10 Highest Paying Part-Time Jobs in New Zealand for International Students

Balancing studies and finances can be tough for international students. If you’re considering studying in New Zealand and need a part-time job, this blog is for you.

Here are the top 10 highest-paying part-time jobs for international students with a decent salary in New Zealand, helping you make informed decisions about your financial future.

Quick Overview

10 highest paying part-time jobs in New Zealand for international students:

Average New Zealand part-time job salary for students: NZ$ 20/ hour

Top companies offering part-time jobs

• Flo & Frankie
• Hilton Hotels
• Kiwibank
• McDonald’s
• Concentrix
• Mitre 10
• Foodstuffs
• The Warehouse

Best online sites for searching part-time jobs

Seek, Indeed, Zeil and TradeMe.

Getting a part-time job in New Zealand as an international student

As an international student in New Zealand, you can work part-time to support your studies. However, there are specific rules to follow. Ensure your student visa allows work and adhere to the 20-hour per week limit during studies. Masters and PhD students have more flexibility. 

Remember, you can only work as an employee with a Student Visa and must pay taxes. If your course requires an internship, seek permission from New Zealand Immigration.

Part-time job rules for international students

• Students aged 18 or older can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year with a student visa.
• Students aged 18 or older can work up to 40 hours per week during holidays.
• Permission from your parents, legal guardian or education provider is required to work during the academic year.
• Masters and PhD students have no restrictions on weekly work hours.
• If your course includes an internship, get prior approval from the New Zealand immigration department.
• Students must work as employees; self-employment is not allowed.
• International students are prohibited from investing in or working in sexual and related services.
• As per revised tax rates 10.5% tax applies if your annual income is below NZ$15,600.
• Obtain an IRD number from New Zealand’s Inland Revenue before starting work.

10 highest paying part-time jobs in New Zealand for international students

Sources: Talent, Glassdoor and Salary Expert

Freelance Writer (Average salary: NZ$33.33/hour)

Job Details: Freelance writers create content for blogs, websites, businesses or media outlets. This includes copywriting, technical writing, blog posts, creative writing and content strategy development.

Expected Salary Bracket: NZ$30 – NZ$40 per hour.

Eligibility: 

• Proven writing skills and portfolio showcasing previous work.
• Ability to adapt to diverse content styles and target audiences.
• Experience with content research and SEO is advantageous.

How To Apply/Find: Online job portals.

Bartender (Average salary: NZ$26.50/hour)

Job Details: Part-time bartenders are needed to serve drinks, maintain a clean bar area, and interact with customers in a friendly manner. They enjoy flexible hours, a fast-paced environment, and competitive hourly pay.

Expected Salary Bracket: NZ$20 – NZ$35 per hour.

Eligibility: 

• Must have previous bartending experience or training
• Excellent customer service skills
• Ability to work evenings and weekends are preferred

How To Apply/Find: Online job portals and check local bars for openings.

Customer Service Representative (Average salary:  NZ$26.06/hour)

Job Details: Customer Service Representatives or Call Centre employees handle customer inquiries, complaints, and support over the phone or online. You will manage outbound or inbound calls, provide solutions and ensure customer satisfaction by maintaining professionalism and clear communication.

Expected Salary Bracket: NZ$25 – NZ$32 per hour.

Eligibility: 

• Proven experience in customer service or call centre roles.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in problem-solving and multitasking under pressure.
• Computer and technical literacy.

How To Apply/Find: Online job portals or apply directly to call centres.

Tutor (Average salary: NZ$25.98/hour)

Job Details: As a part-time tutor, you will help students excel in specific subjects or skills by providing personalised lessons and academic support. The role may involve assisting with schoolwork, preparing for exams or offering guidance on complex topics, either in person or online, with flexible work hours.

Expected Salary Bracket: NZ$20 – NZ$35 per hour.

Eligibility: 

• Proficiency in the subject you plan to teach.
• Familiarity with the New Zealand curriculum.
• Competence in curriculum assessment, planning and evaluation.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

How to Apply/Find: Online tutoring websites, university job portals or through referrals.

Waiter/Waitress (Average salary: NZ$24/hour)

Job Details: As a waiter/waitress, you will be responsible for providing exceptional customer service in cafes, restaurants or bars. Key duties include greeting customers, taking orders, serving food and beverages, handling payments and ensuring customer satisfaction throughout their visit. 

Expected Salary Bracket: NZ$20 – NZ$30 per hour.

Eligibility: 

• Communication Skills – Clear and friendly interaction with customers and team members.
• Time Management – Efficiently handling multiple tables and tasks.
• Customer Service – Providing a positive and attentive dining experience.

How To Apply/Find: Online job portals, nearby restaurants or referrals. 

Library Assistant (Average salary: NZ$24/hour)

Job Details: Library assistants assist patrons, organise books, manage checkouts and ensure the availability of resources in the library. Responsibilities include shelving, cataloguing and helping with research inquiries.

Expected Salary Bracket: NZ$22 – NZ$25 per hour.

Eligibility:

• Assist with event and program registrations.
• Process check-ins, check-outs and cash/EFTPOS payments.
• Operate the Library Management System and maintain accurate records.

How To Apply/Find: Online job portals, community job referrals and college/university job boards.

