Ireland's Project Economy 2025

2025 Trinity College Study - Women in Contracting

Female contractors earn higher average daily rate than male counterparts

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.

About the research

The independent research conducted in February and March of this year by Professors Andrew Burke and Na Fu of Trinity Business School, and sponsored by Contracting PLUS, has revealed new insights into Ireland's independent professional contractors, freelancers, solopreneurs, and the self-employed.

Now in its fifth consecutive year, this unique study confirms the economic power of the project economy and continues to shed light on the essential contributions and distinctive nature of this dynamic workforce.

Over 1,500 respondents participated in this year’s online independent survey by Trinity Business School, which highlights the economic and innovative impact of these professionals.

Further information

About Trinity Business School

Trinity Business School, part of Trinity College Dublin, is a leader in business education and research, dedicated to developing the next generation of business leaders.

About Contracting PLUS

Contracting PLUS is Ireland's leading provider of accounting, tax and financial services to independent contractors, freelancers, and self-employed professionals, offering a range of solutions to help manage their business needs.

About the researchers

Professor Andrew Burke,

Chair of Business Studies at Trinity College Dublin

Professor Andrew Burke is the Chair of Business Studies at Trinity College Dublin. He served as Dean from 2015 to 2023. He is a Fellow of Trinity College Dublin, served on the University Board and Audit Committee, and on the Governing Body of UCD. Previously, he was the Bettany Chair and Founding Director of the Bettany Centre for Entrepreneurship at Cranfield School of Management, UK.

From 2014 to 2020, he chaired the Centre for Research on Self-Employment (CRSE) in London.. His research is published in top international journals, including the Harvard Business Review and the Journal of Management Studies, and has been presented at the EU Commission, World Trade Organization, UK Parliament.

Professor Na Fu,

Professor of Human Resource Management at Trinity Business School

Professor Na Fu is a professor of human resource management and Co-Director of the Trinity Centre for Digital Business and Analytics. She founded and directs, the award-winning MSc in Human Resource Management programme. Her research focuses on strategic HRM, professional service firms, people analytics, and digital transformation, with extensive publications in high-impact journals.

Insights from her research have been applied by professional bodies like the Great Place to Work and the CIPD. She is a respected speaker, keynote presenter at industry events, judge for industry awards, and publisher of industry reports that inform policymakers.

Media Contact:
Fiona Tyrrell | Media Relations | tyrrellf@tcd.ie | +353 1 896 3551

Women in Contracting 2025