Top 10 List of Pharmaceutical Companies in Ireland
Ireland is a global hub for the pharmaceutical industry and home to some of the world’s leading pharma and biopharma companies.
For international students pursuing an MSc in Pharmaceutical Science in Ireland or an MSc in Biotechnology, knowing the key players in the industry is crucial for exploring career opportunities, internships, and salary expectations after graduation.
With a strong presence of multinational pharmaceutical giants, Ireland offers pharmacy courses, promising job prospects, competitive salaries, and industry collaborations that can shape your professional journey.
In this blog, we’ll examine the top pharmaceutical companies in Ireland, their average pay scales, and what makes them ideal employers for fresh graduates.
Top 10 List of Pharmaceutical Companies in Ireland
1. Pfizer
Average base pay: €51k/ year
Pfizer is one of the largest pharma companies in Ireland. It is also the first one to come to everyone’s mind while portraying Ireland as a global pharma hub. For over 150 years, they have proved themselves as a leader in manufacturing innovative medicines, vaccines, and healthcare products.
They have a wonderful work culture that puts quality, leadership, and innovation in the first place. Most of the employees who worked here pride themselves on growing as experts in their roles.
Also, they have received awards related to the best workplace for employees from Fortune, The U.S. News & World Report, and many others.
2. Novartis
Average base pay: €41,000 per year
Novartis in Dublin, Ireland, is considered the leading global hub for digital science. They have a strong presence in Irish life science and ecosystems. This particular Dublin center is set to leverage all possible young digital talents to drive innovation in Ireland’s pharmaceutical industry.
So, it’s not just the pharma graduates but also the tech pool of Ireland’s highly educated and adaptable workforce that is seen as crucial for Novartis’ research and development activities.
3. AbbVie
Average base pay: €44,000 per year
AbbVie significantly contributes to Ireland through large-scale employment. They have many research and development facilities located in Cork, Dublin, Sligo, and Mayo.
This company works with a mission of developing innovative treatments in areas including immunology, oncology, virology, aesthetics, neuroscience, and eye care.
There is another specific reason for AbbVie holding a position on the list of the best pharmaceutical companies in Ireland. AbbVie has a modern bulk tablet facility that manufactures solid and capsule formulations. These are life-changing medicines in some of the key therapeutic areas.
4. AstraZeneca
Average base pay: €40,000 per year
AstraZeneca’s Dublin center focused on next-generation manufacturing for small molecule drugs. Their Irish facility focuses majorly on finding innovative healthcare and pharma solutions in the fields of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, oncology, and respiratory.
This company is also one of the workplaces that employees recommend the most. They follow a work culture that highly motivates them to create a self-belonging to establish their full potential.
5. Johnson & Johnson
Average base pay: €48,000 per year
Johnson & Johnson is one of the popular brands heard across nations. Their Ireland branch focuses on innovative pharma solutions in the fields of oncology, immunology, neuroscience, cardiopulmonary, and communicable diseases.
This company holds the pride of being awarded the “Pharma Company of the Year” two consecutive times.
6. Sanofi
Average base pay: €38,000 per year
Sanofi is one of the best pharmaceutical companies in Ireland. It believes in female leadership and the development of STEM-based careers for all.
With companies across 100 countries globally, they are specialists in treating conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and central nervous system disorders.
Above all, Sanofi believes strongly in giving back to Ireland via charity donations.
7. Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS)
Average base pay: €40,000 per year
Beyond developing medicines, BMS is dedicated to promoting health equity globally.
The Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation supports community-based programs that enhance cancer awareness, screening, care, and support among high-risk populations.
They also take STEM education development very seriously and provide career development mentorship within the organization through their People and Business Resource Groups (PBRGs).
8. Lilly
Average base pay: €40,000 per year
Lilly has been housed in Ireland since 1978 and is a state-of-the-art manufacturer of active pharmaceutical ingredients. It is done based on a combination of three manufacturing technological platforms—chemical synthesis, biotechnology, and peptide synthesis.
At present, this pharma company in Ireland works across three sites and is set to expand in the future.
It is said that almost 57% of their employees are women, proving itself a great workplace for them.
9. Merck & Co., Inc. (MSD)
Average base pay: €44,000 per year
MSD has been a significant player for over 50 years in the pharma industry in Ireland.
The Irish branch holds the pride of manufacturing nearly half of MSD’s best products worldwide. With 7 sites in Ireland, they are involved in developing new medicines for cancer, hepatitis C, and other diseases.
Being top in the pharma industry, this company also holds a significant social responsibility. They support communities through programs like Junior Achievement Ireland, Neighbour of Choice, and MSD for Mothers.
10. Takeda
Average base pay: €44,000 per year
Takeda, a top global pharmaceutical company, has a strong presence in Ireland.
They employ over 900 people across three sites in the country. It also includes a new cell therapy production facility at Grange Castle, which holds the pride of the first of its kind in Ireland.
To add another feather to its cap, Takeda has been certified as the top global employer for six years in a row.
FAQs
1. How many pharmaceutical companies are there in Ireland?
There are 90+ pharmaceutical companies in Ireland, and most of them are the globally known giants in the industry. They have all invested millions in their business in this country due to its favorable tax policies.
2. Why are there so many pharma companies in Ireland?
There are some key reasons why Ireland holds the top 5 positions in the global pharma industry, with many biopharma companies operating here. Ireland has a business-friendly environment, favorable tax policies, a strategic export location in Europe, and is an English-speaking country.
How Can Sarem Education Help You?
As a study in Ireland consultants, we offer honest, reliable information to push students toward their Master’s dreams.
We offer the following services to pursue masters in Pharmaceutical Science in Ireland:
- 100% Visa Approval Service
- Free unlimited consultation
- Assistance with part-time programs
- Assistance with scholarships
- Assistance with education loan
- Pre-departure and post-arrival support
