Average Salary in New Zealand: Salaries by City and Experience

The average monthly salary for full-time workers in New Zealand is NZD 5,129 after the tax cut, and for part-time workers, it’s NZD 20 per hour.

While the average salary in New Zealand is appealing, it’s the “classic Kiwi work culture” that truly attracts people, emphasizing a 9-5 workday and valuing work-life balance over a “work hustle” mentality.

Suppose you’re seeking a better work-life balance abroad. In that case, this blog will analyze salary data in New Zealand across different sectors and highlight New Zealand’s average income for those considering a career move there.

Quick Overview

• The average salary in New Zealand per month for a full-time worker is NZD 5,129 after the tax cut.
• The average income in New Zealand for a part-time worker is NZD 20 per hour.
• Top Job Sectors in New Zealand 
  • Healthcare, Pharmaceutical & Social Services: NZD 96,500 per year
  • Science: NZD 93,531 per year
  • Engineering: NZD 92,715 per year
• Top Companies in New Zealand: Xero, Fisher & Paykel Healthcare 2FPH.NZ, Meridian Energy 3MEZ.AX, Auckland Airport 4AIA.AX, Infratil, Mercury NZ. 

Do you know?

• According to the World Population Review, New Zealand is the 4th safest country globally, highlighting its high safety and security for residents..[1]
• New Zealand’s employment has remained steady since the previous quarter at 68.4% in the June 2024 quarter.[2 ]
• The median weekly income from wages and salaries in New Zealand rose to NZD 1,273 in 2023, representing a 7.1% increase of NZD 84 compared to the previous year.[3]

Factors affecting salary in New Zealand

Choice of industry and occupation

High-demand sectors like IT and finance typically offer higher wages than hospitality or retail. Roles requiring specialized skills or significant responsibilities, like managerial positions, command even higher salaries.

Salary by education level and experience

Higher education and specialized certifications often lead to better-paying jobs. Advanced roles require strong qualifications, making education key to earning potential. Experience also boosts earnings as employees gain expertise and value.

Location

Urban centers like Auckland and Wellington offer higher salaries due to higher living costs and more high-paying industries. Smaller towns may have lower wages but also a lower cost of living. 

Company size and profitability

Larger companies tend to offer better salaries and benefits than smaller businesses. This is often due to their ability to afford the competitive compensation packages necessary to attract top talent. 

Economic factors affecting salaries

During economic growth, companies are more likely to raise wages. Inflation affects salary trends as employees aim to maintain purchasing power.

Supply and demand for skills

High-demand, low-supply skills lead to higher salaries, while an oversupply of workers can cause stagnant or reduced wages.

Also read: How to answer these 10 most common questions for an overseas job interview.

Average salary for a full-time worker in New Zealand: (NZD 5,129 after tax cut)

Whether your career aspirations lie in finance, technology or healthcare, New Zealand’s job market offers an array of opportunities. A clear understanding of New Zealand salary comparison can help you make informed decisions. Here is a simplified overview of New Zealand’s salary trends across different industries, with some of the top-paying job roles:

Source: Talent 

The following are details of the basic salary in New Zealand across diverse job roles under specific industries:

Healthcare, Pharmaceutical & Social Services: Average Salary – NZD 96,500 annually

Source: Talent 

Science: Average salary – NZD 93,531 annually

Source: Talent 

Engineering: Average Salary – NZD 92,715 annually

Source: Talent 

Information Technology: Average salary – NZD 87,305 annually

Source: Talent 

Banking, Finance & Insurance: Average salary – NZD 84,832 annually

Source: Talent

Average salary for part-time workers in New Zealand

The average income in New Zealand for a part-time worker is NZD 20 per hour. Part-time employment offers a practical solution for earning a basic income while allowing one to focus on studies. 

Here are some of the most common part-time jobs available for students in New Zealand:

Source: Leapscholar

Citiwise average salary in New Zealand

The provincial salary variations in New Zealand are as follows:

Source: LivingCost (Refer citywise pages)

Also Read: 9 important questions to ask your employer before accepting a job offer overseas.

Highest paying job in New Zealand

In New Zealand, roles that require advanced qualifications and expertise often come with substantial compensation. These high-paying positions are concentrated in industries like law, healthcare, information technology and finance. 

The demand for skilled workers in these sectors drives up salaries and benefits packages, making them attractive career choices for those seeking higher earning potential. 

