Salaries in New Zealand
How do New Zealand salaries compare?
New Zealand offers skilled workers a competitive salary landscape combined with an enviable work-life balance. Whether you are a nurse, software developer, engineer, or tradesperson, understanding current wage levels is essential for planning your move and ensuring your job offer meets both immigration thresholds and your personal expectations.
As a specialist New Zealand immigration services provider, New Zealand Shores helps candidates assess their earning potential, match their skills to in-demand occupations, and navigate the visa process from eligibility assessment to approved visa. This guide brings together the latest salary data and job market intelligence. Information has been researched as of early 2026.
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New Zealand Salaries and Job Market 2026: What You Need to Know Before You Move
Stats NZ confirmed a median annual salary of NZ$69,836 for the year to June 2025 (full-time equivalent). The mean (average) sits higher at approximately NZ$81,484, pulled upward by executive, specialist medical, and senior IT roles.
For immigration purposes, the number that matters most is the immigration median wage. From 9 March 2026, Immigration New Zealand increased this benchmark from NZ$33.56 to NZ$35.00 per hour, equivalent to NZ$72,800 per year based on a 40-hour working week. This single figure sets the floor for eligibility across the Green List, the Skilled Migrant Category, and partner support thresholds. There is no median wage requirement to secure an Accredited Employer Work Visa. The fastest-growing sectors for pay in 2025-26 are property (+9.7%), construction (+8% in listings), and healthcare.
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Average Salaries by Industry in New Zealand (estimates)
The table below shows estimated average salary ranges by industry. These figures are compiled from Trade Me Jobs, Hays Salary Guide FY25/26, Robert Half, SEEK, Stats NZ, and the Public Service Commission. Actual salaries depend on your specific role, experience, qualifications, and location. They also do not include any incentives or rewards on KPIs.
The highest paid jobs are...
| Industry | Avg. Salary (NZD) | Trend |
| IT & Technology | $105,000–$135,000 | Stable / +AI premium |
| Executive & General Management | $120,000–$160,000 | Stable |
| Banking, Finance & Insurance | $90,000–$115,000 | Stable |
| Engineering | $85,000–$105,000 | Growing |
| Healthcare & Medical | $70,000–$110,000 | Strong demand |
| Construction & Roading | $75,000–$95,000 | Growing (+8% ads) |
| Government & Council | $85,000–$103,000 | Contracting |
| Legal | $85,000–$110,000 | Stable |
| HR & Recruitment | $80,000–$100,000 | Stable |
| Accounting | $80,000–$100,000 | In demand |
| Marketing, Media & Comms | $75,000–$95,000 | Stable |
| Architecture & Design | $78,000–$95,000 | Stable |
| Education | $55,000–$80,000 | Shortage |
| Science & Technology | $80,000–$100,000 | Stable |
| Sales | $70,000–$90,000 | Stable |
| Property | $75,000–$95,000 | Growing (+9.7%) |
| Trades & Services | $62,000–$82,000 | Strong demand |
| Agriculture, Fishing & Forestry | $58,000–$72,000 | Shortage |
| Transport & Logistics | $60,000–$75,000 | Growing |
| Manufacturing & Operations | $58,000–$72,000 | Modest |
| Office & Administration | $55,000–$68,000 | Stable |
| Customer Service | $52,000–$62,000 | Stable |
| Retail | $50,000–$62,000 | Stable |
| Hospitality & Tourism | $50,000–$60,000 | Recovering |
Source: Hays NZ Salary Guide FY25/26, Trade Me Jobs, SEEK, Stats NZ. Compiled May 2026.
How Your Salary Affects New Zealand Visa Eligibility
Immigration New Zealand uses the median wage as a benchmark across most skilled migration categories. The table below sets out the key thresholds effective from 9 March 2026. A job offer below the applicable threshold will not meet the pay requirements for that visa, regardless of your qualifications or experience.
