National minimum wage hike comes into effect in Ireland

The rise in the national minimum wage in Ireland came into effect on 1 January, following the Government’s announcement of an increase in Budget 2026.

The minimum pay to almost all workers over 20 years of age is now €14.15 per hour, up 65 cent from €13.50.

This is an increase of almost 5%, or about €25 per week, and will bring minimum basic salaries to €28,896 per annum for those working a 39-hour week.

Linked to that, the ceiling for the USC 2% rate band is increasing €1,318 to €28,700.

According to the Government, this increase will ensure that full-time workers on the minimum wage will remain outside the top rates of USC, while also giving a modest benefit to all workers whose income is above that amount.