New Zealand’s average salary is often discussed but frequently misunderstood. The mean (average) is pulled up by high earners; the median (the income that exactly half of earners exceed) is a more useful benchmark. Here is the full picture for 2025–26.
The median full-time weekly earnings in NZ are approximately $1,350–$1,400/week ($70,200–$72,800/year) as of late 2025. The mean (average) annual income for all individuals is approximately $65,000–$70,000, skewed upward by high earners. The minimum wage is $23.50/hour (April 2026) and the living wage is $27.80/hour (2025).
Key NZ Income Benchmarks (2025–26)
| Benchmark | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage | $23.50/hour | Effective 1 April 2026 |
| Living wage | $27.80/hour | Living Wage Aotearoa NZ |
| Median (all earners) | ~$58,000/year | Stats NZ HES |
| Median (full-time employees) | ~$71,000/year | Stats NZ HLFS |
| Mean (all earners) | ~$68,000/year | Stats NZ |
| Mean (full-time employees) | ~$85,000/year | Stats NZ |
| NZ Super (married couple, after tax) | $26,560/year each | MSD, April 2025 |
Data sources: Stats NZ Household Labour Force Survey (HLFS), Household Economic Survey (HES), Inland Revenue. Figures updated quarterly — check stats.govt.nz for the latest release.
Median vs Mean: Why It Matters
The mean salary is calculated by adding all incomes and dividing by the number of earners. It is distorted by a small number of very high earners — a $5 million executive salary mathematically raises the “average” for everyone.
The median salary is the midpoint: exactly half of earners earn above it and half below. It is a better measure of what a typical New Zealander earns.
For NZ in 2025–26:
- Mean individual income (all earners): ~$68,000
- Median individual income (all earners): ~$58,000
- The gap of ~$10,000 shows the upward skew caused by high earners
Average Salary by NZ Region
Regional incomes vary significantly, driven by industry mix, cost of living, and labour demand:
| Region | Approximate Median | Approximate Mean |
|---|---|---|
| Auckland | $68,000 | $82,000 |
| Wellington | $75,000 | $90,000 |
| Christchurch / Canterbury | $63,000 | $74,000 |
| Hamilton / Waikato | $60,000 | $71,000 |
| Tauranga / Bay of Plenty | $62,000 | $73,000 |
| Dunedin / Otago | $58,000 | $69,000 |
| Hawke’s Bay | $56,000 | $66,000 |
| Nelson / Marlborough | $58,000 | $67,000 |
| Northland | $52,000 | $62,000 |
| Gisborne / Tairāwhiti | $50,000 | $60,000 |
| Southland / Invercargill | $58,000 | $68,000 |
Wellington’s high median reflects the large public service and tech sectors. Auckland’s mean is high but median is dragged down by a large population including many lower-paid service, hospitality, and casual workers.
Average Salary by Age Group
Income typically rises through career development until the mid-50s, then may plateau or decline as some workers move to part-time:
| Age Group | Approximate Median (Full-Time) |
|---|---|
| 20–24 | $48,000 |
| 25–34 | $62,000 |
| 35–44 | $75,000 |
| 45–54 | $78,000 |
| 55–64 | $73,000 |
| 65+ | $55,000 (many part-time) |
Gender Pay Gap in NZ
New Zealand has a persistent gender pay gap. The Stats NZ data for 2024–25 shows:
- Mean hourly earnings gap: approximately 8–9% in favour of men (comparing all earners)
- Like-for-like gap: smaller (3–5%) when comparing same occupation, experience, and hours — but still exists
- Drivers: occupational segregation (women concentrated in lower-paying sectors), more part-time work among women, career breaks for caregiving
The gap is narrowest in government and public service roles, where pay scales are more transparent. It is widest in finance, construction, and technology.
Average Salary by Employment Type
| Employment Type | Approximate Median Annual Income |
|---|---|
| Full-time permanent employees | $71,000 |
| Part-time employees | $28,000 |
| Self-employed / contractors | $60,000 (highly variable) |
| Casual workers | $22,000–$35,000 |
| Government / public service | $72,000 |
| Private sector | $69,000 |
NZ Wage Growth Trends
Wages in New Zealand grew strongly through 2021–2023 driven by labour shortages and minimum wage increases. Since 2024, growth has moderated:
- 2021: Wage growth ~5.1%
- 2022: Wage growth ~6.4% (near-record)
- 2023: Wage growth ~6.7%
- 2024: Wage growth ~3.2% (moderation as labour market loosened)
- 2025: Wage growth ~3.0% (broadly in line with CPI)
Real wage growth (after inflation) has been modest. Many workers have seen living standards squeezed despite nominal wage increases, particularly in Auckland where housing costs have risen faster than incomes.
How Does NZ Compare Internationally?
In purchasing power parity (PPP) terms, NZ average incomes are broadly comparable to:
- Australia: NZ earns approximately 15–20% less on average, though the gap has narrowed. Australian minimum wage ($27.23 AUD/hour vs NZ $23.15 NZD/hour) — similar in NZD terms.
- United Kingdom: NZ incomes comparable or slightly below, with lower housing costs outside major cities.
- United States: US mean income significantly higher, but inequality is also higher. NZ’s median is broadly comparable to many US states outside major cities.
