Last updated: March 2026 (Updated with February 2026 pay increase)
If you’re considering a career in nursing in Ireland or applying for an HSE job, understanding the latest HSE nurse salary in Ireland is essential.
Nurses working in the Health Service Executive (HSE) are paid according to nationally approved salary scales. These pay scales are structured, transparent, and increase annually through increments and national agreements.
π This guide includes the latest February 2026 salary update, ensuring you have the most accurate and up-to-date information.
π° Staff Nurse Salary Ireland 2026 (Updated)
The salary for a Staff Nurse in Ireland has increased following the February 2026 public sector pay revision.
π Staff Nurse Pay Scale (2026)
| Point | Salary (β¬) |
|---|---|
| 1 | β¬37,788 |
| 2 | β¬39,760 |
| 3 | β¬40,767 |
| 4 | β¬42,098 |
| 5 | β¬43,775 |
| 6 | β¬45,452 |
| 7 | β¬47,120 |
| 8 | β¬48,563 |
| 9 | β¬50,009 |
| 10 | β¬51,458 |
| 11 | β¬52,937 |
| 12 | β¬54,412 |
| 13 (Max) | β¬56,032 |
π These figures reflect the official February 2026 increase
π How Nurse Salaries Increase in Ireland
HSE nurses benefit from a structured pay progression system.
π’ Annual Increments
- Nurses move up one salary point per year
- Based on satisfactory performance
π’ Long Service Increments (LSI)
- Additional increases after reaching max salary
- Typically after 3 years at maximum
π This ensures steady salary growth over time
πΈ Additional Earnings for HSE Nurses
Basic salary is only part of total earnings.
π₯ Location Allowances
- Category A (ICU, ED): ~β¬4,100/year
- Category B (Mental Health, Long-term care): ~β¬2,700/year
π Shift & Premium Pay
- Night shifts: Time + extra premium
- Sunday: Time + 50%
- Public holidays: Enhanced pay or time off
β° Overtime & On-Call
- Paid depending on role and hours worked
- Can significantly increase total annual income
π§ How to Read HSE Nurse Pay Scales
If youβre new to the system:
- Point 1 = starting salary
- Each year β move up one point
- Maximum point = highest base salary
- LSI β extra increases after max
π Example:
A new nurse starts at β¬37,788 β reaches β¬56,032 β then LSI applies
π HSE Nurse Salary vs Private Sector
HSE Advantages:
- β Guaranteed increments
- β Public pension
- β Job security
- β Transparent pay structure
Private Sector:
- β Salary varies
- β Less structured progression
π For long-term career growth, HSE is often preferred
π Career Progression in Nursing (Ireland)
HSE offers clear career advancement:
- Staff Nurse
- Clinical Nurse Manager 1 (CNM1)
- Clinical Nurse Manager 2 (CNM2)
- Clinical Nurse Manager 3 (CNM3)
- Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP)
- Director of Nursing
π Senior roles can exceed β¬90,000+ annually
π February 2026 Pay Increase Explained
The latest update includes:
- 1% or β¬500 increase (whichever is greater)
- Applies to all HSE nurses
- Part of Public Service Agreement 2024β2026
π Lower-paid nurses benefit more due to minimum β¬500 increase
π Weekly Salary Example
To calculate weekly earnings:
π Annual salary Γ· 52.18
Example:
β¬37,788 Γ· 52.18 β β¬724/week
π§Ύ Pension & Benefits
HSE nurses are enrolled in public service pension schemes:
- Employer-supported pension
- Long-term financial security
- Based on salary + service
π Related Resources
π View full HSE pay scales
π Explore healthcare assistant salaries
π Browse clerical officer salaries
π Find HSE Nurse Jobs in Ireland
π Browse the latest HSE nurse jobs on JobVacancies.ie
π Full-time, part-time, and agency roles available
π’ Join our WhatsApp group for instant job alerts
β Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for a nurse in Ireland?
The starting salary is approximately β¬37,788 as of February 2026.
Do nurses get salary increases every year?
Yes, through annual increments and national pay agreements.
What is the maximum nurse salary in Ireland?
The maximum base salary is β¬56,032, with additional LSI increases.
Are allowances included in salary?
No, allowances are paid separately and can increase total income.
