The median weekly earnings from wages and salaries in New Zealand were $1,380 per week — approximately $71,760 per year — in the June 2025 quarter, according to Stats NZ Labour Market Statistics. This figure covers employed workers. When all adults are included — part-time workers, benefit recipients, and retirees on NZ Super — the all-sources median falls to $959/week (~$50,000/year), reflecting the large share of New Zealanders who are not fully employed or who receive non-wage income.
New Zealand has two distinct salary stories depending on which number you use. The employed-worker median of $71,760 is the most relevant benchmark for anyone in full-time work. The all-earner median of $50,000 is the more useful reference for understanding where you sit relative to the entire adult population, including the retired and part-time. Average (mean) household income was $139,111 in the year ended June 2025 — substantially higher than individual medians because most households have two or more earners.
For a personalised comparison, use our New Zealand income percentile calculator.
Average vs Median Salary in New Zealand
Understanding the difference between average (mean) and median is important when interpreting New Zealand salary data.
| Measure | Value | What It Represents |
|---|---|---|
| Median weekly wages & salaries (employed workers) | $1,380/week (~$71,760/year) | Half of employed workers earn above/below this |
| Median weekly income, all sources, all people | $959/week (~$50,000/year) | Midpoint including non-employed adults |
| Men median weekly wages | $1,500/week (~$78,000/year) | Employed men |
| Women median weekly wages | $1,247/week (~$64,844/year) | Employed women |
| Average household gross income | $139,111/year | Mean for all households |
| Average household disposable income | $108,329/year | After-tax household mean |
| Average household wages/salaries | $92,692/year | Household mean, wages component only |
| Median hourly earnings | $35.00/hour | All employed workers |
| Full-time median hourly | $36.53/hour | Full-time employed only |
| Part-time median hourly | $27.50/hour | Part-time employed only |
| NZ minimum wage | $23.50/hour | From 1 April 2025 |
Source: Stats NZ Labour Market Statistics (income), June 2025 quarter; Stats NZ Household Income and Housing Cost Statistics, year ended June 2025
New Zealand’s income distribution is relatively compressed compared to most English-speaking countries. The gap between the median ($71,760 for employed workers) and the top 10% threshold (~$120,000) is approximately 1.7× — lower than Australia (~1.8×), the UK (~1.9×), and significantly lower than the United States (~2.2×). This compression reflects the high minimum wage, strong public sector employment, and the absence of a large multinational-employer distortion of the kind seen in Ireland.
Average vs Median: Why They Differ
The mean and median diverge in any income distribution that is skewed to the right — where a small number of very high earners pull the average upward while most earners cluster around lower values. In New Zealand:
- The employed-worker median of $71,760 means half of employed workers earn below this and half above
- The household mean of $139,111 is substantially higher because it averages in two-earner households, investment income, and rental income — all of which skew the mean upward
- The all-people median of $50,000 is lower than the employed-worker median because it includes retirees receiving NZ Super (~$25,000–$29,000/year) and part-time workers
When someone says “the average New Zealand salary,” they usually mean the employed-worker median of $71,760. For most financial planning purposes, this is the most useful benchmark.
Average Salary by Age in New Zealand
Earnings follow a predictable life-cycle pattern in New Zealand, rising sharply from school-leaving age, peaking in the 45–54 bracket, and declining gradually as workers shift to part-time hours or retire.
| Age Group | Median Annual Income | Key Driver |
|---|---|---|
| 15–19 | ~$18,000 | Mostly part-time; median hourly ~$24/hr |
| 20–24 | ~$33,000 | Entry-level; many on minimum wage or near it |
| 25–34 | ~$58,000 | Fastest earnings growth decade |
| 35–44 | ~$72,000 | Peak earning years begin; established roles |
| 45–49 | ~$80,000 | Peak: median hourly ~$40/hr (Stats NZ) |
| 50–54 | ~$78,000 | Sustained peak; median hourly ~$38.96/hr |
| 55–59 | ~$72,000 | Some reduction; median hourly ~$38/hr |
| 60–64 | ~$65,000 | More moving to part-time; median hourly ~$36.38/hr |
| 65+ | ~$28,000 | Primarily NZ Super + part-time work |
Source: Estimated from Stats NZ hourly earnings by age group (HLFS) and Labour Market Statistics, June 2025
The steepest earnings growth occurs between ages 25 and 34 — the decade when most workers transition from entry-level roles to mid-career professional positions. The 35–44 group sees continued growth as workers accumulate experience and move into management or specialist roles. Peak earnings at 45–49 reflect seniority premiums and the concentration of experienced workers in high-paying sectors.
For a percentile comparison at your age, see our New Zealand income percentile calculator.
