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.
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Key Salary Figures for New Zealand in 2026
The average (mean) annual salary is higher at around NZ$81,484, pulled upward by high earners in executive, IT, and specialist medical roles.
For immigration purposes, the figure 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 (NZ$72,800 per annum based on a 40-hour week). This threshold directly affects eligibility for the Green List, Skilled Migrant Category, Accredited Employer Work Visa partner support thresholds, and other visa settings.
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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 |
How Qualifications Affect Your Salary in New Zealand
Your level of qualification has a significant impact on earning potential. Workers with a bachelor’s degree typically earn up to 40% more than the median income. Postgraduate and professional qualifications — particularly in medicine, engineering, IT, and law — push salaries considerably higher. The subjects you studied, your work experience, the demand for your skills, and your ability to negotiate all influence the final figure.
Gaining a New Zealand qualification can also give you a competitive edge in the job market, and some study pathways lead directly to post-study work visas and skilled residence. New Zealand Shores can advise on study-to-residence pathways.
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Salaries by Region: Where You Live Matters
Salaries in New Zealand vary by region, generally tracking the cost of living. Wellington leads in median earnings due to a high concentration of government and professional services roles, followed by Auckland (the country’s largest commercial hub) and Taranaki. Rural and provincial regions typically pay 15–20% less than the main centres, but the cost of living — particularly housing — is significantly 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: Beyond the Salary Figure
Many New Zealand employers include additional benefits in their remuneration packages. Company vehicles, mobile phones, subsidised gym memberships, professional development budgets, and flexible working arrangements are common. All employees are entitled to a minimum of four weeks’ paid annual leave, plus 11 public holidays. KiwiSaver (New Zealand’s retirement savings scheme) includes employer contributions of at least 3% of gross pay on top of your salary.
Most employers now advertise salary ranges in job listings, making it easier to benchmark offers. Salaries are negotiable, and New Zealand Shores offers advice on what salary and benefits you can expect for your occupation and experience level.
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}How Salary Affects Your New Zealand Visa Eligibility
Your salary is not just what you earn — it can determine whether you qualify for a visa. Immigration New Zealand uses the median wage as a benchmark across many visa pathways. With the median wage increasing to NZ$35.00/hour from 9 March 2026, key thresholds have also risen.
- Green List roles: Pay must meet or exceed the specified rate (typically 1× or 1.5× the median wage depending on occupation).
- Skilled Migrant Category (SMC): Income multiples of the median wage determine points and eligibility.
- Partner and dependent support: Skill level 1–3 partner support threshold rises from NZ$26.85 to NZ$28.00/hour; skill level 4–5 rises from NZ$50.34 to NZ$52.50/hour.
- Advertising exemptions: Roles paid at 2× median wage (NZ$70.00/hour) or more may be exempt from the requirement to advertise domestically.
- Maximum continuous stay: Workers paid at 1.5× median wage or above may have longer maximum stay entitlements.
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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.