Ireland data & AI workers resist job moves, survey finds

A study by Analytics Institute and SAS found that 70% of data and AI professionals in Ireland are unlikely to change employers this year, while 64% of organisations plan to increase the size of their data teams in 2026.

The figures point to a tightening labour market as hiring demand rises but most professionals choose to stay in their current roles. The survey also found that 69% of employees expect a salary increase of up to 10% this year, up from 63% last year.

Published in the Data Salaries Job Sentiment Analysis 2026 report, the research is based on responses from professional members of Analytics Institute working in data analytics and AI roles. It suggests retention remains strong across the sector even as employers expand teams focused on data-led decision-making and AI projects.

Job satisfaction also appears relatively firm. Nearly half of respondents, 46%, said they enjoy their current role either a lot or a moderate amount, while most of the rest said they enjoy it a little.

Salary was not the only factor shaping career decisions. Meaningful work was valued by 65% of professionals, followed by a supportive boss at 49% and hybrid working arrangements at 38%.

Among those open to changing roles, 41% said a better challenge would prompt them to move. In a tight market, employers may need to offer work seen as significant as well as competitive pay.

Hiring pressure

Alan McGlinn, Director Financial Services UK&I and Ireland Country Lead at SAS, said: "With only around 30% of professionals willing to move, organisations face competition for a limited group of talent. If companies are poaching talent from the same group, the pond could become very small. To grow capabilities and succeed with AI and data initiatives, companies need to invest in internal skills development, data literacy, and training.

"Professionals are motivated by opportunities to work on AI and data projects that make a real difference. They want to see their work move beyond pilots into initiatives that drive tangible business outcomes and innovation.

"Companies that focus on creating meaningful, high-impact projects and support internal career growth will attract and retain the best talent. With many organisations competing for a limited pool of professionals willing to move, investing in internal skills, mentorship, and upskilling is critical to building capabilities that last."

The report also offers a snapshot of how data functions are positioned within organisations. Some 40% of respondents said data plays a fully strategic role in their business, underlining how deeply analytics is now embedded in planning and operational decisions.

On technical priorities, data visualisation and business intelligence reporting were identified as the most critical skills by 74% of respondents. Project management followed at 43%, while machine learning and AI were cited by 33%.

The mix suggests employers still place a premium on staff who can present and explain data clearly, not just build models or work on advanced AI tasks. The emphasis on project management also points to a need for people who can connect technical work to delivery across the business.

Tools in use

Excel and SQL remain the most widely used tools among professionals in the field, at 77% and 71% respectively. Python has risen to 53%, indicating broader use of open-source tools in analytics work.

Lorcan Malone, Chief Executive of The Analytics Institute, said: "The 2026 Salary and Sentiment Report highlights a data and AI landscape that is maturing rather than slowing. Demand for skills remains high, but what we're seeing now is a shift towards more targeted, commercially focused adoption of AI. Organisations are no longer experimenting at scale without direction - they are prioritising use cases that deliver clear value. This is increasing the importance of professionals who can bridge technical expertise with business impact.

"At the same time, the growing AI skills gap presents a real challenge. While interest in AI is strong, many organisations are still building the confidence and capability needed to fully realise its potential. This makes continuous learning and upskilling critical for both individuals and employers.

"We are also seeing a notable shift in workforce dynamics. Retention, engagement, and career development are now central priorities, with professionals placing greater emphasis on meaningful work and long-term growth. For organisations, building resilient, high-performing data teams will depend not just on attracting talent, but on creating environments where that talent can thrive."