |
| Regional Director, Nursing & Midwifery / Hospital Group Director | 6 | €125,441 | €153,313 |
🧑⚕️ Health & Social Care Professionals (HSCP) Grades (June 2026)
HSCP grades cover physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, dieticians, medical scientists, pharmacists, radiographers, and many more specialties.
Allied Health Professions — Core Grades
| Grade | Scale Points | Starting (1/6/26) | Maximum (1/6/26) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physiotherapist | 14 | €45,514 | €65,068 + LSI |
| Physiotherapist, Senior | 9 | €65,197 | €76,767 |
| Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist | 9 | €72,119 | €83,689 |
| Physiotherapist Manager | 7 | €78,592 | €94,350 |
| Physiotherapist Manager in Charge III | 7 | €90,977 | €100,131 |
| Occupational Therapist | 14 | €45,514 | €65,068 + LSI |
| Occupational Therapist, Senior | 9 | €65,197 | €76,767 |
| Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist | 9 | €72,119 | €83,689 |
| Occupational Therapist Manager | 7 | €78,592 | €94,350 |
| Occupational Therapist Manager in Charge III | 7 | €90,977 | €100,131 |
| Dietician | 14 | €45,514 | €65,068 + LSI |
| Dietician, Senior | 9 | €65,197 | €76,767 |
| Clinical Specialist Dietician | 9 | €72,119 | €83,689 |
| Dietician Manager | 7 | €78,592 | €94,350 |
| Chiropodist / Podiatrist | 14 | €45,514 | €65,068 + LSI |
| Chiropodist / Podiatrist, Senior | 9 | €65,197 | €76,767 |
| Chiropodist / Podiatrist Manager | 7 | €78,592 | €94,350 |
| Orthoptist | 14 | €45,514 | €65,068 + LSI |
| Orthoptist, Senior / Optometrist, Clinical | 9 | €65,197 | €76,767 |
| Audiologist | 10 | €40,920 | €52,311 + LSI |
| Audiologist, Senior | 6 | €54,680 | €62,884 |
| Audiologist, Clinical Specialist | 6 | €59,668 | €73,189 |
| Audiologist, Chief | 6 | €62,884 | €80,470 |
| Speech and Language Therapy (Adaptation Placement) | 1 | €39,590 | €39,590 |
| Counsellor Therapist — National Counselling Service | 14 | €54,763 | €96,056 |
Medical Scientists, Laboratory & Pharmacy
| Grade | Scale Points | Starting (1/6/26) | Maximum (1/6/26) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Scientist, Trainee | 3 | €38,422 | €42,017 |
| Medical Scientist | 16 | €45,279 | €75,148 + LSI |
| Medical Scientist, Senior (new appointees from 1.1.24) | 9 | €68,687 | €90,688 |
| Medical Scientist, Chief (with quals per DoH Circular 2/2024) | 9 | €83,200 | €119,549 |
| Biochemist | 16 | €45,279 | €75,148 + LSI |
| Biochemist, Senior | 9 | €68,687 | €90,688 |
| Biochemist, Principal | 9 | €83,200 | €119,549 |
| Pharmacist (from 1.12.22) | 10 | €50,485 | €80,758 + LSI |
| Pharmacist, Senior | 8 | €77,045 | €89,345 |
| Pharmacist, Advanced Specialist | 8 | €83,584 | €98,983 + LSI |
| Pharmacist, Chief II | 6 | €85,300 | €107,662 |
| Pharmacist, Chief I | 6 | €97,032 | €111,519 |
| Pharmaceutical Technician | 10 | €42,415 | €53,952 |
| Pharmaceutical Technician, Senior | 6 | €55,979 | €61,893 |
| Phlebotomist | 9 | €38,671 | €51,007 + LSI |
| Phlebotomist, Senior | 6 | €45,204 | €55,362 |
Environmental Health, Paramedic & Specialist Grades
| Grade | Scale Points | Starting (1/6/26) | Maximum (1/6/26) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Health Officer | 13 | €48,251 | €74,805 + LSIs |
| Environmental Health Officer, Senior | 12 | €60,862 | €84,597 + LSIs |
| Environmental Health Officer, Principal | 9 | €80,676 | €100,696 + LSIs |
| Paramedic — NAS (new appointees from 18.4.24) | 10 | €38,388 | €48,387 + LSI |
| Specialist Paramedic — NAS | 9 | €50,295 | €64,647 |
| Epidemiologist | 9 | €69,373 | €89,178 |
| Epidemiologist, Senior | 9 | €76,097 | €99,464 |
| Social Work Adaptation | 1 | €44,416 | €44,416 |
| HSCP National Lead | 6 | €123,619 | €150,720 |
🏥 General Support Grades (June 2026)
General support grades cover domestic, catering, portering, maintenance, and similar support roles across HSE facilities. Grades are banded (Band 1–4) based on job evaluation outcomes.
