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From 1 January 2026, a new increase in the national minimum wage in Ireland has come into effect for workers aged 20 and over.
Regulatory framework and objectives
The measure follows the Irish government’s acceptance of the recommendations contained in the 2025 Low Pay Commission Report on minimum wage rates. As a result, the national minimum wage will rise from €13.50/hour to €14.15/hour for workers aged 20 and over.
The increase aims to support low-paid workers while balancing the needs of employers and maintaining business competitiveness.
Excluded categories
The only categories of workers excluded from the application of the new national minimum wage are:
- employees who are close relatives of the employer, where the employer is a Sole Trader;
- craft apprentices within the meaning of the Industrial Training Act, 1967, or the Labour of Services Act, 1987.
New rates
Below are the new minimum national wage rates in Ireland, effective from 1 January 2026, by age group:
| Employee age | Minimum hourly wage |
| Aged 20 and over | €14.15 |
| Aged 19 | €12.74 |
| Aged 18 | €11.32 |
| Aged under 18 | €9.91 |
