Even though nursing is frequently referred to as the core of healthcare, concerns about equitable compensation, career advancement, and financial stability continue to dominate conversations. Paying nurses appropriately is essential because hospitals and other healthcare facilities still depend on their commitment and knowledge.
In order to guarantee that nurses receive planned pay raises, chances for career advancement, and other financial benefits, the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organization (INMO) has been essential. The 2025 INMO salary scale, which goes into effect on March 1, 2025, calls for gradual pay increases at every level. However, do these modifications go far enough?
2025 INMO Salary Scale Breakdown
| Position | Starting Salary (€) | Max Salary (€) | Long Service Increment (LSI) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Nurse (36-Week Placement) | 20,845 | – | – |
| Post-Qualification Pre-Registration Nurse | 32,218 | – | – |
| Staff Nurse / Midwife | 36,919 | 53,340 | 54,928 |
| Senior Staff Nurse / Midwife | 57,535 | – | – |
| Enhanced Nurse / Dual-Qualified Midwife | 43,872 | 55,093 | 56,706 |
| Senior Enhanced Nurse / Midwife | 59,421 | – | – |
| Clinical Nurse / Midwife Manager 1 | 56,081 | 66,045 | – |
| Clinical Nurse / Midwife Manager 2 / Clinical Nurse Specialist | 60,854 | 74,658 | 76,897 |
📌 For a complete salary scale, visit INMO’s Official Website
How Irish Nurses Gain from the INMO Salary Scale
- Competitive Pay at Entry Level
The starting salary for a newly qualified staff nurse or midwife is €36,919 and increases to €53,340 over time. Predictable pay increases are guaranteed by this structured progression, giving new hires financial security.
- Unambiguous Professional Development and Increased Income Potential
The INMO scale offers a clear path for financial growth, in contrast to the private sector, where pay increases could be irregular. Long-term career planning is made easier for nurses because they can expect pay increases.
- Extra Monetary Gains
✔️ Shift Allowances: Extra compensation for working holidays, weekends, and nights.
✔️ Up to 26 days of annual leave, plus nine public holidays, are included.
✔️ Pension Contributions: A long-term security pension supported by the state.
✔️ Overtime Pay: Additional money received for working past scheduled hours.
Nursing is a financially feasible career choice in Ireland because of these advantages as well as salary advancement.
The Gender Pay Gap in Nursing: Is Parity Possible?
Is There Still a Pay Gap?
Despite nursing being a female-dominated field, disparities in pay remain.
📊 Median Hourly Pay in 2024
- Female Nurses: €24.50 per hour
- Male Nurses: €26.00 per hour
- Gender Pay Gap: 6.1%
📌 Why Does This Gap Exist?
1️⃣ Specialization Differences – Male nurses more often work in higher-paid fields such as emergency care and mental health nursing.
2️⃣ Career Progression Barriers – Fewer women occupy senior management roles, impacting lifetime earnings.
3️⃣ Experience-Based Pay Differences – While the gap narrows over time, it does not disappear completely.
🔎 The good news? INMO and other advocacy groups actively push for salary transparency and equal pay policies, ensuring fair wages for all nurses.
How Does Ireland’s Nursing Pay Compare Globally?
| Country | Average Annual Salary (€) | Starting Salary (€) | Max Salary (€) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ireland (INMO Scale) | 45,000 – 65,000 | 32,218 | 76,897 |
| United Kingdom (NHS) | 35,000 – 50,000 | 30,000 | 65,000 |
| Australia (Public Sector) | 50,000 – 75,000 | 40,000 | 90,000 |
| United States (RN Average Salary) | 55,000 – 90,000 | 50,000 | 100,000 |
🔎 Key Takeaway: While Ireland’s nursing salaries remain competitive, other countries, particularly Australia and the U.S., offer higher earning potential. However, job security, pension benefits, and career stability make Ireland an attractive choice for many nurses.
Are Irish Nurses Finally Being Paid What They Deserve?
✔️ Pros of the INMO Salary Scale
✅ Structured pay increases provide financial stability.
✅ Overtime pay, shift allowances, and pensions enhance earnings.
✅ Clear career progression makes nursing a long-term profession.
❌ Cons of the INMO Salary Scale
⛔ Starting salaries still lag behind those in Australia and the U.S..
⛔ A gender pay gap persists, despite efforts to close it.
⛔ Inflation and cost of living outpace salary increases.
🔎 What Needs to Change?
1️⃣ More frequent pay scale adjustments to match inflation.
2️⃣ Increased incentives for nurses in high-demand fields.
3️⃣ Greater efforts to bridge gender-based pay disparities.
The Future of Nursing Salaries in Ireland
The INMO salary scale represents a solid foundation, but as healthcare challenges grow, so too should nurses’ wages and benefits. The focus must remain on attracting, retaining, and rewarding Ireland’s nursing workforce.
📍 For real-time updates on salary scales and nursing career opportunities, visit INMO’s Official Website
🚀 Nurses are the lifeblood of Ireland’s healthcare system. Their pay should reflect their value.