Visa eligibility thresholds
| Visa / Setting | Pay Threshold (from 9 March 2026) | Notes |
| AEWV (median wage threshold) | NZ$35.00/hr (NZ$72,800/yr) | Minimum to qualify for most skilled AEWV roles |
| Partner support (AEWV, skill level 1-3) | NZ$28.00/hr | Sponsor must earn this to support a partner visa |
| Partner support (skill level 4-5) | NZ$52.50/hr | Higher threshold for lower-skill role sponsors |
| Advertising exemption threshold | NZ$70.00/hr (2x median) | Roles above this may skip domestic advertising requirement |
| Green List Tier 1 (straight to residence) | Role-specific, typically 1x-1.5x median | See INZ Green List for occupation-level rates |
| Skilled Migrant Category | Points system; income multiples determine score | Higher income relative to median = more points |
Source: Immigration New Zealand, www.immigration.govt.nz, March 2026. Confirm current rates before applying.
How Qualifications Affect Your Salary in New Zealand
Workers with a bachelor’s degree earn up to 40% more than the median income, according to Stats NZ data. Postgraduate and professional qualifications in medicine, engineering, IT, and law push salaries well above that level. The 40% premium is for degree holders in relevant roles; degree holders working outside their field often earn closer to the median.
New Zealand recognises overseas qualifications through the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) and specific professional bodies (the Medical Council, Engineering New Zealand, the New Zealand Law Society, and others). Having qualifications formally assessed before applying for a visa removes one of the most common causes of application delays.
Completing a New Zealand qualification adds further advantages. A local credential signals to employers that your skills meet NZ standards and, in some cases, unlocks post-study work visas and direct pathways to skilled residence. New Zealand Shores can advise on whether a study-to-residence pathway is faster than the standard skilled migrant route for your occupation.
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Salaries by Region: Where You Live Changes What You Earn
Salaries track broadly with cost of living across New Zealand’s regions. Wellington leads the country in median earnings, driven by a high concentration of central government, legal, and consulting roles. Auckland is the largest commercial hub and strongest market for IT, finance, and professional services. Regional centres pay 15-20% less on average, but housing costs, particularly for owner-occupiers, are considerably lower.
- Auckland: Average circa NZ$80,000 — strongest for IT, finance, and professional services.
- Wellington: Highest median earnings nationally — strong for government, legal, and consulting roles.
- Canterbury (Christchurch): Growing infrastructure and rebuild investment, competitive salaries in engineering and construction.
- Waikato & Bay of Plenty: Growing fast, particularly in agritech, healthcare, and trades.
- Otago & Southland: Solid salaries in agriculture and healthcare, with lower housing costs.
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}Non-Monetary Benefits: The Full Value of a New Zealand Employment Package
All New Zealand employees are entitled to a minimum of four weeks’ paid annual leave and 11 public holidays per year, by law. KiwiSaver, New Zealand’s retirement savings scheme, includes mandatory employer contributions of at least 3% of gross salary on top of base pay. This means a NZ$80,000 salary effectively includes NZ$2,400 in employer retirement contributions annually.
Common additional benefits include company vehicles, mobile devices, professional development budgets, health insurance contributions, and flexible working arrangements. Since 2022, most New Zealand employers have included salary ranges in job advertisements, making it easier to benchmark offers before accepting or negotiating.
For immigration purposes, some allowances count toward the income threshold and some do not. This can be the difference between an approval and a decline. New Zealand Shores can advise on what INZ includes in its pay calculations for your specific visa category.
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New Zealand Job Market 2026: Sectors in Demand
The New Zealand labour market has become more selective in 2026 compared to the acute shortage conditions of 2022-23. However, skill shortages remain deep in specific occupations. The following sectors continue to show strong demand for migrant workers:
Healthcare: registered nurses, general practitioners, surgeons, physiotherapists, and radiographers are all on the Green List. Public Health New Zealand and district health providers regularly recruit internationally.
