PRICE GUIDE · BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL · 2026–2027
Recruitment Agency cost in Ireland
€2,000–€15,000 per hire. Typically €5,000.
A recruitment agency in Ireland costs €2,000–€15,000 per hire, typically around €5,000. The price is set by % of salary (15–25%), role level/seniority and contingency vs retained.
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HOW MUCH IT COSTS
How much does a recruitment agency cost in Ireland?
| Low end | €2,000 | a simple job, off-peak, outside the cities |
|---|---|---|
| Typical | €5,000 | what most people pay |
| High end | €15,000 | the biggest jobs, short notice, Dublin |
Locufy guide prices for 2026–2027. Updated 2026. A national range, not a quote — enter your town above for real prices from the accountants, solicitors and professional firms near you.
What moves the price
- Complexity of the recruitment process — several interview rounds, assessments and reference checks add agency time to each hire.
- Agency's expertise — a recruiter specialising in your sector usually charges a higher percentage of the salary.
- Complexity of the role — a senior or specialist post takes longer to fill, so recruitment fees tend to rise with it.
- Urgency of the hiring need — a fast deadline leaves less room to negotiate the recruitment fee or compare agencies.
- Scope of services provided — adding employer branding or onboarding support to candidate sourcing raises the agency's fee.
- Candidate assessments or market analysis — skills tests and salary benchmarking take extra recruiter time, so they are often charged on top.
Other services n.e.c. prices in Ireland are up 7% over five years (CSO Consumer Price Index, Other services n.e.c., to 2025 December). Five years ago a typical recruitment agency would have cost about €4670 — an estimate from today's guide price and that index, not a recorded price. Source: CSO CPM18, CPM12 →
WHAT YOU GET
What a recruitment agency booking includes
Takes: The duration of the recruitment process can vary significantly, ranging from a few weeks to several months.. Not included: Recruitment agency fees usually do not cover additional costs such as advertising job postings, background checks, or any relocation expenses for candidates.
WHAT PEOPLE BOOK
Common recruitment agency jobs
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Recruitment Agency near you, with prices shown
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How to pay less
- A contingency agreement, where the recruitment agency is paid only when a candidate is hired, carries less upfront cost than a retained search.
- You can ask the recruitment agency whether its fee percentage can come down if you agree to use it for several hires.
- Starting the search early, before the role is urgent, gives you time to compare recruitment agencies and their fees.
- Asking about a rebate or free replacement if a new hire leaves early protects the recruitment fee you have already paid.
Before you book
- A clear job description outlining the responsibilities and qualifications required.
- Information about company culture and values to attract the right candidates.
- Access to any internal systems or tools that the agency may need for candidate management.
- Feedback on candidates throughout the process to refine search efforts.
Recruitment Agency cost: questions people ask
The cost can be influenced by the level of the position being filled, the complexity of the recruitment process, and the agency's expertise. Higher-level or specialised roles typically incur higher fees due to the additional resources and time required.
The duration of the recruitment process can vary significantly, ranging from a few weeks to several months. Factors such as the urgency of the hire, the availability of candidates, and the thoroughness of the selection process all play a role.
Choosing between a generalist or specialist recruitment agency depends on the specific needs of your business. If you are hiring for niche or technical roles, a specialist agency with industry-specific knowledge may be more beneficial.
While some agencies may offer expedited services for urgent hires, same-day recruitment is generally challenging. Most agencies require time to identify suitable candidates and conduct thorough screenings to ensure quality matches.
Yes, many recruitment agencies can handle multiple job openings simultaneously. This can often lead to cost savings and a more streamlined process, as the agency can utilize its resources efficiently across various roles.
Recruitment agency fees usually do not cover additional costs such as advertising job postings, background checks, or any relocation expenses for candidates. It's important to clarify what is included in the agreement to avoid unexpected costs.
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