The bar graph illustrates the average earnings of citizens in the Republic of Ireland in five different years, with a projected figure for 2018. The figures are given in US dollars.
Overall, average earnings increased in every recorded period except between 1998 and 2008, when a slight decline occurred. The projected figure for 2018 is also expected to continue the overall upward trend.
The average earnings figure for 1968 was the lowest in the given time span, standing at just under $8,000. Ten years later, in 1978, mean earnings increased to approximately $10,000. This upward trend continued in 1988 and 1998, with figures of around $13,000 and $15,000, respectively.
The only exception to this trend occurred in 2008. Average earnings decreased from about $15,000 to $14,000 over the ten years from 1998 to 2008. However, earnings are projected to rise sharply thereafter. By 2018, the average figure is expected to reach approximately $20,000.
