Use this New Zealand income percentile calculator to find out where your income ranks among all New Zealand earners. New Zealand has a relatively compressed income distribution compared to many English-speaking peers — a high minimum wage ($23.50/hour from April 2025), a broadly progressive tax system, and a smaller gap between the median and the top than you would find in Australia, the United Kingdom, or the United States. That said, Auckland and Wellington have seen significant income polarisation driven by the housing market and the concentration of professional roles in both cities.
The median individual income in New Zealand — covering all income earners including part-time workers, retirees receiving NZ Super, and benefit recipients — was $959 per week (~$50,000 per year) in the June 2025 quarter according to Stats NZ. For employed workers only, the median weekly earnings from wages and salaries were $1,380/week (~$71,760/year). That ~$21,760 gap tells you that a large share of New Zealanders receive income from sources other than full-time employment. Enter your annual gross income below to find your exact percentile position.
For a breakdown of salary by age, region, and sector, see our average salary in New Zealand guide.
How This Calculator Works
This calculator compares your gross individual income against income percentile thresholds anchored to Stats NZ Labour Market Statistics (June 2025 quarter) and Stats NZ Household Income and Housing Cost Statistics (year ended June 2025). Enter your annual gross income before income tax, ACC levy, and KiwiSaver contributions — the figure on your employment contract or PAYE summary before any deductions.
Key notes on how the data works:
- The thresholds cover all income earners, including part-time workers, benefit recipients, retirees receiving NZ Superannuation as income, and those with investment or rental income — not just full-time employees. This is why the 50th percentile ($50,000) is well below the often-cited employed worker median of $71,760.
- Percentiles are based on individual income, not household income. The average annual household income in New Zealand was $139,111 in the year ended June 2025 — much higher because most households have multiple earners and other income sources.
- Income is measured pre-tax (gross) — before income tax, ACC levy, or KiwiSaver deductions.
- Stats NZ’s Labour Force Survey and Household Income survey are the most comprehensive sources for New Zealand income distribution across all earners.
New Zealand Income Percentile Table
The full distribution of individual income in New Zealand, with key thresholds highlighted:
| Percentile | Annual Income | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | ~$12,000 | Below minimum wage / very part-time |
| 20th | ~$25,000 | Part-time/casual workers |
| 25th | ~$30,000 | First quartile |
| 30th | ~$35,000 | |
| 40th | ~$45,000 | |
| 50th | $50,000 | Median — all income earners |
| 54th | ~$53,500 | Top of 17.5% tax bracket |
| 60th | ~$59,500 | |
| 67th | ~$70,000 | Near employed worker median |
| 70th | ~$73,000 | Top 30% |
| 75th | ~$78,000 | Top of 30% tax bracket |
| 80th | ~$86,000 | Top 20% |
| 83rd | ~$93,000 | 33% bracket entry (~$78,100) well passed |
| 90th | ~$120,000 | Top 10% |
| 95th | ~$175,000 | Top 5% |
| 99th | ~$225,000 | Top 1% |
Source: Stats NZ Labour Market Statistics June 2025; Stats NZ Household Income Statistics year ended June 2025. Percentile thresholds are estimated and represent approximate positions — individual placements may vary slightly.
New Zealand’s income distribution is notably more compressed than Australia’s or Ireland’s. The ratio of the 90th percentile ($120,000) to the median ($50,000) is approximately 2.4 — lower than Australia (~2.7) and Ireland (~2.6). This reflects the combination of a high minimum wage, strong union coverage in some sectors, and the absence of an extreme multinational salary cluster of the kind that distorts Irish income data.
What Is the Median Income in New Zealand?
The median weekly income from all sources for all people in New Zealand was $959 per week — approximately $49,968 per year — in the June 2025 quarter, according to Stats NZ Labour Market Statistics. This is the figure most useful for understanding where the typical New Zealander sits.