The main challenge for NZ workers is the housing cost relative to income, which is among the highest in the world on a price-to-income ratio.
Average Salary by Occupation in NZ (2025–26)
Salary varies enormously by occupation. The following ranges represent typical full-time NZ salaries across key industries:
Healthcare
| Role | Annual salary range |
|---|---|
| GP / General Practitioner | $180,000–$280,000 |
| Specialist / Consultant | $220,000–$400,000+ |
| Registered Nurse | $58,000–$95,000 |
| Midwife | $68,000–$95,000 |
| Physiotherapist | $60,000–$95,000 |
| Pharmacist | $80,000–$120,000 |
| Radiographer | $65,000–$95,000 |
Technology
| Role | Annual salary range |
|---|---|
| Software Engineer (mid-level) | $90,000–$140,000 |
| Senior Software Engineer | $120,000–$175,000 |
| Data Scientist | $90,000–$140,000 |
| DevOps / Cloud Engineer | $95,000–$145,000 |
| Cybersecurity Analyst | $85,000–$135,000 |
| Product Manager | $95,000–$145,000 |
| UX Designer | $75,000–$115,000 |
Trades and Construction
| Role | Annual salary range |
|---|---|
| Electrician (qualified) | $65,000–$95,000 |
| Plumber (qualified) | $65,000–$95,000 |
| Carpenter | $60,000–$85,000 |
| Project Manager (construction) | $90,000–$140,000 |
| Site Supervisor | $80,000–$120,000 |
Finance and Business
| Role | Annual salary range |
|---|---|
| Accountant (junior) | $55,000–$75,000 |
| Accountant (CA qualified) | $75,000–$120,000 |
| Financial Analyst | $70,000–$110,000 |
| HR Manager | $80,000–$120,000 |
| Marketing Manager | $75,000–$115,000 |
| Lawyer (junior) | $65,000–$90,000 |
| Lawyer (senior) | $120,000–$250,000+ |
Education
| Role | Annual salary range |
|---|---|
| Primary school teacher (starting) | $50,000–$62,000 |
| Primary school teacher (experienced) | $70,000–$90,000 |
| Secondary school teacher | $55,000–$95,000 |
| Principal (secondary) | $100,000–$160,000+ |
| Early childhood teacher | $45,000–$65,000 |
| University lecturer | $80,000–$130,000 |
Public Sector
| Role | Annual salary range |
|---|---|
| Policy analyst | $65,000–$100,000 |
| Senior policy analyst | $95,000–$130,000 |
| Public service manager | $100,000–$160,000 |
| Police constable | $62,000–$82,000 |
| Fire Service officer | $60,000–$90,000 |
Ranges are indicative based on recruitment market data and Stats NZ occupational data. Actual salaries vary by experience, employer, and location.
Is Your Salary Above or Below Average?
Use the following benchmarks to position your income:
| Salary | Position in NZ income distribution |
|---|---|
| Under $30,000 | Bottom 20% of individual earners |
| $30,000–$45,000 | Bottom 20–35% |
| $45,000–$58,000 | Around the median (50th percentile) |
| $58,000–$80,000 | 50th–70th percentile |
| $80,000–$100,000 | 70th–80th percentile |
| $100,000–$140,000 | 80th–90th percentile |
| $140,000+ | Top 10% of individual earners |
| $200,000+ | Top 2–3% of individual earners |
For a personalised calculation, use our income percentile calculator.
What New Immigrants Earn vs Established Workers
New migrants to NZ typically experience a wage penalty of 15–30% relative to equivalently qualified NZ-born workers in their first 3–5 years:
- Recognition of overseas qualifications can take 1–3 years in regulated professions
- Network effects — NZ hiring is relationship-heavy; newcomers lack local networks
- English language fluency (for some migrants) can limit initial roles
After 5–10 years, most migrants with relevant qualifications close much of the gap. The fastest wage catch-up occurs in technology, healthcare, and trades where qualifications translate directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary in New Zealand in 2026?
The mean annual income for all individual NZ earners is approximately $65,000–$70,000. The median (the more representative figure) is approximately $57,000–$60,000 for all earners, or approximately $70,000–$73,000 for full-time employees. Check stats.govt.nz for the latest quarterly figures.
What is the median household income in NZ?
Median household income (combining all earners in a household) is approximately $105,000–$115,000/year. This reflects the fact that many households have two income earners. The median equivalised household income (adjusted for household size) is lower.
Is $80,000 a good salary in NZ in 2026?
$80,000 is above the median and places you in approximately the top 30% of individual earners. It provides a comfortable lifestyle in most NZ regions outside Auckland. In Auckland, $80,000 is workable but tight for homeownership given house prices. See good salary in NZ for a city-by-city analysis.
How much does the minimum wage increase affect average wages?
Minimum wage increases in NZ have a meaningful impact because a significant proportion of NZ workers earn at or near the minimum. The April 2026 increase to $23.50/hour flows through to the lower end of the wage distribution. Each 5% minimum wage increase typically adds 0.5–1.0% to overall average wages nationally.
How do Stats NZ report average wages?
Stats NZ publishes labour market statistics quarterly through the Household Labour Force Survey (HLFS) and annually through the Household Economic Survey (HES). Key measures include median weekly earnings, mean weekly earnings, and hourly rates by industry and occupation. Data is available at stats.govt.nz.