HGV Jobs Near Me: Salaries, Shortages & Employers in Ireland

Finding the right HGV job near you in Ireland can feel like a hunt for a needle in a haystack, especially when the market shifts faster than a weekly schedule. With over 58 HGV CE driver vacancies on IrishJobs.ie and hundreds more on Indeed, opportunities are real — but pay varies dramatically by region, employer, and shift pattern.

Average HGV salary in Dublin: €40,000–€45,000 per annum ·
Starting shift rate (Dublin): €159.91 per 10-hour day ·
HGV job openings in Dublin: 61+ ·
HGV job openings in Cork: 51

The five confirmed data points below show the range of HGV pay and job volume across Ireland’s two largest cities.

What is the highest paying HGV job?

Types of high-paying HGV roles

• ADR (hazardous goods) drivers reportedly earn an annual uplift of about €5,000 to €8,000 over standard rates, according to a Drivrr.ie salary guide (recruitment platform).
• Tramping (overnight) roles with Dublin depots start at €159.91 per 10-hour shift — often with overtime pushing earnings well above base.
• Tanker and artic positions command higher base pay due to specialised equipment and licence class CE requirements.

How to qualify for high-paying HGV jobs

To access premium roles, drivers need a Category CE licence (rigid + trailer over 750 kg) and a valid Driver CPC. NDLS (Ireland’s driver licensing agency) outlines the medical and documentation steps for a first learner permit. Employers such as supermarkets and logistics firms often require ADR certification for chemical or fuel deliveries.

What this means: the path to higher pay in HGV driving requires specialisation, but the returns are tangible for those who pursue it.

How much do HGV drivers make in Ireland?

HGV driver salaries in Dublin

According to Glassdoor Ireland (employee salary database), the average HGV driver salary in Ireland is €41,000 per year. Dublin roles cluster around €40,000–€45,000 per annum, with a starting shift rate of €159.91 for a 10-hour day — data drawn from active listings on IrishJobs.ie (primary job board).

HGV driver salaries in Cork

Cork shows 51 HGV job openings on Indeed Ireland (job aggregator). Salary figures are rarely published in listings, but comparable Dublin rates suggest €38,000–€43,000 base. Regional guides from Leverage Edu (education and career site) claim average truck driver pay at €37,000 nationally — though this is likely below market for experienced CE holders.

Factors affecting HGV pay in Ireland

• Overtime, night shift premiums and bonuses can lift annual earnings past €70,000, per Drivrr.ie (recruitment guide).
• ADR-qualified drivers gain an additional €5,000–€8,000 a year.
• Regional hotspots include Dublin, Louth, Tipperary, Cork and Kildare, according to the same guide.

The pattern is clear: knowing your leverage and where to find it can significantly alter your earnings in this market.

Is there a shortage of lorry drivers in Ireland?

Causes of the driver shortage

The Irish HGV market is experiencing a structural shortage of qualified drivers. Drivrr.ie (recruitment platform) notes that employers are becoming more selective about pay, shifts and conditions to compete for a limited pool. The problem is exacerbated by an ageing workforce and the cost of obtaining a CE licence and CPC.

Impact on HGV job opportunities

Active demand is visible: 475+ HGV driver listings on Indeed and 58+ CE-specific roles on IrishJobs.ie in early 2025. The shortage gives drivers leverage on wages and shift flexibility. IrishJobs.ie (job board) data shows multiple ads offering immediate starts and guaranteed hours.

How companies are addressing the shortage

Agencies such as AER Temp are publishing content titled “Meeting Ireland’s Driver Shortage”, signalling that recruiters are actively sourcing candidates both domestically and from abroad. The practice — known as “driver attraction” — includes higher starting rates and sign-on bonuses for Class 1 tramping positions.

“Meeting Ireland’s Driver Shortage with AER Temp”

AER Temp (recruitment agency)

The implication: active job seekers entering the market now are in a stronger position than they would have been just a few years ago.

What do Tesco HGV drivers earn?

Tesco HGV driver pay scales

Tesco posts HGV driver vacancies on its own careers portal — “HGV Driver – Tesco Jobs” — but exact salary figures are not published in available job listings. Industry comparisons suggest Tesco pay is competitive with the national range (€40,000–€45,000 base) and includes benefits such as pension contributions and holiday pay.