However, there are two very different “median income” figures for New Zealand, and it matters which one you use:
| Measure | Value | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Median weekly income, all sources, all people | $959/week (~$50,000/year) | All adults including part-time, benefit recipients, retirees |
| Median weekly wages & salaries, employed workers | $1,380/week (~$71,760/year) | Employed workers 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 |
Source: Stats NZ Labour Market Statistics, June 2025 quarter
The $21,760 gap between the all-earner median ($50,000) and the employed-worker median ($71,760) is large by international standards and reflects several features of New Zealand’s labour market:
- New Zealand has a relatively high rate of part-time employment, particularly among women and workers aged 55+
- NZ Superannuation (the government pension) begins at 65 and pays approximately $25,000–$29,000/year — well below the employed median, pulling down the all-earner figure
- A significant share of working-age adults receive government transfers (jobseeker support, sole parent support) as their primary income
For a full-time worker on a standard employment contract, the $71,760 employed median is the most relevant comparison. For a broader picture of where you sit relative to all New Zealand adults including those not fully employed, the $50,000 all-earner median applies.
Average Salary in New Zealand
The most commonly cited “average salary” in New Zealand refers to the Stats NZ median weekly earnings from wages and salaries, which was $1,380/week (~$71,760/year) in June 2025 for employed workers.
| Measure | Annual Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Median weekly wages & salaries (employed) | ~$71,760 | Stats NZ, June 2025 |
| Median weekly income, all sources, all people | ~$50,000 | Stats NZ, June 2025 |
| Men median weekly wages | ~$78,000 | Stats NZ, June 2025 |
| Women median weekly wages | ~$64,844 | Stats NZ, June 2025 |
| Avg household gross income | $139,111/year | Stats NZ HH income, yr ended June 2025 |
| Avg household disposable income | $108,329/year | Stats NZ HH income, yr ended June 2025 |
For a deeper look at salary by age, region, sector, and gender, see our average salary in New Zealand guide.
Income by Age in New Zealand
Earnings in New Zealand follow a familiar life-cycle pattern, rising sharply from the late teens and peaking in the 45–54 age group before gradually declining as some workers shift to part-time hours or retire.
| Age Group | Median Annual Income | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 15–19 | ~$18,000 | Mostly part-time; median hourly ~$24/hr |
| 20–24 | ~$33,000 | Entry-level full-time; median hourly ~$27.70/hr |
| 25–34 | ~$58,000 | Career growth phase |
| 35–44 | ~$72,000 | Peak earning years begin |
| 45–49 | ~$80,000 | Peak: median hourly ~$40/hr |
| 50–54 | ~$78,000 | Median hourly ~$38.96/hr |
| 55–59 | ~$72,000 | Median hourly ~$38/hr |
| 60–64 | ~$65,000 | Median hourly ~$36.38/hr; some moving part-time |
| 65+ | ~$28,000 | Mostly NZ Super plus part-time work |
Source: Estimated from Stats NZ Labour Market hourly earnings data and HLFS (Household Labour Force Survey), June 2025 quarter
A 28-year-old earning $55,000 is well above the median for their age group and around the 56th percentile nationally. A 50-year-old earning the same $55,000 is below the median for their age cohort, despite being above the 56th percentile for all earners. Age context is important when interpreting your income percentile.
Income by Region in New Zealand
New Zealand’s income distribution is geographically concentrated in Auckland and Wellington, which together house the majority of corporate headquarters, professional services firms, technology companies, and government agencies.
| Region | vs National Median |
|---|---|
| Wellington | +25–30% above national |
| Auckland | +20–25% above national |
| Canterbury (Christchurch) | −2% |
| Nelson/Tasman | −5% |
| Bay of Plenty | −8% |
| Waikato | −10% |
| Hawke’s Bay | −12% |
| Manawatū-Whanganui | −14% |
| Gisborne/Northland | −18% |
Source: Estimated from Stats NZ regional employment data and HLFS; figures are approximate
Wellington’s premium reflects the concentration of central government, public service agencies, and policy roles in the capital — public administration is one of the higher-paying sectors in New Zealand. Auckland’s premium reflects corporate headquarters, finance, technology, and professional services.
