This page sets out what Stats NZ and Inland Revenue publish about incomes in Dunedin (Ōtepoti).
In the 2023 Census, the median personal income of adults in Dunedin City was $33,500, against $41,500 for New Zealand. No official source publishes a wage and salary distribution for one city; nationally, the median wage or salary income was $61,958 for the year ended 31 March 2026.
Dunedin City in the 2023 Census
| Measure (Stats NZ) | Dunedin City | New Zealand |
|---|---|---|
| Median personal income of adults (2023 Census) | $33,500 | $41,500 |
| Median weekly rent paid by households (2023 Census) | $400 | $450 |
| Households who own their home or hold it in a family trust (2023 Census) | 68.2% | 66% |
| Estimated population at 30 June 2025 | 132,800 | 5,324,700 |
The Census measure is total personal income: the before-tax income a person received in the 12 months ended 31 March 2023, for people aged 15 and over who live in the area. It covers everyone aged 15 and over, not only people in paid work, so it is not comparable with a median salary.
Census rents are from March 2023. For current rents and living costs, see the cost of living guides.
Where Your Salary Ranks Nationally
Inland Revenue’s wage and salary distribution counts the wage and salary earners in the year ended 31 March 2026. It is published for New Zealand as a whole, not by city, so the ranking below is national.
| Annual wage or salary (before tax) | Higher than this share of NZ wage and salary earners |
|---|---|
| $30,000 | 27% |
| $45,000 | 36% |
| $60,000 | 48% |
| $75,000 | 62% |
| $90,000 | 73% |
| $100,000 | 78% |
| $120,000 | 86% |
| $150,000 | 93% |
| $200,000 | 97% |
For your own figure, use the income percentile calculator.
Take-Home Pay at Common Salaries
Take-home pay after PAYE and the ACC earners’ levy for the 2026–27 tax year, before any KiwiSaver contributions or student loan repayments.
| Salary | Take-home a year | Take-home a week |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $41,467 | $797 |
| $65,000 | $52,142 | $1,003 |
| $80,000 | $62,323 | $1,199 |
| $100,000 | $75,373 | $1,449 |
| $120,000 | $88,423 | $1,700 |
| $150,000 | $107,998 | $2,077 |
The salary calculator adds KiwiSaver and student loan deductions.
Pay by Occupation
Tahatū Career Navigator publishes pay ranges by occupation for New Zealand as a whole, not by city. See salary ranges by occupation.
Students in Dunedin
See the student finances guide for detail. Student Allowance is income tested; from 1 April 2026 it is up to $286.35 a week after tax if living at home and $333.38 if living away from home (StudyLink).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median income in Dunedin?
In the 2023 Census, the median personal income of adults in Dunedin City was $33,500 (New Zealand: $41,500). This is before-tax income from the 12 months ended 31 March 2023 for everyone aged 15 and over, so it is not a median salary.
Is $70,000 a good salary in Dunedin?
Nationally, $70,000 is more than about 58% of wage and salary earners received in the year ended 31 March 2026. After PAYE and the ACC earners’ levy, it leaves about $55,555 a year in 2026–27. For local living costs, see the cost of living guides.
Does the University of Otago pay well?
Tahatū Career Navigator gives $106,000 to $128,000 as the most common yearly pay range for tertiary lecturers, a group that includes university and senior lecturers.