Salary at every level, the technical track versus management, and what to build next.
Typical years are a guide, not a rule. Impact matters more than tenure.
Salary ranges reflect the UK market in 2026. Ranges widen at senior levels because company size and equity vary significantly.
Cloud Solutions Architect or IT Infrastructure Architect, developing deep technical expertise in cloud-first IT environments.
IT Director or Head of IT, with full IT function accountability and executive reporting.
Companies actively hiring for this role in UK right now.
IT Managers progress to IT Director, Infrastructure Manager, Head of IT, or IT Service Delivery Manager at larger organisations.
IT Managers in Ireland earn between €65,000 and €130,000 depending on organisation size, sector, and scope of the role. Mid-market private sector IT Managers earn €70,000 to €95,000 on average. IT Managers at large financial services, technology, or ISEQ-listed companies earn €90,000 to €130,000. Public sector IT Managers typically earn €65,000 to €90,000 under public sector pay scales.
ITIL 4 Foundation or Managing Professional is the most widely relevant IT service management credential. Microsoft certifications (AZ-104 Azure Administrator, MS-102 Microsoft 365 Administrator) are directly relevant for most Irish IT Manager roles. A degree in Computer Science or Information Systems is common but not universally required for experienced professionals. PMP or PRINCE2 Practitioner is valued for IT Managers with significant project delivery responsibilities. Cybersecurity certifications (CompTIA Security+ or CISSP at senior level) are becoming expected as IT Managers take on security accountability.
IT Manager roles exist across virtually all sectors in Dublin. Technology companies, financial services organisations (AIB, Bank of Ireland, Stripe), healthcare (HSE, private hospitals), retail (Penneys, Dunnes, Lidl Ireland), and professional services firms all hire IT Managers. Managed service providers (Ergo, Version 1, BT Ireland) hire IT Managers for internal operations and client delivery leadership. Mid-market Irish enterprises across manufacturing, distribution, and professional services hire IT Managers to run their IT function.
Cloud management expertise (Azure, Microsoft 365) combined with cybersecurity responsibility commands the strongest premium. IT Managers who own IT security strategy, GDPR compliance, and technology risk governance in addition to IT operations earn significantly more than those managing purely operational IT. Budget management experience and the ability to build business cases for IT investment and present them to senior non-technical leadership are key differentiators. IT Managers at organisations undergoing digital transformation who can lead change as well as manage operations are the most highly compensated.