Ireland's Project Economy 2025

The Value Of Age

““I can share my 30 years’ experience with others and still be learning myself.””
Quote from Respondent

In the professional contracting sector, age and experience are highly valued, offering opportunities for older professionals that may not be readily available in traditional employment.

At a time when ageism can present challenges for older employees in the workforce, older contractors are being recognised for the experience and expertise that comes with age. Independent professionals enter and exit the workforce nearly a decade later than employees, and this extended career span often leads to substantial financial rewards. Daily rates consistently rise with age, with contractors aged 60 and over earning the highest daily rates.

The advantages of age go beyond earnings, 94% of contractors aged 60 and above report being satisfied with their lives in general, and 95% are satisfied with the success they have achieved in their career. Older contractors also report higher levels of well-being, reporting the lowest rates of burnout compared to their younger counterparts. These findings highlight that professional contracting offers significant benefits for older, high-skilled professionals who may feel overlooked or undervalued in traditional employment.

This data highlights the untapped potential of professionals over 60, who continue to contribute meaningfully to the economy at a time when many are prematurely pushed into retirement. By embracing this experienced workforce, businesses and society alike can benefit from their invaluable expertise and insights. This year in the survey respondents were asked what they would do if they were not self-employed, 10% of respondents said they would retire. By offering more support and encouragement to pursue self-employment, we will enable this important workforce to work longer on their own terms, mentor younger generations, and continue making meaningful contributions to Ireland’s economy.

8% increase in contractors 39 and under

Age Breakdown

In 2025, the average age of contractors is 45, with 65% aged 40 or older, highlighting that experience remains a key factor in self-employment. However, contracting is becoming increasingly attractive to younger professionals—the percentage of contractors aged 29 or younger has risen from 7% in 2024 to 10% in 2025, indicating a growing interest from the next generation.

Contractor Earnings

Daily rates in the contracting sector increase significantly with age, underlining the high value placed on experience. Contractors aged 50 and over earn, an average daily rate that is 34% higher than that of contractors aged 49 and younger. This highlights the premium placed on skills, expertise, and industry knowledge that come with years of experience in the sector.

 

Work Experience By Age

95% of contractors over 60 are satisfied with the success they have achieved in their career.

Well-Being

Older contractors experience high levels of wellbeing, reporting the significantly lower level of burnout at just 7% compared to all other age groups and only 19% experience loneliness.

Career Satisfaction

95% of contractors over 60 are satisfied with the success they have achieved in their career, and 94% of them express satisfaction with their life in general. An overwhelming majority also expressed satisfaction with other life and work related factors including the flexibility of hours at 92%, Location of the job at 87%, Remote working options at 87%, Work/ life balance at 87%, and Rate of pay at 85%.

Noise

Confidence Index

Contractors 60 and over have a positive outlook towards the future of the contracting sector for the next 3-5 years, with a reported confidence index score of +23, this is slightly below the 2024 confidence score of +26. When asked about the future performance of the Irish economy in 2025, contractors aged 60 and above were also positive, resulting in a confidence index score of +15.

The Contracting Sector

Confidence Index

29 & Below 30 – 39 40 – 49 50 – 59 60 & Above
2025 +23 +27 +28 +24 +23
2024 +42 +30 +34 +26 +26
2023 +50 +29 +30 +31 +29
2022 +38 +41 +41 +38 +32
2021 +3 +4 +1 +11 +21

 

The Irish Economy

Confidence Index

29 & Below 30 – 39 40 – 49 50 – 59 60 & Above
2025 +18 +17 +19 +14 +15
2024 +29 +19 +14 +14 +17
2023 +20 +5 +6 +11 +13
2022 +26 +34 +38 +41 +41
2021 +27 +29 +30 +30 +32

 

Follow Link

Next - Contractors are Happy

  • Job Satisfaction
  • Wellbeing of Contractors
Continue