Web & Mobile Development - Permanent vs Contract Positions

"Companies with a blended workforce of highly skilled contractors and vital permanent staff will remain competitive in today’s evolving environment. 2023 is undeniably a year where companies are transforming and reshaping how they work into the future. Companies that make themselves attractive to contractors will gain a competitive advantage in the fight for top talent in their overall workforce ecosystem".

– Mason Alexander, 2023 Salary Survey

Summary



  • Contract day rates typically exceed full-time annual salaries due to added benefits like flexibility and an assumption of 230 working days per year.


  • Dublin has the highest day rates for contract positions due to its high cost of living and strong demand for tech and design experts.


  • Full-time permanent positions provide employees with job security, healthcare, and retirement benefits, while contract roles offer greater flexibility and potential for higher earnings.


  • Whether to pursue a full-time permanent position or a contract role depends on a range of factors including personal preferences, financial objectives, and the desired level of job security and benefits. In highly sought-after fields such as technology and design in cities like Dublin, contract roles can be financially lucrative. Permanent positions generally offer better job security and benefits than non-permanent positions.
"Companies with a blended workforce of highly skilled contractors and vital permanent staff will remain competitive in today’s evolving environment. 2023 is undeniably a year where companies are transforming and reshaping how they work into the future. Companies that make themselves attractive to contractors will gain a competitive advantage in the fight for top talent in their overall workforce ecosystem".

– Mason Alexander, 2023 Salary Survey

Summary



  • Contract day rates typically exceed full-time annual salaries due to added benefits like flexibility and an assumption of 230 working days per year.


  • Dublin has the highest day rates for contract positions due to its high cost of living and strong demand for tech and design experts.


  • Full-time permanent positions provide employees with job security, healthcare, and retirement benefits, while contract roles offer greater flexibility and potential for higher earnings.


  • Whether to pursue a full-time permanent position or a contract role depends on a range of factors including personal preferences, financial objectives, and the desired level of job security and benefits. In highly sought-after fields such as technology and design in cities like Dublin, contract roles can be financially lucrative. Permanent positions generally offer better job security and benefits than non-permanent positions.
"Companies with a blended workforce of highly skilled contractors and vital permanent staff will remain competitive in today’s evolving environment. 2023 is undeniably a year where companies are transforming and reshaping how they work into the future. Companies that make themselves attractive to contractors will gain a competitive advantage in the fight for top talent in their overall workforce ecosystem".

– Mason Alexander, 2023 Salary Survey

Summary



  • Contract day rates typically exceed full-time annual salaries due to added benefits like flexibility and an assumption of 230 working days per year.


  • Dublin has the highest day rates for contract positions due to its high cost of living and strong demand for tech and design experts.


  • Full-time permanent positions provide employees with job security, healthcare, and retirement benefits, while contract roles offer greater flexibility and potential for higher earnings.


  • Whether to pursue a full-time permanent position or a contract role depends on a range of factors including personal preferences, financial objectives, and the desired level of job security and benefits. In highly sought-after fields such as technology and design in cities like Dublin, contract roles can be financially lucrative. Permanent positions generally offer better job security and benefits than non-permanent positions.

Key Findings

Although contract day rates are higher when annualised, there are many benefits for a full-time permanent position in addition to salary that many developers value. As a result, a core consideration for businesses looking to obtain the best talent on a full-time permanent basis is offering a top-tier benefits package.

Key Motivators Identified by Candidates during the Hiring and Retention Process

Typical Benefits in the Technology Sector 

There are many reasons why a web developer in Ireland might prefer full-time benefits over a higher contract salary for a contract role. Firstly, full-time positions usually offer job security and stability, which can provide peace of mind for long-term financial planning and career advancement.


Comprehensive Benefits

Providing comprehensive benefits packages in the workplace, including healthcare, retirement plans, and paid time off, can significantly enhance the overall well-being and work-life balance of employees. These benefits can substantially reduce out-of-pocket expenses and provide essential coverage in unforeseen situations.


Full-time positions often provide opportunities for skill development, career advancement, and a sense of belonging.


Continual Professional Development

Full-time employment provides access to training for continuous skill and knowledge development to keep up with industry trends and technological advancements.


Web developers seeking stability and a holistic approach to their career may find full-time positions attractive due to the combination of benefits they offer, including a steady income.

Source of Data

The Data on permanent/full-time and contract positions in Web and Mobile Development has been taken from our 2023 Salary Guide which covers the entire technology sector, Life Science, Business Support, Customer Support and Sales.


You can get the full salary survey report for free.

Get 2023 Salary Survey Report

Source of Data

The Data on permanent/full-time and contract positions in Web and Mobile Development has been taken from our 2023 Salary Guide which covers the entire technology sector, Life Science, Business Support, Customer Support and Sales.


You can get the full salary survey report for free.

Get 2023 Salary Survey Report

Web and Mobile Development Permanent Salaries

Web and Mobile Development Contract Day Rates

Conclusion

The current landscape for web and mobile development roles in Ireland has key benefits across both sides of the full-time/permanent and contract roles. Ultimately, the best talent has the opportunity to follow a path that works for them.


More security with a full-time permanent position with considerable benefits or the flexibility of a contract role. All in all it comes down to the best match for the candidate and organisation.


As Ireland continues to be a tech hub opportunities are substantial for candidates and employers alike.


Additional Information

Here are some relevant blog posts we have written on being a contractor in the tech sector.


Technology Recruitment