Construction and infrastructure: licensed builders, quantity surveyors, civil and structural engineers, electricians, and plumbers are in shortage, with activity concentrated in Auckland, Christchurch, and Wellington infrastructure programmes
Technology: cybersecurity analysts, data engineers, machine learning specialists, and DevOps engineers command the highest private-sector salaries and are consistently shortlisted by accredited employers
Education: primary and secondary teachers, particularly in STEM subjects and Maori-medium settings, remain in shortage. Teacher registration through the Teaching Council is required before starting work
Trades: automotive technicians, refrigeration engineers, and heavy diesel mechanics face structural shortages that are unlikely to ease in the short term
Agriculture and agritech: farm managers, dairy technicians, and agri-data specialists are sought, especially in Waikato, Southland, and Canterbury
.brxe-ohbzff{
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}Frequently Asked Questions on New Zealand Salaries
What is the average salary in New Zealand?
The median annual salary is approximately NZ$69,836 (Stats NZ, June 2025 data). The average (mean) is higher at around NZ$81,484. Full-time workers in professional roles typically earn above the median. Actual pay depends on your industry, qualifications, experience, and location.
What is the immigration median wage and why does it matter?
The immigration median wage is the benchmark Immigration New Zealand uses to set pay thresholds for many visa categories. From 9 March 2026, it is NZ$35.00 per hour (NZ$72,800 per year). Your salary must meet or exceed certain multiples of this figure to qualify for visas such as the Green List, Skilled Migrant Category, and some AEWV settings.
Which industries pay the most in New Zealand?
IT and technology, executive management, banking and finance, and specialist medical roles consistently rank as the highest-paid sectors. Software engineers, data architects, financial controllers, and specialist doctors can earn well over NZ$100,000 per year. Construction, engineering, and legal roles also sit above the national average.
What jobs are most in demand in New Zealand?
Healthcare professionals (nurses, doctors, allied health), construction tradespeople, IT specialists (especially cybersecurity, AI, and data engineering), engineers, electricians, plumbers, teachers, and accountants are all in strong demand. These occupations often feature on New Zealand’s Green List or skill shortage lists, which can fast-track residence.
Is it easy to get a job in New Zealand as a migrant?
The job market has become more selective in 2026 compared to the post-pandemic boom. However, migrants with skills in shortage occupations remain highly sought after. Having your qualifications recognised, relevant experience, and the right visa are key. New Zealand Shores can help assess your eligibility and support your job search.
Do New Zealand salaries keep up with the cost of living?
Median earnings grew 52.6% over the decade to 2025, outpacing cumulative CPI inflation of roughly 30–35%. However, salary growth has slowed to around 2.6–3.1% annually, which is closer to the long-term average. Housing costs, particularly in Auckland and Wellington, remain the largest expense for most households.
Can New Zealand Shores help me find a job in New Zealand?
Yes. New Zealand Shores provides job search support, salary guidance, and full visa application services. We also work with New Zealand employers seeking skilled migrant workers.
Is it still possible to get a job in New Zealand as a migrant in 2026?
Yes, for skilled workers in shortage occupations. The market is more selective than 2022, but healthcare, construction, technology, education, and trades remain structurally short of domestic supply. Migrants with qualifications recognised in New Zealand, relevant experience, and the correct visa are actively sought. New Zealand Shores provides job search support and works with accredited New Zealand employers who recruit internationally.
About this page
Content is reviewed by our team of Licensed Immigration Advisers (LIAs) regulated by the Immigration Advisers Authority of New Zealand.
Salary data is sourced from Stats NZ, Immigration New Zealand, Hays Salary Guide FY25/26, Trade Me Jobs, and SEEK. Immigration threshold figures are sourced from Immigration New Zealand (www.immigration.govt.nz) and are accurate as at May 2026.
Immigration rules and pay thresholds change regularly. Always discuss your circumstances and confirm current requirements with a licensed immigration adviser.