| Grade / Band | Scale Points | Starting (1/6/26) | Maximum (1/6/26) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Band 2 (Security Guard, Driver, Pharmacy Porter, General Operative) | 9 | €36,651 | €45,939 |
| Band 3 (Pharmacy Aide/Attendant) | 9 | €36,407 | €44,087 |
| Band 4 (Attendant/Aide) | 9 | €35,433 | €41,696 |
Note: Several grades were rebanded in 2019–2021 under HSE HR Circular 003/2023 and earlier circulars. Rates above reflect the current banded rates for pension and pay purposes from those reband dates.
🤝 Patient & Client Care Grades (June 2026)
| Grade | Scale Points | Starting (1/6/26) | Maximum (1/6/26) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health Care Assistant (Band 2 — standard) | 9 | €36,651 | €45,939 |
| Health Care Assistant (Band 1 — specific locations*) | 7 | €42,033 | €49,050 |
| Healthcare Assistant (Home Support, Band 2) | 9 | €36,651 | €45,939 |
| Health & Social Care Assistant | 9 | €36,651 | €45,939 |
| Care Assistant (Disability Services) | 13 | €34,881 | €48,434 + LSI |
| Attendant, Multi-Task (Band 2) | 9 | €36,651 | €45,939 |
| Physiotherapy / OT / Radiography / Speech / Audiology Assistant (Band 2) | 9 | €36,651 | €45,939 |
| Peer Support Worker | 9 | €36,812 | €46,145 |
| Peer Support Worker, Senior | 7 | €42,033 | €49,050 |
| Family Support Worker | 9 | €36,812 | €46,145 |
| Dental Surgery Assistant (Without Qualification) | 7 | €32,308 | €39,554 |
| Dental Nurse (With Qualification) | 17 | €32,308 | €55,513 + LSI |
| Dental Nurse, Senior | 7 | €52,426 | €62,653 |
| Emergency Call Taker / Emergency Medical Controller | 11 | €36,885 | €52,427 + LSI |
| Emergency Medical Technician, Leading | 9 | €39,947 | €52,427 + LSI |
| Community Welfare Officer | 18 | €37,418 | €74,264 + LSIs |
| Health Promotion & Improvement Officer | 7 | €58,477 | €71,442 + LSIs |
| Assessment of Need Officer | 11 | €61,219 | €79,583 + LSIs |
| Home Support Resource Manager | 11 | €61,219 | €79,583 + LSIs |
*Band 1 Health Care Assistant specific locations include: St Ita’s Portrane, Central Mental Hospital, National Rehabilitation Hospital, Dublin/Galway-Roscommon Mental Health Services, St Fintan’s Hospital Portlaoise (rebanded from Band 3 wef 1.9.2019).