Average Salary by Region in New Zealand
New Zealand’s income geography is defined by two primary cities: Auckland and Wellington. Together they account for approximately 50% of New Zealand’s employed workforce and the great majority of corporate headquarters, professional services, and government roles.
| Region | vs National Median (Employed Workers) | Approximate Median |
|---|---|---|
| Wellington | +25–30% | ~$89,000–$93,000 |
| Auckland | +20–25% | ~$86,000–$90,000 |
| Canterbury (Christchurch) | −2% | ~$70,000 |
| Nelson/Tasman | −5% | ~$68,000 |
| Bay of Plenty | −8% | ~$66,000 |
| Waikato (Hamilton) | −10% | ~$65,000 |
| Hawke’s Bay | −12% | ~$63,000 |
| Manawatū-Whanganui | −14% | ~$62,000 |
| Gisborne/Northland | −18% | ~$59,000 |
Source: Estimated from Stats NZ regional HLFS data and earnings statistics; figures are approximate
Wellington premium: Wellington’s income advantage is driven by the concentration of central government, public service agencies, policy and regulatory roles, and the city’s position as New Zealand’s second commercial centre. Government roles in Wellington typically pay well relative to comparable private sector roles.
Auckland premium: Auckland’s premium reflects corporate headquarters (most of New Zealand’s large companies are headquartered in Auckland), the finance and banking sector, technology companies, and the professional services ecosystem. Auckland also has the largest concentration of high-earning migrants in New Zealand.
The purchasing power caveat: Auckland’s housing costs substantially erode this income advantage. Average Auckland rents exceeded $600/week for a three-bedroom home in 2025 — among the highest in Australasia relative to median wages. A $90,000 salary in Auckland, after higher housing costs, may deliver lower discretionary income than a $75,000 salary in Christchurch, Hamilton, or Tauranga. For those who own property, the equation is different — but homeownership rates in Auckland have fallen sharply among under-40s.
Average Salary by Sector in New Zealand
Industry sector is one of the strongest predictors of salary in New Zealand. The gap between the highest-paying sector (ICT) and the lowest (accommodation and food services) is approximately 2.5× the national median.
| Sector | Estimated Annual Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| ICT / Information Technology | ~$95,000 |
| Finance & Insurance Services | ~$90,000 |
| Public Administration & Safety | ~$78,000 |
| Education & Training | ~$75,000 |
| Construction (full-time) | ~$72,000 |
| All workers (employed median) | ~$72,000 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | ~$68,000 |
| Manufacturing | ~$62,000 |
| Retail Trade | ~$45,000 |
| Accommodation & Food Services | ~$38,000 |
Source: Estimated from Stats NZ Labour Market Statistics hourly earnings by industry, June 2025 quarter
Trades and construction: New Zealand has experienced a structural shortage of trade-qualified workers since the COVID-era construction boom and the Kāpiti-Mackays to Peka Peka and other infrastructure projects. Electricians, plumbers, builders, and civil engineers can earn well above the national median — often $80,000–$110,000 for experienced workers. The short training pathway (Level 4 NZ Certificate, 3–4 years) and permanent skills shortage mean this is one of New Zealand’s strongest return-on-training sectors.
Health and education: Both sectors are paying above their historical norms following pay equity settlements in 2023–25. Nurses, teachers, and allied health workers received significant pay increases through multi-year collective agreement settlements. Despite this, both sectors still sit below the ICT/finance premium.
What Is a Good Salary in New Zealand?
“Good” is relative to what you compare against. Using the income percentile distribution as a benchmark:
| Annual Salary | Approximate Percentile | Context |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | ~50th | Median all earners; roughly minimum wage full-time |
| $65,000 | ~63rd–65th | Above average; comfortable in most regions |
| $80,000 | ~80th | Top 20%; very comfortable outside Auckland |
| $100,000 | ~87th–88th | Top 12–13%; well above average |
| $120,000 | ~90th | Top 10% |
| $175,000 | ~95th | Top 5% |
| $225,000+ | ~99th | Top 1% |
In a practical sense, $80,000 is widely considered a “comfortable” full-time salary in most New Zealand cities — it covers housing, transport, KiwiSaver, and reasonable discretionary spending. In Auckland, the same salary is comfortable but tight for renters. Wellington’s slightly lower housing costs (relative to Auckland) mean $80,000 goes further in the capital.
For those on $120,000+, New Zealand’s 33% and 39% top tax brackets begin to apply — the 33% bracket starts at $78,101 and the 39% at $180,001. Unlike Australia’s Medicare levy or the UK’s National Insurance, New Zealand does not have additional income-linked deductions beyond the ACC earner levy (~1.67%), making the top-end take-home pay relatively straightforward to calculate.
Gender Pay Gap in New Zealand
New Zealand’s gender pay gap fell to a historic low of 5.2% in the June 2025 quarter — down from 8.2% a year earlier — making it one of the smallest hourly gender pay gaps in the OECD. This is the median hourly earnings gap: women earned $34.17/hour compared to men’s $36.06/hour.
| Metric | Men | Women | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median weekly wages & salaries | $1,500/week (~$78,000/year) | $1,247/week (~$64,844/year) | 16.9% weekly |
| Median hourly earnings gap | — | — | 5.2% (hourly) |
The difference between the 16.9% weekly gap and the 5.2% hourly gap is explained by working hours: women work fewer hours on average — more women are in part-time roles, particularly in retail, health and social assistance, and education. When controlled for hours, New Zealand’s gap is among the world’s lowest.