However, both cities have housing costs that substantially erode the real purchasing power of the income premium. Average Auckland rents exceeded $600/week for a 3-bedroom property in 2025, meaning a $90,000 salary in Auckland may deliver lower discretionary spending than a $75,000 salary in Christchurch or Hamilton. Regional New Zealand often offers a meaningful quality-of-life advantage for those whose income is competitive locally.
Income by Sector in New Zealand
Sector choice is one of the largest determinants of earnings in New Zealand. The gap between the highest-paying sector (ICT/technology) and the lowest (accommodation and food services) is approximately 2.5× the national median.
| Sector | Estimated Annual 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 (median employed) | ~$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 hourly earnings data by industry, June 2025
Construction and trades are notable for New Zealand’s current labour market: ongoing infrastructure demand, post-cyclone Gabrielle rebuild work in the North Island, and persistent skills shortages in the sector mean trade-qualified workers can earn above the median with relatively short training pathways. The government’s immigration policy has created additional opportunities for skilled workers in construction, health, and technology.
New Zealand Tax System: How Much Do You Take Home?
New Zealand has a relatively simple PAYE (Pay As You Earn) income tax system. There is no separate employee social insurance scheme — the ACC earner levy (approximately 1.67% on earnings up to the earner levy maximum) and KiwiSaver contributions are the primary additional deductions.
2025–26 Income Tax Rates (from 1 April 2025):
| Income Band | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 – $15,600 | 10.5% |
| $15,601 – $53,500 | 17.5% |
| $53,501 – $78,100 | 30% |
| $78,101 – $180,000 | 33% |
| $180,001+ | 39% |
There is no equivalent of a personal tax-free allowance in New Zealand — the 10.5% rate applies from the first dollar. However, the Independent Earner Tax Credit (IETC) of up to $520/year is available to those earning $24,000–$48,000 who do not receive Working for Families tax credits.
Worked Example: $72,000 Salary
| Component | Calculation | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Income tax: 10.5% × $15,600 | First band | $1,638 |
| Income tax: 17.5% × $37,900 ($53,500 − $15,600) | Second band | $6,633 |
| Income tax: 30% × $18,500 ($72,000 − $53,500) | Third band | $5,550 |
| Total income tax | $13,821 | |
| ACC earner levy: 1.67% × $72,000 | $1,202 | |
| KiwiSaver (3% minimum): 3% × $72,000 | $2,160 | |
| Total deductions | $17,183 | |
| Net take-home pay | $54,817/year = $4,568/month |
Note: Your employer also contributes an additional 3% KiwiSaver ($2,160/year) on top of your salary — this goes directly into your KiwiSaver account and does not reduce your take-home pay. This brings the total KiwiSaver savings on this salary to $4,320 per year (plus the government member tax credit of up to $521). See KiwiSaver contribution rates explained for a comparison of what each rate (3%–10%) means for your balance at retirement.
The effective income tax rate on a $72,000 salary is approximately 19.2% — relatively low by international standards. New Zealand’s lack of a payroll tax, no GST on earned income, and relatively simple PAYE system are often cited as advantages for workers compared to the UK or Australia’s more complex arrangements. For a full understanding of your KiwiSaver potential, see our average KiwiSaver balance by age guide. For KiwiSaver provider comparisons, see best KiwiSaver providers NZ 2026 on MoneyBalance — it covers fees, fund performance, and how to switch if your current provider is underperforming.
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, according to Stats NZ. This is the median hourly earnings gap — women earned a median of $34.17/hour versus $36.06/hour for men.
| Metric | Men | Women | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median weekly wages & salaries | $1,500/week (~$78,000/year) | $1,247/week (~$64,844/year) | 16.9% weekly gap |
| Median hourly earnings gap | — | — | 5.2% (hourly) |
The difference between the weekly (16.9%) and hourly (5.2%) gaps reflects the fact that women work fewer hours on average — more women work part-time. When comparing like-for-like on an hourly basis, New Zealand’s gap of 5.2% is now among the lowest in the OECD, which is a significant achievement. For context, Australia’s hourly gap is approximately 13%, the UK’s is around 14%, and the United States’ is approximately 18%.