Benefits and perks for Tesco drivers

• Company pension scheme
• Paid annual leave (typically 20+ days)
• Shift allowances for night and weekend work

How to apply for Tesco HGV jobs

Visit the official Tesco Jobs Ireland (corporate job site) and search for “HGV driver”. Applications require a valid CE licence, Driver CPC and a digital tachograph card.

Which countries pay the most for HGV drivers?

Top-paying countries for HGV drivers

Western European markets — particularly Switzerland, the Netherlands, Germany and the UK — offer higher base salaries than Ireland. A resource from Wetherby Training (UK driver training provider) compares rates across countries, with Swiss roles often exceeding CHF 80,000 (≈€82,000).

Three countries, one clear pattern: Ireland sits mid-table for wages but has a faster hiring process and lower cost of living than Switzerland or the Netherlands.

How Ireland compares to other countries

Ireland’s average of €41,000 (Glassdoor) is lower than the UK’s £38,000 (≈€44,000) and significantly below Dutch rates. However, when ADR allowances and overtime are included, Irish drivers often match UK earnings.

European HGV job opportunities for Irish drivers

Irish recruiters advertise “European HGV jobs Ireland” and “International HGV Driver jobs Ireland”, indicating cross-border demand. Drivers with a CE licence and CPC can apply for continental work through agencies like DriverJobs.ie (specialist HGV job site).

Pros & Cons of HGV driving in Ireland

Steps to find HGV jobs near me

1. Step 1: Check your licence and CPC — Visit the NDLS (national licence service) to ensure your category C or CE is up to date. A valid Driver CPC is mandatory for professional driving in Ireland.
2. Step 2: Use job aggregators — Search IrishJobs.ie and Indeed Ireland using keywords like “HGV class 1”, “CE driver” or “tramping”. Filter by Dublin or Cork to see the highest concentration of openings.
3. Step 3: Apply with recruitment agencies — Register with specialist recruiters such as Drivrr.ie (driver recruitment platform) and AER Temp. They often have exclusive contracts with logistics firms in Dublin, Cork and Kildare.
4. Step 4: Prepare documents — Gather your CPC card, tachograph card, medical certificate (D4 form) and a CV highlighting your licence class and any ADR endorsements.
5. Step 5: Negotiate pay — Use the data from this guide — average €41,000 base, €159.91 shift rate — to benchmark offers. If a job says “€38,000”, ask about overtime and shift premiums. Many employers expect negotiation. For broader support, see the DVLA Contact Number Free 0300 – Official Phone Lines if you need UK licence advice, and What Benefits Can I Claim in Ireland? Social Welfare to understand income supports while job seeking.

Timeline: What’s changing in 2025–2026

• 2025: Public interest in HGV driver salary in London spiked (PAA query). Irish job boards show 475+ listings.
• 2026: Updated HGV driver rates for Ireland are already referenced in early salary guides — expect further increases due to the shortage.

What we know and what’s unclear

Confirmed facts

• HGV driver salary in Dublin: €40,000–€45,000 per annum
• Starting shift rate: €159.91 per 10-hour day
• 61+ HGV job openings in Dublin (IrishJobs.ie)
• 51 HGV job openings in Cork (Indeed)
• There is an active shortage of lorry drivers in Ireland

What remains unclear

• Exact salary for Tesco HGV drivers (not published)
• Which HGV role (tramping vs ADR vs tanker) pays the absolute highest across all regions
• Actual percentage of Irish workers earning over €100k – not provided by verified data

Quotes from the industry

“Many drivers can exceed €70,000 annually when overtime, allowances and bonuses are included.”

Drivrr.ie (recruitment salary guide 2026)

“The average HGV driver salary in Ireland is €41,000 per year.”

Glassdoor Ireland (employee salary database)

“Which countries pay the most for HGV drivers? – Wetherby Training.”

Wetherby Training (UK driver education provider)

Summary

Ireland’s HGV job market in 2025-2026 offers strong opportunities for drivers willing to invest in ADR training and flexible shift schedules. The shortage is real and benefits job seekers, but base pay alone won’t make you rich. For a driver in Dublin, the choice is clear: target employers like AER Temp or logistic firms that offer shift premiums, or risk leaving €5,000–€10,000 on the table every year.

For drivers looking to maintain their vehicle, keeping your HGV clean is essential for compliance and daily operations.

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