With almost one-third (31%) of Ireland’s HGV drivers now aged 55 or over, the logistics workforce is facing a deepening labour crisis as the sector moves into 2026. Large operators are fast-tracking investment in robotics, Autonomous Mobile Robots and data-driven Warehouse Management Systems. The continued expansion of Ireland’s robotics market in 2025 has shifted the skillset inside the warehouse, driving demand for mechatronics, maintenance, controls and data roles.
Despite Government-backed efforts in 2025, including an expanded Logistics & Supply Chain Skills Week[1] and additional HGV and logistics apprenticeships, the replacement pipeline remains under strain, leaving demand for qualified drivers at critical levels.
This shortage forms part of a wider pattern highlighted in Excel Recruitment’s newly published 2026 Industrial & Warehousing Salary Guide, which shows a sector under mounting pressure from rising employment costs, automation-driven skills demand, and persistent talent shortages. With Ireland’s unemployment rate at 5.3%[2], competition for qualified candidates remains intense – particularly for HGV drivers, warehouse operatives, and technical maintenance roles.
John Kearns, Industrial Division Manager at Excel Recruitment, commented:
“The industrial and warehousing sector is resilient, but the cost of employment is rising faster than ever. SMEs in particular are feeling the squeeze as they try to balance competitive pay while absorbing escalating statutory costs.
Automation is not replacing people, but it is changing what employers value. Rather than reducing headcount, automation is reshaping it, with employers now seeking adaptable workers who can combine hands-on experience with basic technical or digital skills.
Adaptability, technical skills, and digital literacy are now critical for long-term success. At the same time, the ageing workforce, especially among drivers, adds another layer of complexity to an already tight labour market”.
The Excel Recruitment Industrial & Warehousing Salary Guide 2026 reveals a dual challenge facing employers: rising payroll costs[3] and the urgent need to upskill staff as automation reshapes traditional roles.
Key Findings from the report include:
- Cost Pressures: The minimum wage increase to €14.15/hour, PRSI hikes, and pension auto-enrolment are tightening employer budgets.
- Skills Shortages: 65% of employers report moderate to severe skills shortages, particularly in HGV driving, maintenance, and digital operations.
- Automation Impact: Investment in robotics and smart manufacturing surged by 50% in 2025, driving demand for mechatronics engineers, PLC technicians, and WMS superusers.
- In-Demand Roles:
- Drivers: HGV (C/CE), last-mile van drivers remain critical amid an ageing workforce.
- Warehouse Operatives (with tech fluency): RF scanners, voice/vision pick, and basic WMS reporting skills have become increasingly essential.
- Technical Specialists: Electro-mechanical maintenance technicians, PLC/controls techs, mechatronics engineers, WMS/OMS superusers and data analytics roles are commanding premium salaries.
- Leadership & Compliance: Operations/warehouse managers, EHS/ESG coordinators, and customs/trade compliance specialists remain vital.
(Full salary guide available at www.excelrecruitment.com)
Notable Salary Changes
- Voice Picker
- 2025: €13.50 – €16 per hour
- 2026: €14.15 – €17 per hour
(Increase driven by minimum wage rise and demand for tech fluency)
- Rigid Truck Driver
- 2025: €17 – €22 per hour
- 2026: €18 – €24 per hour
(Salary growth reflects ongoing skills shortages amid employer competition for experienced drivers)
- Van Driver
- 2025: €14 – €16 per hour
- 2026: €15 – €17 per hour
(Reflects continued pressure on driver supply and ageing workforce)
- Warehouse Manager
- 2025: €35k – €60k
- 2026: €40k – €70k
(Higher ceiling for experienced managers as automation projects expand)
- Assistant Warehouse Manager
- 2025: €30k – €45k
- 2026: €31k – €60k
(Highlights the growing importance of operational leadership as warehouses adopt automation and advanced systems)
Looking Ahead
Excel Recruitment reports that despite challenges in the sector, demand for workers remains strong, driven by e-commerce growth, nearshoring, and green logistics. Employers who invest in training pathways, predictable shift patterns, and enhanced benefits will have a competitive edge in attracting and retaining talent.
Mr. Kearns noted,
“What really stands out from this year’s guide is how automation and workforce pressures are reshaping the industrial sector. For employers, it’s not just about filling roles – they need to rethink how teams are structured, what skills to invest in, and how to retain their people. Companies that embrace innovation and offer flexible working conditions will have a real advantage in attracting and keeping talent.
For SMEs, this is particularly challenging. They are being asked to compete in a market where technical skills and leadership capability are increasingly what set successful companies apart. On top of this, the ageing workforce and rising employment costs add further pressure. The employers that succeed will be those who combine upskilling, employee engagement, and clear training pathways to create a workplace people genuinely want to stay in”.
[1] Gov.ie – Logistics and Supply Chain Skills Week
2 CSO – Labour Force Survey Quarter 3 2025
3 From January 2026, the National Minimum Wage will rise to €14.15 per hour, while employer PRSI will increase again in October. Pension auto-enrolment also launches in January, adding further cost layers for businesses already operating on tight margins.