Female contractors earn higher average daily rate than male counterparts

Posted on: 05 March 2025

Female contractors in Ireland earn a higher average daily rate than their male counterparts, according to new research from the Ireland’s Project Economy survey.  

The research, conducted by Trinity Business School in association with Contracting PLUS, reveals that the average daily rate for female contractors now stands at €565, compared to €548 for men. This compares to an average daily rate of €471 for females and €510 for males in 2021.

However, while women now command higher daily rates, they still work fewer days on average than men, resulting in lower annual earnings (€114,705 vs. €119,069).

The annual Ireland’s Project Economy survey of over 1,500 independent professionals, contractors, freelancers and the solo self-employed was conducted in December 2024. Now in its fifth year the longitudinal study is conducted by Professors Andrew Burke and Na Fu of Trinity Business School.

This shift is a significant milestone in workplace equality and demonstrates that contracting is an attractive and viable career path for women seeking financial independence and professional growth. While a gender pay gap of 3.6%  still exists in the contracting sector it is decreasing every year since this report began and is significantly lower than the gender pay gap in the Irish labour market 6.9% (CSO data 2024).

Professor Na Fu, Professor in Human Resource Management, at Trinity Business School, explained: "For the first time in the five-year history of the Ireland’s Project Economy survey we have found that female contractors earn higher average daily rate than male counterparts. The narrowing gender pay gap in contracting suggests that people are finally being paid for their skills and expertise, regardless of gender.”

Key findings:

• Women now represent 27% of professional contractors.
• Contracting is gaining traction among younger female professionals, who cite flexibility, autonomy, and financial rewards as key drivers.
• 81% of female contractors chose self-employment voluntarily, compared to 76% of men.
• 84% of women report overall life satisfaction, reinforcing the positive impact of contracting on work-life balance.
• Age-based pay disparities still persist, with women aged 30-49 earning more than men, while younger and older female contractors still lag behind in pay.
• Women remain optimistic about the future of contracting, with a confidence index score of +27 for the sector over the next 3-5 years and +13 for the Irish economy.

One female respondent involved in the research commented: "Contracting has allowed me to take control of my career while maintaining flexibility in my life. It’s empowering to see that women are finally being valued for our skills and expertise in this space."

Jimmy Sheehan, Managing Director of Contracting PLUS, added: "This is a significant moment for independent professional women. The contracting model is proving to be a real equaliser in pay, and we’re seeing a more level playing field emerge. While progress is being made, we must ensure we continue pushing for full gender pay equality in the years ahead."

These findings are part of an advance release of data from the 2025 Irish Project Economy Report, which will be fully published in the late spring. 

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