SALARY IN NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand is located in the Southwest Pacific Ocean on two large islands (North and South) and a large number (about 700) of adjacent small islands. One of the most beautiful and colorful countries in the world with unique nature including rainforests, lakes, fjords, mountains, and more.
The population of New Zealand is 4.8 million people. More than 70% of the natives are of European descent, 11% are of Asian descent, and about 14% are of indigenous Maori ethnicity. Unemployment in the country is around 4%. Let's find out what salaries in New Zealand in 2020.
Minimum salary in New Zealand
According to the New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, starting April 1, 2020, the minimum wage in New Zealand is 18.9 New Zealand dollars (NZ$) per hour, which is equivalent to 12.7 U.S. dollars ($). Compared to last year, the rate has increased by NZ$1.2 (NZ$17.70 in 2019). Local workers earn NZ$151.20 per day ($101.3), NZ$756 per week ($506) and NZ$3,276 per month ($2,195).
Note. Over the past 5 years, the minimum wage in New Zealand has increased by NZ$4.15 per hour.
Young workers (ages 16-19) and trainees (ages 20+) earn at least NZ$15.12 per hour or NZ$604.80 per week in New Zealand, that is 80% of the prime rate. The government estimates that an increase in the minimum wage in 2020 will increase the wage bill in the New Zealand economy by NZ$306 million. In addition, the earnings of more than 240,000 workers will increase.
Important. From 1 April 2021, New Zealand's minimum wage will rise to NZ$20 per hour.
Average salary in New Zealand
According to the New Zealand Statistics Office, the average salary in New Zealand in 2020 is NZ$33.33 per hour, the equivalent of $22. There are 2.7 million employed people in the country, and the number of unemployed people is about 111,000. New Zealanders earn about NZ$1,248.88 ($835) each week. In the private sector the average income is NZ$1,158.25 and in the public sector it is NZ$1,593.22. Before taxes, the average wage in New Zealand in 2020 is NZ$5,410 per month ($3,625).
Note. Over the year, hourly wages in New Zealand (including overtime) increased by an average of 2.5 percent in every sector of the economy.
| Sector of economy | New Zealand dollars per week | U.S. dollars per week |
| Mining and quarrying | 2,048 | 1,370 |
| Financial and insurance services | 1,845 | 1,235 |
| Electricity, gas, water, and waste management | 1,587 | 1,065 |
| Information, media and telecommunications | 1,550 | 1,040 |
| Public administration and security | 1,482 | 995 |
| Professional and administrative services | 1,459 | 975 |
| Leasing, rental and real estate services | 1,355 | 910 |
| Construction | 1,274 | 855 |
| Wholesale trade | 1,269 | 850 |
| Manufacturing | 1,250 | 835 |
| Transportation, mail, and warehousing | 1,233 | 825 |
| Health care | 1,129 | 755 |
| Education and training | 1,127 | 755 |
| Agriculture, forestry and fisheries | 1,086 | 725 |
| Arts, recreation and other services | 1,027 | 690 |
| Retail trade and accommodation | 746 | 500 |
| Other services | 1,011 | 675 |
Note. Information on average wages by sector of economy is based on official data from Statistics New Zealand.
In conclusion it should be noted that the rate of income tax in New Zealand on salaries varies from 10.5% (income up to NZ$14,000 per year) to 33% (income over NZ$70,000 per year).
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