Here is an overview of some of the highest-paying jobs in New Zealand:

Source: Grab Jobs

Lowest/minimum paying job in New Zealand

In New Zealand, all employees aged 16 or older are entitled to be paid at least the minimum wage for every hour worked. There are three types of minimum wage:

Here is a list of some of the lowest-paying jobs in New Zealand:

Source: New Zealand Immigration, Employment New Zealand.

Salary with respect to experience

New Zealand’s economic success reflects its skilled workforce, with experience being a key factor in determining salaries across industries.

Here is a brief overview of the pay scale in New Zealand based on years of experience:

Source: Robert Half – New Zealand 

Also Read: 5 salary negotiation tips that will get you paid what you’re worth. 

Difference between median & average (mean) salary

Keeping track of New Zealand’s median income and mean wage levels can help you gain a realistic idea of the current salary trends and how much you can expect to be compensated for your new job role. The mean income is the total income divided by the number of earners. The median income is found by arranging salaries from lowest to highest.

Here is an example to simplify the concept:

Here is how you can calculate the mean income:

(NZD 85,000 + NZD 115,000 + NZD 135,000 + NZD 155,000 + NZD 245,000)/5 = NZD 147,000

Hence, the mean or average income for this dataset is NZD 147,000.

The median income is the middle value. Here, the median income is NZD 135,000.

Before you go…

Ready to explore New Zealand’s lucrative job market? Before you start planning, research New Zealand’s average income for your target job role. This will give you both a realistic idea of the current pay scale in New Zealand and make informed career decisions. 

Another essential aspect of your planning is to consider a secure international transfer service to send money to India from New Zealand whenever necessary.

Instarem offers a safe and efficient solution for international money transfers with fast* processing time and competitive exchange rates. This makes Instarem an affordable# and accessible option for students, fresh graduates and working professionals alike.

Instarem App is available for download on the App Store and Google Play, making it easy to manage your international transfers from anywhere. By choosing Instarem, you can ensure that your funds are transferred securely and efficiently, allowing you to focus on settling into your new life in New Zealand. 

FAQs

Q. What is the current average salary in New Zealand?

After the tax cut, the current average monthly salary for a full-time worker in New Zealand is NZD 5,129.

Q. What is a good salary in New Zealand?

A monthly income in New Zealand of NZD 5,129 or above can provide a comfortable standard of living. However, factors like personal preferences and lifestyle are bound to influence individual financial needs.

Q. Which job has the highest salary in New Zealand?

The highest-paying jobs in New Zealand often involve higher managerial positions and the fields of healthcare, finance, law and information technology. 

Q. Which job has the lowest salary in New Zealand?

Kitchen staff have the lowest income in New Zealand, with an average annual salary of NZD 32,000. 

Q. What is the average salary in New Zealand for IT professionals?

The average salary in New Zealand for IT professionals is around NZD 87,305 per year. 

Q. What is the average salary in New Zealand per month for an Indian?

Salaries for Indian nationals in New Zealand vary by industry, job role, location, experience, and qualifications. While the average salary is NZD 5,129, individual earnings can differ based on these factors.

Q. How do you find a job in New Zealand?

You can find a job in New Zealand by applying on foreigner-friendly websites like LinkedIn, Indeed, Seek, Trade Me and more. 

Other related blogs:

Germany – Average Salary in Germany

Australia – Average Salary in Australia

USA – Average Salary in USA

Canada – Average Salary in Canada

UK – Average Salary in UK

Singapore – Average salary in Singapore

Ireland – Average Salary in Ireland

Malaysia – Average salary in Malaysia

Japan – Average Salary in Japan

Switzerland – Average Salary in Switzerland

Disclaimers:

This article is intended for informational purposes only. All details are accurate at the time of publishing. Instarem has no affiliation or relationship with the products or vendors mentioned.

* Fast meaning 75% of our transactions are completed in 15 minutes. Depending on the funding method.

#When it comes to affordable exchange rates and fees, it’s worth noting that the cost will vary depending on how you choose to fund your transactions. Credit card funding and bank transfer fees can differ significantly. 

The currencies have been converted using the Forbes Currency Converter on 04th September 2024.

Citations

• https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/safest-countries-in-the-world. [1]
• https://www.stats.govt.nz/indicators/employment-rate/ [2]
• https://www.stats.govt.nz/news/income-growth-for-wage-and-salary-earners-remains-strong/ [3]