SALARY IN NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand is a small colourful country with a population of only 5.2 million people, located in the Southwest Pacific Ocean far from the rest of the world. Despite a certain isolation (the nearest country is Australia, about 1,700 kilometres away), New Zealand has an open and competitive economy focused on the industrial sector and modern technology. The country has decent wages, high living standards and social standards.

Work in New Zealand attracts a large number of foreigners, for whom comfortable employment conditions are created and special labour migration programmes are in place. First of all, the country needs shortage of experienced specialists, such as engineers and doctors. Universities of New Zealand prepare qualified personnel, unemployment does not exceed 3-4% and the income of locals is growing. Next, let's find out what salaries in New Zealand in 2025.

Minimum wage in New Zealand

According to official data from the local Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, from 1 April 2025, the minimum wage in New Zealand is 23.50 New Zealand dollars (NZD) per hour (€12), NZD 188 per day (€100) and NZD 940 per week (€500). Thus, every New Zealand citizen over the age of 16 in full-time employment (8 hours) can expect to be paid a minimum of NZD 4,075 per month, equivalent to €2,160.

The exception is for trainees or young workers aged 16-19 who have been in continuous employment with the same employer for less than 6 months. In this case, the minimum rate is reduced to NZD 18.80 per hour, NZD 150.4 per day and NZD 752 per week. After the end of the six-month period, the salary is paid on a general basis and in full. Compared to 2024, New Zealand's minimum wage has increased by NZD 0.35 per hour.

Note. The New Zealand government reviews the minimum wage rate annually as of 1 April.

Average salary in New Zealand

The high level of income of the local population is considered one of the main incentives for immigration to New Zealand. According to this indicator, the country is ahead of many developed countries of the European Union and the world as a whole. Thus, according to the official information of the local statistical office, before taxes, the average salary in New Zealand in 2025 is equal to 42.57 NZD per hour (23 euros), that is, in a week New Zealanders receive 1,705 NZD (905 euros), and in a month 7,390 NZD (3,915 euros).

New Zealand has an employment rate of 67,4%. About 3 million people are officially employed and about 122,000 are unemployed. In the public sector, wages are NZD 47.17 per hour and in the private sector NZD 38.64. Average incomes of local workers do not differ much by sector, which is also a peculiarity of the New Zealand labour market. Of course, experienced doctors in New Zealand receive more than housekeepers, but the minimum rate in any profession is quite high.

SALARY IN NEW ZEALAND BY OCCUPATION

Occupation	NZD per month	Euro per month
Doctor	6,250-20,800	3,630-12,085
Pharmacist	5,415-7,080	3,145-4,115
Certified nurse	5,415	3,145
Programmer	4,580-12,500	2,660-7,265
Bank teller, auditor	4,580-8,300	2,660-4,825
Lawyer	4,200-16,600	2,440-9,645
Engineer	3,750-8,300	2,180-4,825
Accountant	3,750-6,650	2,180-3,865
Teacher	3,750-6,250	2,180-3,630
Financial analyst	2,915-8,300	1,695-4,825
Interior designer	2,915-7,915	1,695-4,600
Unskilled labour	2,500-4,150	1,455-2,410

AVERAGE SALARY IN NEW ZEALAND BY SECTOR OF ECONOMY

Sector of economy	NZD per hour	Euros per hour
Financial and insurance services	54.55	31.45
Information, media and telecommunications	48.29	27.84
Electricity, gas, water, and waste management	46.19	26.63
Professional and administrative services	44.21	25.49
Public administration and security	44.03	25.39
Forestry and mining	42.36	24.42
Health care and social work	39.59	22.83
Wholesale trade	39.10	22.54
Education and training	38.30	22.08
Real estate operations	37.86	21.83
Manufacturing	36.15	20.84
Construction	35.85	20.67
Transport, post and logistics	35.72	20.60
Arts, recreation and other services	33.37	19.24
Accommodation and food services, retail trade	28.32	16.33

Note. Information on average wages by sector of economy is based on official data from Statistics New Zealand.

Payroll taxes in New Zealand

New Zealand's tax system is characterised by transparency, fairness and high rates. For example, the maximum income tax rate is 39%. If an employee fails to complete a tax return (Form IR330), the employer is obliged to withhold tax at a rate of 45%. You can calculate New Zealand payroll taxes (annual income tax) using the online calculator here.

Income tax in New Zealand in 2025

Annual income	Tax rate
0 and 14,000 NZD	10.5%
From 14,000 and 48,000 NZD	17.5%
From 48,000 and 70,000 NZD	30%
From 70,000 and 180,000 NZD	33%
Over 180,000 NZD	39%

For example, if annual earnings in New Zealand from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025 are NZD 88,680, the deduction amount is NZD 19,155. The tax rate is 21.6% Thus, the average salary in New Zealand in 2025 after tax is around NZD 5,795 or €3,070 per month.

HIGHEST PAID OCCUPATIONS IN NEW ZEALAND

• Doctors

• Programmers

• Lawyers

• Financial managers and consultants

• Engineers

• Commercial pilots

• Marketing and sales directors

• Senior civil servants

• Construction managers

• Telecommunications engineers

Cost of living in New Zealand

Compared to most countries in the world, living in New Zealand is not cheap. The most expensive major New Zealand cities are Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown.

Basic costs in New Zealand (NZD):

• Rent: $1,800-2,000 per month for a one-bedroom flat in the centre.

• Utility bills: $200-250 per month.

• Food: $200-300 per month per person.

• Transport: $150-200 per month by public transport or $250-300 per month by car.

• Internet/mobile phone: $150 per month.

• Clothing and leisure activities: $500-700 per month.

Frequently asked questions about salaries in New Zealand:

1. What is the average salary in New Zealand?

• Before taxes, the average wage in New Zealand in 2025 is NZ$42.57 per hour

2. What is the minimum wage in New Zealand?

• The minimum wage in New Zealand in 2025 is NZ$23.50 per hour.

3. What is the highest earning job in New Zealand?

• The highest paying occupations in New Zealand are doctors, computer programmers and lawyers.

4. What is the lowest earning job in New Zealand?

• The lowest income in New Zealand is received by representatives of unskilled labour – cleaners, waiters, cook's assistants, loaders, shop assistants, maids and so on.

5. What is the average salary of programmers in New Zealand?

• The average income of programmers in New Zealand is between NZ$4,580-12,500 per month.

6. What is the payroll tax in New Zealand?

• The income tax rate in New Zealand depends on annual income and ranges from 10.5% (income up to $14,000) to 39% (income over $180,000).

7. What is the average salary in Wellington?

• The average salary in Wellington in 2025 is NZ$8,000-9,000 per month.

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