📋 Clerical & Management Administration Grades (June 2026)
Standard Clerical Grades
| Grade | Scale Points | Starting (1/6/26) | Maximum (1/6/26) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clerical Officer (Grade) | 15 | €31,934 | €49,416 + LSI |
| Grade IV (Clerical) | 12 | €36,470 | €56,018 + LSIs |
| Grade V (Clerical) | 7 | €52,758 | €63,110 + LSIs |
| Grade VI (Clerical) | 7 | €58,477 | €71,442 + LSIs |
| Grade VII (Clerical) | 11 | €61,219 | €79,583 + LSIs |
| Grade VIII | 7 | €83,911 | €101,207 |
Supplies Officer Grades
| Grade | Scale Points | Starting (1/6/26) | Maximum (1/6/26) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supplies Officer Grade D | 12 | €36,649 | €49,416 + LSI |
| Supplies Officer Grade C | 8 | €43,672 | €56,018 + LSIs |
| Supplies Officer Grade B | 7 | €52,758 | €63,110 + LSIs |
| Supplies Officer Grade A | 7 | €58,477 | €71,442 + LSIs |
Senior Management & Executive Roles
| Role | Scale Points | Starting (1/6/26) | Maximum (1/6/26) |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Manager | 7 | €87,471 | €108,804 |
| Integrated Health Area Service Lead | 5 | €115,211 | €134,412 |
| National Director Level III | 1 | €199,445 | €199,445 |
| National Director Level II | 1 | €211,920 | €211,920 |
| National Director Level I | 1 | €230,929 | €230,929 |
| Regional Executive Officer (HSE) | 6 | €238,221 | €286,151 |
| Chief Executive Officer (HSE) — new incumbents post 03/10/22 | 1 | €406,177 | €406,177 |
💰 Quick Reference: Salaries for Popular HSE Roles (June 2026)
Here is a summary of the most commonly searched HSE salaries, updated to 1 June 2026:
| Role | Starting Salary (1/6/26) | Maximum Salary (1/6/26) |
|---|---|---|
| Staff Nurse (General) | €38,166 | €56,592 + LSI |
| Mental Health Staff Nurse | €38,908 | €56,948 + LSI |
| Senior Staff Nurse | €59,278 | €59,278 |
| Clinical Nurse Manager 2 | €62,699 | €79,227 + LSI |
| Advanced Nurse Practitioner | €72,843 | €89,894 |
| Health Care Assistant (Band 2) | €36,651 | €45,939 |
| Clerical Officer | €31,934 | €49,416 + LSI |
| Grade IV (Clerical) | €36,470 | €56,018 + LSIs |
| Grade VII (Clerical) | €61,219 | €79,583 + LSIs |
| Physiotherapist | €45,514 | €65,068 + LSI |
| Occupational Therapist | €45,514 | €65,068 + LSI |
| Pharmacist | €50,485 | €80,758 + LSI |
| Medical Scientist | €45,279 | €75,148 + LSI |
| Intern (Doctor) | €47,127 | €47,127 |
| Senior House Officer | €55,292 | €75,623 |
| Registrar | €70,276 | €82,756 |
| Consultant (Contract 2023 — Clinical) | €238,221 | €286,151 |
| Paramedic (NAS) | €38,388 | €48,387 + LSI |
🆚 HSE vs Private Healthcare Salaries in Ireland (2026)
Public sector salaries in the HSE are generally lower at entry level but offer significant long-term benefits including:
- Pension: Defined-benefit pension under the Single Public Service Pension Scheme or pre-existing schemes, which is substantially more valuable than private sector defined-contribution arrangements.
- Job security: Public sector employment protections are significantly stronger.
- Incremental progression: Guaranteed annual salary increases (subject to satisfactory performance) up to the scale maximum.
- LSIs: Long Service Increments reward long-serving staff above the scale maximum.
- Allowances: Night duty, weekend, public holiday, on-call, and location allowances can significantly boost take-home pay.
Private healthcare salaries (particularly in Level 4 and Level 5 facilities, or in specialist private hospitals) may be higher at the starting point, but rarely match the total compensation package of the HSE over a full career.
💸 Allowances & Additional Pay (June 2026)
In addition to basic salary, many HSE staff receive allowances. These are also subject to the 1% increase from 1 June 2026 (they are increases “in the nature of pay”). Key allowances include:
- Night duty premium — percentage uplift on normal rate
- Weekend premium — applicable to staff rostered at weekends
- Public holiday premium — double time or time-in-lieu
- On-call allowance — flat annual payment plus rota-based supplements (see Consultant section for rates)
- Location allowance — applicable to staff working in designated areas (Dublin and certain specialist locations)
- Clinical Directors’ Allowance — €59,620 per annum (from 1/6/26)
- Higher Duties Allowance / Dual Responsibility: Dual responsibility/acting allowances are no longer payable in line with public service agreement requirements and have been removed from the scales.
