Salary in New Zealand
Thinking about moving to New Zealand for work, study, or long-term residency?Understanding salary levels is one of the most important steps before making a relocation decision.
Salary Guide in New Zealand
This guide helps international professionals and students explore:
- Typical salaries by industry and role
- Minimum wage and income standards
- Cost of living vs salary reality
- Visa salary thresholds (Green List, AEWV, SMC)
- Whether New Zealand is financially worth relocating to
So you can plan your career move with clarity, not uncertainty.
Why Are Salaries in New Zealand Attractive to Overseas Talent?
New Zealand offers:
- Strong demand for skilled professionals
- Transparent pay structures
- Fair labor laws and worker protection
- Clear migration-linked salary thresholds
- A balanced lifestyle with long-term residency pathways
For many migrants, New Zealand provides stable income, a safe living environment, and a clear path from work to residency.
What Is the Average Salary in New Zealand?
Skilled roles in IT, healthcare, engineering, construction, and finance often exceed the median and meet migration salary thresholds.
What Is the Minimum Wage in New Zealand?
National Minimum Wage 2026
This applies to:
- International students
- Working holiday visa holders
- Entry-level overseas workers
Cost of Living& Relocation Guide
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Highest Paying Jobs in New Zealand (By Industry)
IT & Tech
Software Engineer: $85k – $140k
Data Engineer: $95k – $160k
Cloud Architect: $120k – $180k
Healthcare
Registered Nurse: $70k – $110k
GP: $160k – $300k+
Physiotherapist: $75k – $120k
Engineering & Construction
Civil Engineer: $85k – $130k
Project Manager: $100k – $160k
Quantity Surveyor: $90k – $140k
Finance & Accounting
Accountant: $65k – $110k
Finance Manager: $120k – $180k
Trades (Green List & Shortage)
Electrician: $75k – $120k
Plumber: $70k – $115k
Construction Supervisor: $90k – $140k
Salaries by City in New Zealand
Can International Students Earn Enough in New Zealand?
Typical student pay: NZD $23–30/hour
Graduate starting salary: NZD $55k–$75k
Many students transition into:
- Green List occupations
- Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) roles
- Skilled Migrant Category pathways
How Salary Affects New Zealand Work Visas
Salary directly impacts:
- Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
- Green List (Straight to Residence & Work to Residence)
- Skilled Migrant Category (SMC)
- Residence salary thresholds
Most residence-linked roles must meet or exceed the New Zealand median wage or industry-specific thresholds.
Your salary determines:
✔ Visa eligibility
✔ Sponsorship approval
✔ Residency speed
✔ Long-term settlement success
Browse All New Zealand Work Visas
Is New Zealand Financially Worth Relocating?
Before moving, overseas talent should evaluate:
- Will my salary meet visa thresholds?
- Can I afford rent, tax, and daily costs?
- Does my role lead to residency?
- Is long-term career growth strong in NZ?
How BRIGENAI Supports Your Salary, Tax & Visa Planning
BRIGENAI helps you connect salary with:
- Relocation-ready jobs
- Visa pathways (Green List, AEWV, SMC)
- Local tax advisors and accountants
- Career and migration strategy
So you don’t just find a job —
you plan a financially safe, visa-compliant, long-term relocation.
At BRIGENAI, our platform connects you with:
- Australian tax advisors
- Qualified accountants
- Career and visa pathway experts
- Relocation-ready employers
All in one career-first relocation ecosystem.
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