New Zealand has a booming job market and is a land of opportunities for those who are planning to move there or looking for job in New Zealand. For those considering this transition, they need to understand the average wage rates for them to have a clear picture of the impending prospects.
The New Zealand immigration system will incorporate a new median wage of NZD 31.61 per hour, starting from February 2024. Various visa categories, such as the Accredited Employer Visa (AEWV), Skilled Migrant Category, and certain occupations under Sector Agreements and the Green List, will witness a shift in their wage limits, as per the updated median wage.
The Parent category wage limits will undergo a separate update, while the tourism and hospitality wage points are scheduled to be revised in April 2024. This follows a standardized process implemented last year, where the median wage is annually updated in February, allowing businesses approximately six months to prepare for the upcoming changes.
The Implications of the Wage Hike:
Apart from the immediate cost concerns, the wage escalation will impact various visa criteria. This includes the Skilled Migrant Residence category, aligning with the forthcoming 6-point system, and Green List Residence visas, where specified occupations mandate certain wage limits. Sectors governed by Sector Agreements, particularly the care workforce, face added intricacies due to these alterations.
The average salaries in New Zealand across the various job sectors are diverse, influenced by factors such as industry, job roles, geographical locations, age, and education levels. According to recent data, the average monthly salary in New Zealand stands at 8,200 NZD, translating to an annual figure of 97,300 NZD. In 2023, the gross minimum salary is 21.20 NZD per hour. Salaries exhibit a wide range, ranging from 24,600 NZD to 434,000 NZD annually, including housing, transportation, and additional benefits.
Over half a decade, certain sectors have consistently emerged as the highest paying in New Zealand. Industries such as mining, electricity, gas and water supply, finance, and information technology have maintained their status. Specific roles like IT sales, digital architecture, financial controlling, and medical professions, notably doctors, consistently secure positions as the highest-paid jobs in the country.
Job Profile | Average Salary (NZD) |
Accounting | $82k |
Agriculture, fishing & forestry | $60k |
Architecture | $81k |
Automotive | $65k |
Banking, finance & insurance | $85k |
Construction & roading | $72k |
Customer service | $53k |
Education | $62k |
Engineering | $80k |
Executive & general management | $116k |
HR & recruitment | $83k |
The Lowest Paid Jobs in 2024:
The service sector has witnessed the lowest-paying jobs relative to qualifications and experience. Occupations like hotel receptionists, waiters/waitresses, and bar staff consistently rank at the bottom of the salary scale. Recognizing these variations is pivotal for individuals considering career paths and industries.
Let us now have a look at the provincial breakdown of average salaries in 2024, New Zealand's sudden surge in high-paying, in-demand jobs have significantly increased the average income in nearly every province. Wellington and Nelson, which have been seen as the economic hubs, retain high monthly averages.
Wellington and Nelson:
The average annual salary in Wellington and Nelson has not maintained its record but surpassed the annual salaries in other provinces. The average salary in Wellington is around NZ$82,407 and in Nelson is NZ$79,100.
The wage scale in Auckland and Canterbury, have witnessed similar job salary scales
PROVINCE | AVERAGE SALARY NZD (per year) |
Auckland | 75,086 |
New Plymouth | 79,400 |
Wellington | 82,407 |
Nelson | 79,100 |
Canterbury | 74,050 |
Otago | 71,188 |
It is important to understand the distribution of income across various job sectors. This table shows the average salaries:
JOB SECTORS | AVERAGE SALARY NZD (per year) |
Accounting, Administration & Human Resources | 79,988 |
Architecture & Creative Arts | 64,402 |
Banking, Finance & Insurance | 81,776 |
Childcare & Education | 75,085 |
Construction & Maintenance | 65,355 |
Engineering | 92,349 |
Food Services | 48,492 |
Healthcare, Pharmaceutical & Social Services | 93,065 |
Hospitality & Travel | 59,940 |
Information Technology | 82,976 |
Journalism & Translation | 59,124 |
Law Enforcement & Security | 68,167 |
Legal | 87,499 |
Marketing & Sales | 75,265 |
Retail, Cosmetics & Customer Service | 50,916 |
Science | 77,013 |
Shipping, Manufacturing & Transportation | 50,038 |
A comprehensive analysis of the job market is crucial for those who are planning to travel to New Zealand. The year 2023 has witnessed substantial growth in specific industries that have played pivotal roles in driving the country's economic growth. For all the immigrants seeking employment, the most significant salary increase for full-time positions was evident in the Government and Defence sectors, closely followed by the Healthcare and Medical sectors.
Government and Defence:
Employees in the Government and Defence sector experienced the highest salary hikes among full-time workers in New Zealand. These sectors have had a remarkable contribution to the overall economic growth.
Healthcare and Medical:
The Healthcare and Medical sector has been a key player in the salary dynamics of New Zealand in 2023. The healthcare sector in New Zealand is well-equipped with modern technology. There is a constant urge to deliver excellence and hence we see substantial growth in this sector.
Economic Sectors and GDP Contribution:
Beyond industry-specific average salary scales, it is important to understand the broader economic sectors contributing to New Zealand's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Certain industries have recorded the highest growth which is the deciding factor in the growth of the economy. Understanding these sectors provides valuable insights into the nation's economic health and where opportunities may lie for job seekers and businesses alike.
As of June 2024, the median income in New Zealand had increased by around 5.5%, from $70 to $1,343.
New Zealand distinguishes itself by offering extensive non-monetary benefits to employees. Remuneration packages often comprise perks like company cars, telephones, and even paid meals or fitness center registrations. While paid annual leave averages around 20 days per year, it is essential to recognize the negotiability of salaries, a practice not extensively disclosed in job advertisements.
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As per the median salary in New Zealand, earning NZ$24,600 annually is fairly good
The cost of living for an individual is around NZ$4298 monthly, but if you also have other family members, the amount of NZ$6224 monthly is adequate for rent, food, and transportation.
Indian employees can earn more than 22 lakhs annually in New Zealand based on the industry standard.
The cost of living in Australia exceeds the cost of living in New Zealand by 23%.
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