The improvement from 8.2% to 5.2% in a single year is largely attributed to pay equity settlements in the health, education, and community support sectors — industries dominated by women. The government’s pay equity legislation, which requires equal pay for work of equal value, has driven multi-year settlement processes that are still working through different sectors.
NZ Tax on Your Salary
New Zealand’s income tax system is notably simple compared to Australia (state payroll taxes, Medicare levy) and the UK (National Insurance, student loan repayments). The PAYE system applies progressive rates through five brackets, with the ACC earner levy as the only significant additional deduction.
Brief summary of deductions on a $72,000 salary:
- Income tax: ~$13,821 (effective rate: 19.2%)
- ACC earner levy: ~$1,202 (1.67%)
- KiwiSaver (3% minimum): ~$2,160
- Net take-home: ~$54,817/year (~$4,568/month)
For a full worked example with all five tax brackets, see our New Zealand income percentile calculator.
NZ Salary vs Australia — The Trans-Tasman Comparison
The trans-Tasman pay gap is one of the most discussed topics in New Zealand labour economics. At face value, New Zealand and Australian employed worker medians appear similar — both around $71,760–$72,000 in their respective local currencies. But this comparison is misleading in two important ways.
Exchange rate reality: NZ$1 is currently worth approximately AU$0.91. This means the NZD median of $71,760 is worth approximately AU$65,300 — meaningfully below Australia’s AU$71,760 employed median.
Structural salary differentials: In most comparable occupations — nursing, teaching, engineering, construction — Australian salaries are 20–35% higher in NZD terms at current exchange rates. For a nurse earning NZ$80,000 in New Zealand, the equivalent role in Brisbane or Melbourne might pay AU$90,000–$100,000 (NZ$99,000–$110,000).
| Metric | New Zealand | Australia |
|---|---|---|
| Employed worker median | NZ$71,760 | AU$71,760 (~NZ$79,000) |
| Minimum wage | NZ$23.50/hr | AU$24.10/hr (~NZ$26.50/hr) |
| Employer retirement contribution | 3% KiwiSaver | 12% super guarantee |
| Top income tax rate | 39% above $180,000 | 47% above AU$190,000 |
Australia’s higher superannuation guarantee (12% vs NZ’s 3% employer minimum) is a significant total compensation advantage — on a $75,000 salary, an Australian employer contributes $9,000/year to superannuation versus a New Zealand employer contributing $2,250 to KiwiSaver. For a direct comparison of the two schemes, see KiwiSaver vs Australian superannuation on MoneyBalance.
Despite the financial incentive, many New Zealanders who move to Australia return within 5–10 years, citing quality of life, family proximity, and NZ’s physical environment. For those who remain in NZ, the career premium for specialist skills in shortage sectors (ICT, construction, healthcare) means the gap with Australia can be substantially closed through sector and specialisation choices.
Tips for Increasing Your Salary in New Zealand
Target skills-shortage sectors. Immigration New Zealand’s Green List identifies roles with skills shortages and fast-track residence pathways — a reliable signal of genuine wage premium for those skills. Current high-demand roles include civil engineers, secondary teachers (STEM subjects), registered nurses, ICT specialists, and tradespeople.
Negotiate at the point of hire. New Zealand has a relatively informal workplace culture where salary negotiation at hire is expected and accepted. Stats NZ data consistently shows a premium for workers who negotiate starting salary. Research salary ranges on Trade Me Jobs salary guide or Seek before accepting an offer.
Consider contracting. ICT, project management, and engineering contractors in New Zealand typically earn $800–$1,500+ per day — annualised rates of $160,000–$300,000+ before business expenses. The tradeoff is no employer KiwiSaver, no paid leave, and income volatility between contracts.
Pursue professional registration. In engineering, nursing, architecture, and teaching, professional registration (Engineering NZ, NZNO, NZRA, Teaching Council) unlocks higher pay bands and is required for many senior roles. The investment in registration is typically recovered within 6–12 months through higher salary.
Use salary sacrifice for KiwiSaver. Contributing above the 3% KiwiSaver minimum via salary sacrifice reduces your taxable income. On a $100,000 salary, increasing from 3% to 6% KiwiSaver via salary sacrifice saves approximately $2,100 in income tax while simultaneously growing your KiwiSaver balance. Not all employers offer salary sacrifice — ask your payroll team.
For information on your KiwiSaver balance trajectory alongside your salary, see our average KiwiSaver balance by age guide. For KiwiSaver contribution tools, see how much to contribute to KiwiSaver on MoneyBalance — including a calculator that shows how each rate affects your balance at 65.
Sources
- Stats NZ — Labour market statistics (income): June 2025 quarter — https://www.stats.govt.nz/information-releases/labour-market-statistics-income-june-2025-quarter/
- Stats NZ — Household income and housing-cost statistics: Year ended June 2025 — https://www.stats.govt.nz/information-releases/household-income-and-housing-cost-statistics-year-ended-june-2025/
- IRD — Tax rates for individuals — https://www.ird.govt.nz/income-tax/income-tax-for-individuals/tax-codes-and-tax-rates-for-individuals/tax-rates-for-individuals
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