The remaining 5.2% gap is attributed to occupational segregation (more women in lower-paid care and education roles), the concentration of women in part-time work, and some residual unexplained factors. Pay equity legislation and public sector pay equity settlements (particularly in health and education) contributed to the improvement seen in 2025.
How Does NZ Salary Compare Internationally?
New Zealand salaries in New Zealand dollars look comparable to Australian salaries in Australian dollars at first glance — the employed worker median is approximately $71,760 NZD in both countries. However, the exchange rate currently means NZ$1 ≈ AU$0.91, so the NZD figure is worth approximately AU$65,300 — meaningfully less than Australia’s employed median.
| Country | Approximate Annual Median (Employed Workers) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | NZ$71,760 (~AU$65,300 at current rate) | Stats NZ June 2025 |
| Australia | ~AU$71,760 | ABS data |
| United Kingdom | ~£37,430 (~NZ$80,000 at current rates) | ONS ASHE 2025 |
| United States | ~US$65,000 (~NZ$110,000 at current rates) | BLS 2025 |
This is the primary driver of trans-Tasman migration: many New Zealanders move to Australia for structurally higher wages in the same industries — construction, mining, nursing, teaching — often 20–30% higher in AUD terms. Australia’s higher minimum wage and 12% employer super guarantee also make the total compensation package more attractive.
That said, New Zealand offers counterbalancing advantages: no state income taxes (unlike Australia where state payroll taxes affect total compensation), simpler tax administration, and quality-of-life factors that are difficult to quantify. New Zealand also has no capital gains tax on the sale of most assets, which benefits property and investment income earners considerably.
How to Increase Your Income in New Zealand
New Zealand has a number of structural opportunities for income growth that are worth understanding:
Skills-shortage sectors: Construction, civil engineering, nursing, aged care, ICT, and secondary school teaching all have significant labour shortages. Immigration New Zealand’s Green List identifies roles with pathway-to-residence status — a signal of genuine labour demand.
Trades qualifications: A qualified electrician, plumber, or builder can earn $70,000–$100,000 in New Zealand, with self-employed tradespeople often exceeding $100,000. The training pathway via a Level 4 New Zealand Certificate takes 3–4 years but has strong ROI.
Salary negotiation: New Zealand has a relatively informal workplace culture, and salary negotiation at hire and review time is both expected and accepted. Stats NZ data shows a meaningful earnings premium for workers who proactively negotiate.
IRD scheme for returning NZ tax residents: The Transitional Resident exemption gives returning New Zealanders (or new residents) a 4-year exemption on certain foreign-sourced income — relevant for those moving back to New Zealand with overseas investments or rental income.
Contracting: Many ICT, project management, and professional services roles offer daily contract rates of $800–$1,500 — well above equivalent permanent salary levels when annualised. The tradeoff is no employer KiwiSaver contributions, no paid leave, and income volatility.
Methodology
The income percentile thresholds in this calculator are derived from Stats NZ Labour Market Statistics (June 2025 quarter) and Stats NZ Household Income and Housing Cost Statistics (year ended June 2025). Key anchors used in constructing the percentile distribution:
- Median (50th percentile): $50,000 (all sources, all people, June 2025 — Stats NZ $959/week)
- Employed worker median: $71,760 (~67th–68th percentile in all-earner distribution)
- Tax bracket thresholds: $15,600 / $53,500 / $78,100 / $180,000 used as calibration points
- Top 1% threshold: ~$225,000, consistent with international comparisons and NZ IRD data patterns
- Intermediate percentile values are estimated using log-normal interpolation adjusted for NZ income distribution characteristics
All figures are in New Zealand dollars (NZD). This calculator covers individual income from all sources. It does not adjust for household size, regional cost of living, or after-tax income.
Compare Income Percentiles by Country
Wealthvieu covers income percentile calculators for every major English-speaking country. See how salaries compare globally:
- United States Income Percentile Calculator
- UK Income Percentile Calculator
- Australia Income Percentile Calculator
- Ireland Income Percentile Calculator
- Singapore Income Percentile Calculator
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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