House Cleaner (Average salary: NZ$23.11/hour)

Job Details: House cleaners ensure residential spaces are clean, organised and sanitised. Duties include vacuuming, mopping, dusting, sanitising surfaces and laundry services.

Expected Salary Bracket: NZ$21 – NZ$30 per hour.

Eligibility: 

• Attention to Detail – Ensuring every area is thoroughly cleaned and spotless.
• Time Management – Completing tasks efficiently within a set timeframe.
• Physical Stamina – Sustaining energy for extended periods of physical work.

How To Apply/Find: Local cleaning agencies, property managers and online job portals. 

Pet Sitter (Average salary: NS$23/hour)

Job Details: Pet sitters care for pets while their owners are away, ensuring they are safe, fed, and engaged. Duties include feeding, walking, administering medication and providing companionship.

Expected Salary Bracket: NZ$20 – NZ$28 per hour.

Eligibility: 

• Animal Care Knowledge – Understanding pet needs, behavior, and basic health.
• Reliability – Being dependable and punctual for feeding, walks, and care.
• Patience – Handling pets calmly, especially in stressful or unexpected situations.

How To Apply/Find: Online job portals, local pet stores and pet owners. 

Babysitter (Average salary: NZ$20/hour)

Job Details: Babysitters supervise and care for children in the absence of parents or guardians. Duties include preparing meals, assisting with homework, planning activities and ensuring the child’s safety and well-being. 

Expected Salary Bracket: NZ$20 – NZ$30/per hour.

Eligibility: 

• Proven childcare experience and strong references.
• A First Aid Certification is preferred.
• Strong communication and responsibility.

How To Apply/Find: Online job portals, local parenting groups and referrals. 

Retail Sales Assistant (Average salary: NS$20/hour)

Job Details: As a Retail Sales Assistant, your primary responsibility is to assist customers with their purchases while ensuring an excellent shopping experience. Duties include greeting customers, providing product information, restocking shelves, handling transactions and maintaining the store’s cleanliness and organisation.

Expected Salary Bracket: NZ$18 to NZ$21 per hour.

Eligibility:

• Customer Service – Assisting customers with inquiries and providing a positive experience.
• Sales Skills – Promoting products and driving sales effectively.
• Organization – Keeping the store tidy and managing stock efficiently.

How to Apply/Find: Online job platforms, retail stores and university or community job boards.

Part-time jobs for students in New Zealand – Citywise

Benefits of part-time jobs in New Zealand

• Helps pay for rent, groceries, transportation and other living costs.
• Valuable work experience makes you more appealing to future employers.
• Meet mentors and peers and get potential job opportunities. 
• Interact with locals, learn about New Zealand’s customs and improve English in real-life settings.
• Balancing work and studies helps develop efficient time management and prioritisation skills.
• Develop skills like communication, problem-solving, adaptability and customer service.

Types of part-time jobs in New Zealand

• Hospitality & Tourism: Roles in hotels, cafes and tourist spots as waitstaff, baristas and tour guides.
• Retail: Sales assistants, cashiers and receptionists in supermarkets and department stores.
• Education: Teacher assistants, tutors and library assistants in schools and universities.
• Customer Service: Representatives in call centres, customer care and retail outlets.
• Healthcare: Part-time roles in nursing homes, hospitals and clinics as caregivers or administrative assistants.
• Administrative Support: Data entry clerks and administrative assistants in various industries.
• Technology: Tech support, web development and digital marketing with IT companies and startups.

How to find part-time jobs in New Zealand

• Online Portals: Use job websites like Seek, Indeed and TradeMe Jobs to search for opportunities.
• University/College Boards: Check campus job boards for part-time openings.
• Networking: Connect with peers, professors and local community members to discover job leads.
• Referrals: Ask friends, family or colleagues for recommendations or job opportunities.
• Social Media: Follow local businesses and join community groups on platforms like Facebook.

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FAQs

Q. How much do part-time jobs pay in New Zealand?

Average pay ranges from NZ$20 to NZ$25 per hour, depending on the job.

Q. Which part-time jobs pay the most in New Zealand?

Roles in IT, healthcare and call centres typically pay the most.

Q. What is the minimum per hour salary in New Zealand for students?

The minimum wage in New Zealand is NZ$23.15 per hour for full-time employees. Starting-out or training employees must earn at least NZ$18.52 per hour.

Q. Is it easy to get a part-time job in New Zealand?

Yes, but it depends on skills, location and demand. Networking helps.

Q. Can I work 50 hours a week in New Zealand?

No, working over 20 hours per week is restricted for students during the academic year.

Q. How much is a per hour job in New Zealand?

Average hourly rates are NZ$20 to NZ$25, depending on the role.

Q. How much is rent in New Zealand?

Monthly rent ranges from NZ$1,534 to NZ$3,028, depending on location and accommodation type.

Other related blogs:

Australia: Part-time jobs for students in Australia

USA: Part-time jobs for students in USA

UK: Part-time jobs for students in UK

Singapore: Part-time jobs for students in Singapore

Germany: Part-time jobs for students in Germany

Ireland: Part-time jobs for students in Ireland

France: Part-time jobs for students in France

Switzerland: Part-time jobs for students 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.

*Quick 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. 

Note: Salary and cost of living are taken from different websites on 9th and 10th December 2024 and are subject to change.