Navigating job changes as a high-earning sales professional in Ireland

The Irish job market for sales professionals is highly competitive, particularly for those already earning high salaries in roles such as Sales Manager, Senior Sales Manager, Head of Sales or Sales Director.

While earning a high salary is a great achievement, it can also present unique challenges when trying to make a career move. If you’re struggling to secure a new position that matches or exceeds your current salary, you’re not alone.

Here are some of the key questions high-earners face when looking for a new role in Ireland and some strategies for navigating the process.

What is a “good” base salary for sales professionals in Ireland?

Base salaries for sales professionals vary depending on experience, sector and location. Here’s what you can expect for different roles:

• Sales Executive salary Ireland: 42,000 EUR to 65,000 EUR
• Sales Manager salary Ireland: 60,000 EUR to 100,000 EUR
• Senior Sales Manager salary Ireland: 85,000 EUR to 125,000 EUR
• Head of Sales salary Ireland: 110,000 EUR to 160,000 EUR
• Sales Director salary Ireland: 125,000 EUR to 175,000 EUR

Find more salaries using our salary map.

Base salaries in Dublin are often higher than in other areas because there’s a higher cost of living and company headquarters are often based there.

When applying for roles, sales professionals of all levels will consider their total compensation package rather than base salary alone. Typically, base salary makes up 60-80% of their total compensation while commission takes up the remaining 20-30%. Commission is often based on a percentage of sales made.

What are your salary expectations?

When asked “What are your salary expectations?” during an interview, it’s essential to answer confidently and be prepared.

Here are some tips:

1. Research market rates: look at salary data for your sector to ensure you’re giving an answer that aligns with your experience and role
2. Consider total compensation: factor in commission, bonuses, stock options and benefits
3. Give a salary range: for example, “Based on my experience and market trends, I’m looking for between 90,000 and 110,000, depending on the commission structure and benefits.”

The key is to be flexible but firm. Ensure you know the average salary for positions within your sector. Communicate your expectations clearly but also be open to negotiation based on the overall compensation package, including bonuses, commissions and other benefits.

How does salary protection work?

You might consider salary protection if you’re concerned about income fluctuations during your job transition or if you’re switching sectors. This protection is income insurance that covers a portion of your salary if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury. It’s especially useful for high-earners who want peace of mind during career transitions or periods of instability.

Things to consider:

• Salary protection covers up to 75% of your salary
• It’s particularly useful for commission-based sales roles
• Policies differ, so check waiting periods and exclusions

Is salary protection worth it?

Whether salary protection is worth it depends on your personal circumstances and career trajectory.

It may be worth it if:

• You rely on commission or bonuses
• You have a mortgage or financial commitments
• You work in a high-pressure sales role

For high-earning sales professionals, protecting your salary can be a wise decision. Transitioning between jobs or taking time to negotiate your next opportunity may create a temporary income gap. Salary protection can provide security during this time.

It’s particularly valuable if you’re accustomed to earning a high income, as there’s often a significant gap between what you could receive through state benefits and your usual earnings.

How often should you get a pay rise in Ireland?

In Ireland, salary reviews typically happen annually – though some companies may conduct them more frequently for high-performing employees. It depends on your performance and the company’s sector.

Factors influencing pay rises include:

• Hitting sales targets: consistently exceeding quotas strengthens your case
• Company performance: if revenue is increasing, raises are more likely
• Market demand: if sales professionals are in high demand, salaries rise faster

Performance is directly linked to compensation in sales, so a significant achievement (such as exceeding sales targets or securing a new contract) may justify a pay rise outside the regular review cycle.

For those working in higher-paying sales roles, negotiating a pay rise can be done during annual reviews – but you may also need to advocate for yourself and your contributions to ensure you receive compensation that reflects your skills and achievements.

Can an employer reduce your salary in Ireland?

While it’s uncommon for an employer to reduce your salary, it’s important to know that it can happen under certain circumstances. For example, your contract may allow for a salary adjustment or your employer may argue that the business conditions necessitate a reduction.

Your employer can’t reduce your salary without consent, unless:

• Your contract includes a clause allowing for salary adjustments
• You agree to a reduction as part of company restructuring
• The business is in financial distress, but even then legal guidelines must be followed

If you’re concerned about salary cuts, make sure you understand your employment contract and rights under Irish law. If your employer attempts to lower your salary without agreement, you may need to seek advice.

Can your PAYE tax increase when moving jobs?

Your PAYE (Pay As You Earn) tax may increase due to:

• A salary increase pushing you into a higher tax bracket
• Changes in tax credits
• Receiving a bonus or commission payment

If your PAYE has unexpectedly increased, you can check your tax bands on the Revenue.ie website.

What is the Save As You Earn scheme in Ireland?

Your current or potential employer may have a Save As You Earn (SAYE) scheme which allows employees to:

• Save money directly from salary (tax-efficient savings)
• Buy shares in the company at a discounted rate
• Benefit from tax-free interest on savings

It’s a great way to build long-term wealth, especially in companies with strong share growth potential.

Is your salary preventing you from getting another role?

This can be a concern for sales professionals who are accustomed to higher compensation packages, including bonuses and commissions. Salary expectations may make it harder to find a perfect match, but it’s not impossible.

Here are some tips on how to stay competitive while maintaining a high salary:

• Target high-paying sectors: tech sales and financial sales often pay higher salaries
• Upskill: certifications (e.g. AWS, Salesforce, financial sales training) can increase your value
• Negotiate smartly: consider bonuses, commission and stock options instead of focusing solely on base salary

Focusing on roles in high-demand sectors could help you maintain a high salary, but you should ensure that your skillset aligns with these sectors. You may also need to be open to negotiating other parts of the compensation package, like performance bonuses or stock options.

When considering moving jobs, make sure you do your research to understand your market value and ensure that your next role is rewarding both professionally and financially.

Get in touch today to discuss the next steps in your career.