Full allowance schedules are published in pages 58–66 of the official Consolidated Salary Scales document (DoH Circular 2/2026).
📈 How to Progress Through HSE Pay Scales
Understanding progression is essential for planning your career in the HSE:
- Appointment point: Most new employees start at Point 1 of the relevant scale. Previous relevant experience can be recognised under certain conditions — check the specific grade circular or your employer.
- Annual increment: One point progression per year of satisfactory service until the scale maximum is reached.
- Scale maximum: Once reached, no further standard progression unless LSIs apply.
- Long Service Increments:
- 1st LSI: After 3 years on the scale maximum
- 2nd LSI: After a further 3 years on LSI 1
- 3rd LSI: After a further 3 years on LSI 2
- Promotion: Moving to a higher grade restarts progression on the new scale, usually at a point that is at least equal to the current salary.
- National pay agreements: All points on the scale increase in line with agreed public service pay agreements (such as the current Public Service Agreement 2024–2026).
📅 New Grades Added (June 2026)
The following grades have been newly added to the consolidated pay scales in this edition:
- 0095 — National Director Level I
- 0096 — National Director Level II
- 0097 — National Director Level III
- 4017 — Pest Control Officer
- 3457 — Associate Paramedic Educator
- 3233 — Candidate Advanced Practice, Radiation Therapist
- 3230 — Candidate Advanced Practice, Dietician
- 3231 — Candidate Advanced Practice, Occupational Therapist
- 3234 — Candidate Advanced Practice, Speech & Language Therapist
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did the June 2026 HSE pay increase take effect?
The June 2026 increase took effect from 1 June 2026, as per Department of Health Circular 2/2026, under the Public Service Agreement 2024–2026.
How much was the June 2026 HSE pay increase?
A 1% increase to annualised basic salaries and a 1% increase to allowances in the nature of pay. This follows the February 2026 increase of 1% (or €500, whichever was greater).
What is an LSI in HSE pay scales?
LSI stands for Long Service Increment. It is an additional pay point awarded after extended service at the maximum of a pay scale. The 1st LSI is paid after 3 years on the maximum; subsequent LSIs are each awarded after a further 3 years.
Are HSE pay scales the same as civil service pay scales?
HSE pay scales are separate from civil service scales, though many increases are aligned through national pay agreements. Clerical and administrative grades in the HSE use HSE-specific scales, while some grades (such as the Grade IV–VIII clerical grades) are broadly aligned with civil service equivalents.
Does the HSE pay these salaries to Section 38 organisations?
Yes. Under the standard Service Arrangement between Section 38 providers and the HSE, remuneration in Section 38 bodies must conform to public sector pay norms and the consolidated salary scales where they apply. Section 38 bodies are not authorised to pay salaries in excess of the consolidated scales for approved grades.
What are sessional rates?
Sessional rates are an older method of calculating pay for certain roles based on sessions worked rather than annual salary. They are no longer available to any new employee recruited on or after 28 March 2014. Highlighted in the official scale document, their continued use for existing employees is also under review.
How do I calculate my weekly HSE salary?
Divide your annual salary by 52.18 to get your weekly gross rate.
What is the difference between Consultant Contract 2023 and the 1997 Common Contract?
The Consultant Contract 2023 is the current contract for newly appointed consultants, offering a 6-point salary scale from €238,221 to €286,151 (clinical). The 1997 Common Contract (Type A, B, B*) still applies to many serving consultants, with rates varying by contract type, category, and HSE region. Consultants who availed of the Settlement Agreement (Circular 11/2018) have their rates demarcated separately in the official scale document.
🔗 Official Sources
- Department of Health Circular 2/2026 — Health Sector Consolidated Salary Scales effective 1 June 2026
- Public Service Agreement 2024–2026 — National pay agreement governing increases
- Department of Health Circular 11/2013 — Health Sector Pay Policy compliance framework
- Department of Health Circular 2/2024 — Pension increase policy details
- FEMPI Acts 2009–2015 — Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest
This article is based on the official Department of Health Consolidated Salary Scales document released 1 June 2026. All figures shown are gross annual salaries in Euro (€). Always verify current rates with your HR department or the official DoH circular, as individual rates may vary depending on contract type, location, and entitlements.
