'Age is an advantage': independent contractors aged over 60 earn 72% more than equivalent employees

Posted on: 02 April 2026

Independent contractors aged over 60 years earn 72% more than employees in equivalent occupations, according to new research from the Ireland’s Project Economy survey published by Trinity College Dublin.

The research, conducted by the Trinity Business School in association with Contracting PLUS, reveals that in the self-employed independent contractor sector, older, more experienced workers earn more than younger and less experienced counterparts.

The study involved a survey of 1,952 workers and organisations from the project economy of which 1,418 were high-skilled independent contractors. Participants were drawn from 28 sectors ranging from the pharmaceutical, finance and construction sectors to the retail, creative arts and mining industries. 

The report, Ireland's Project Economy 2026: A Barometer of Independent Professionals, Contractors and Solo Self-Employed, found that survey participants aged over 60 earned the largest premium over employees in equivalent occupations.

Professor Andrew Burke, Chair of Business Studies, Trinity Business School, and co-author of the report, explained:“Our research has found older high-skilled contractors earn more than their younger counterparts. So, while high-skilled independent contractors earn on average 41% more than employees in equivalent occupations, for over 60 year olds this premium rises to 72% more than all age groups of employees.

"Age is an advantage in the project economy. More accumulated expertise gives older professionals a knowledge advantage and their longer track record reduces perceived risk for clients. Older, experienced contractors with a track record of delivering results are highly valued by organisations using blended employee-freelance workforces.

"Our findings on burnout were also interesting. While older workers might be expected to be running out of steam and be more susceptible to burnout, the opposite was the case. Just 12% of independent contractors who are 60 years and older report burnout whereas the rates are nearly six times higher (71%) amongst 40-49 year olds and over four times higher (51%) for 30-39 year olds."  

What did the research discover?

• The value of age: Contractors aged 60+ now make up 17% of the total surveyed and command a 72% pay premium on employees in equivalent occupations. Average daily rates have risen from €657 in 2025 to €705 in 2026 and average annual earnings reached €143,968, the highest of any age group.
• Contractor pay: The average daily rate increased slightly from €552 (2025) to €556 (2026) and average annual earnings also improved marginally from €117,978 in 2025 to €118,177 in 2026.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI): 43% of those surveyed view the impact of AI in positive terms, with 22% seeing it in negative terms. 63% are concerned they do not know enough about AI.
• Women in contracting: After outperforming men in 2025, women’s average daily rates declined in 2026, while men’s increased. Women’s mean day rate fell from €565 to €540 (-4.4%), while men’s increased from €548 to €563 (+2.7%).
• Leadership: Contractors report very positive experiences of leadership. Just over three quarters (76%) of contractor think that their leaders were effective in achieving the organisation’s performance objectives.
• Confidence index: Confidence in the Irish economy is still positive but close to zero (+6) indicating only a slight majority of independent professionals who expect economic conditions to improve further in 2026.
• Wellbeing: In 2026, contractor wellbeing shows a deterioration compared with the previous year. Reports of loneliness increased to 29% and burnout rose to 17%, both up from 22% and 13% respectively in 2025.

Now in its sixth year, the Ireland’s Project Economy annual study is the only survey of its kind completed in Ireland. As an annual barometer of independent professionals, contractors and solo self-employed people in Ireland, this study provides unique insights into the extent and nature of the sector and the challenges it faces. 

Professor Na Fu, Professor in Human Resource Management, at Trinity Business School, and co-author of the study, said: "Our six-year study has one clear message: Ireland’s project economy is a key part of the digital and knowledge economy, yet it remains under-recognised. Professional contractors are highly committed and satisfied in their work, but face limited access to training, particularly in AI and future skills. We call for greater support for this sector from policymakers and industry leaders."

Jimmy Sheehan, Managing Director of Contracting PLUS, added: “Over six years, Ireland’s Project Economy study has consistently shown that contracting is not a fringe activity. It is a deliberate, professional choice, supporting innovation, delivery, and competitiveness.

“The 2026 findings reinforce this again. But they also surface concerns that cannot be ignored, particularly in the areas of recognition, fairness, and security. This report is a call to Government to ensure policy reflects how work is actually done in Ireland today. Recognition must move beyond rhetoric. It must be visible in systems, supports, and outcomes.”

The full report, Ireland's Project Economy 2026: A Barometer of Independent Professionals, Contractors and Solo Self-Employed, is available on the Trinity Business School website. 

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