New Zealand income peaks at ages 45–49, when the median employed worker earns approximately NZ$80,000/year. Understanding how income evolves across different life stages helps you assess whether your earnings are on track, identify when career moves have the most impact, and plan for the income decline that occurs naturally after age 55.
All figures are individual (not household) income from employment, using Stats NZ data from the June 2025 quarter. For a personalised comparison, use our New Zealand income percentile calculator.
Income Percentiles by Age Group
Age 15–19
| Percentile | Annual Income |
|---|---|
| 25th | ~NZ$8,000 |
| 50th (median) | ~NZ$18,000 |
| 75th | ~NZ$27,000 |
| 90th | ~NZ$38,000 |
Most income in this group comes from part-time work alongside study. The 2026 minimum wage of NZ$23.50/hour (approximately NZ$47,000/year full-time) is well above the median for this cohort, confirming that most 15–19-year-olds work part-time.
Age 20–24
| Percentile | Annual Income |
|---|---|
| 25th | ~NZ$20,000 |
| 50th (median) | ~NZ$33,000 |
| 75th | ~NZ$48,000 |
| 90th | ~NZ$62,000 |
By the early 20s, many workers are in their first full-time role — often on minimum wage or entry-level salary. University graduates entering the workforce at 22–24 typically start in the NZ$50,000–$65,000 range in Auckland and Wellington, above the age-group median.
Earnings leverage in your early 20s: Changing jobs within the first 2 years is statistically the highest-return action. Workers who move roles in their first 2–3 years of employment grow income 15–25% faster than those who stay, according to NZ and international labour research.
Age 25–34
| Percentile | Annual Income |
|---|---|
| 25th | ~NZ$37,000 |
| 50th (median) | ~NZ$58,000 |
| 75th | ~NZ$82,000 |
| 90th | ~NZ$110,000 |
The 25–34 cohort shows the widest income spread of any age group, reflecting the divergence between those who completed tertiary qualifications and entered professional careers versus those who moved directly into trades, retail, or lower-wage service roles.
Worked example — percentile check at 30:
- NZ$45,000: approximately 35th–40th percentile for 25–34s
- NZ$58,000: approximately 50th (median) for 25–34s
- NZ$75,000: approximately 68th percentile for 25–34s
- NZ$100,000: approximately 85th percentile for 25–34s
The gap between the 50th and 90th percentile in this group — NZ$52,000 — is the largest of any decade, reflecting the high variation in career progression and qualification outcomes.
Age 35–44
| Percentile | Annual Income |
|---|---|
| 25th | ~NZ$47,000 |
| 50th (median) | ~NZ$72,000 |
| 75th | ~NZ$102,000 |
| 90th | ~NZ$145,000 |
By the mid-30s to mid-40s, most workers have established career trajectories. The median jumps to NZ$72,000 — the national median for all employed workers — reflecting that this age group represents the core of the full-time workforce.
Key milestones for this cohort:
- Median homeowner has ~NZ$150,000–$300,000 in mortgage debt remaining
- KiwiSaver balance averages approximately NZ$42,000–$55,000 for 35–44-year-olds
- Those at the 90th percentile (NZ$145,000) are in management, senior professional, or specialist roles — often in tech, finance, medicine, or law
Age 45–54 (Peak Earning Years)
| Percentile | Annual Income |
|---|---|
| 25th | ~NZ$50,000 |
| 50th (median 45–49) | ~NZ$80,000 |
| 50th (median 50–54) | ~NZ$78,000 |
| 75th | ~NZ$112,000 |
| 90th | ~NZ$158,000 |
The 45–54 age group is the highest-earning cohort. Seniority premiums are at their peak, knowledge and experience are fully valued in the labour market, and most workers have made their key career moves.
What this means for wealth building: This is the most important decade for retirement savings. The combination of peak income and reducing household expenses (mortgages being paid down, children becoming financially independent) creates the greatest surplus income of any life stage. Maximising KiwiSaver and building non-KiwiSaver investments in this window has the highest long-term impact.
Age 55–64 (Pre-Retirement Transition)
| Percentile | Annual Income |
|---|---|
| 25th | ~NZ$40,000 |
| 50th (median 55–59) | ~NZ$72,000 |
| 50th (median 60–64) | ~NZ$65,000 |
| 75th | ~NZ$100,000 |
| 90th | ~NZ$145,000 |
Median income declines from age 55, driven by a combination of voluntary hour reductions, health-related transitions, industry exits (particularly physical trades and manufacturing), and early semi-retirement.
KiwiSaver context: At age 60, workers have 5 years before KiwiSaver withdrawal eligibility. Making additional KiwiSaver contributions in this window — even at the cost of some take-home pay — remains highly beneficial due to employer matching (3%) and government member tax credits (up to NZ$521.43/year).
Age 65+ (Retirement and NZ Super)
| Percentile | Annual Income (All Persons) |
|---|---|
| 25th | ~NZ$22,500 |
| 50th (median) | ~NZ$28,000 |
| 75th | ~NZ$45,000 |
| 90th | ~NZ$78,000 |
The dramatic shift after 65 reflects the dominant role of NZ Super. Single people receive approximately NZ$29,340/year — so most 65+ individuals receive NZ Super as their primary or only income. The 75th percentile reflects those who also receive KiwiSaver drawdowns, investment income, or continue part-time employment.
The government NZ Super rate is set by MSD and adjusted annually.
Summary: Income Peak and Trajectory
| Age Group | Median Income (Employed) | Stage |
|---|---|---|
| 15–19 | ~NZ$18,000 | Part-time, education |
| 20–24 | ~NZ$33,000 | Entry-level / minimum wage |
| 25–34 | ~NZ$58,000 | Early career; wide spread |
| 35–44 | ~NZ$72,000 | Established career |
| 45–49 | ~NZ$80,000 | Peak earnings |
| 50–54 | ~NZ$78,000 | Near peak |
| 55–59 | ~NZ$72,000 | Early decline |
| 60–64 | ~NZ$65,000 | Pre-retirement transition |
| 65+ | ~NZ$28,000 | Primarily NZ Super |
Key takeaways:
- Income rises steadily from the 20s to peak around 45–49
- The rise from 25–34 to 35–44 (+NZ$14,000 in median) is driven by career establishment and qualification premiums
- The post-55 decline is gradual but significant — by 65+, median income falls by more than half versus peak
- For renters in particular, the low median income at 65+ underscores the importance of building KiwiSaver and non-property financial assets during peak earning years
Related Guides
- New Zealand Income Percentile Calculator
- Average Salary in New Zealand 2026
- Average Net Worth in New Zealand by Age
Sources
- Stats NZ. “Labour market statistics (income): June 2025 quarter.” stats.govt.nz
- Stats NZ. “Household income and housing-cost statistics: Year ended June 2025.” stats.govt.nz
- Ministry of Social Development. “NZ Superannuation.” workandincome.govt.nz
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