Enter your annual gross income to see where you rank among all New Zealand income earners, based on IRD and Stats NZ income distribution data.
The median NZ individual income is approximately $57,000–$60,000/year. Earning $100,000+ puts you in approximately the top 18–20% of all individual earners. $150,000+ is approximately the top 5%. These figures cover all earners including part-time workers; among full-time employees only, the thresholds are somewhat higher.
Income Percentile Calculator
NZ Income Distribution Table
The table below shows approximately what percentage of New Zealand individual earners (all earners, including part-time) fall below each income level, based on Stats NZ and IRD data for 2024–25.
| Annual Income | Approximate Percentile | Top % of Earners |
|---|---|---|
| $20,000 | ~10th | Top 90% |
| $30,000 | ~19th | Top 81% |
| $40,000 | ~29th | Top 71% |
| $50,000 | ~39th | Top 61% |
| $58,000 | ~50th (median) | Top 50% |
| $70,000 | ~62nd | Top 38% |
| $80,000 | ~70th | Top 30% |
| $100,000 | ~81st | Top 19% |
| $120,000 | ~87th | Top 13% |
| $150,000 | ~93rd | Top 7% |
| $200,000 | ~97th | Top 3% |
Includes all individual earners with any income, including part-time and casual workers. Full-time employee percentiles are higher — see below.
All Earners vs Full-Time Employees
Income percentiles vary significantly depending on whether you compare yourself to:
All individual earners: Includes part-time workers, students, retirees, casual workers — a large group with lower average incomes. The median is ~$58,000.
Full-time employees only: A narrower group. The median weekly earnings for full-time NZ employees are approximately $1,350–$1,400/week (~$70,000–$73,000/year).
If you work full-time, you are already above the “all earner” median simply by working full hours. Context matters — a $75,000 salary puts you in the top 34% of all earners, but only around the 50th–55th percentile among full-time employees.
Auckland vs Rest of NZ
Salary levels and costs of living differ significantly by region:
| Region | Approximate Median Income | Cost of Living vs NZ Average |
|---|---|---|
| Auckland | ~$68,000 | ~15–20% higher |
| Wellington | ~$75,000 | ~10–15% higher |
| Christchurch | ~$63,000 | Broadly average |
| Hamilton | ~$60,000 | Slightly below average |
| Tauranga | ~$62,000 | Slightly above average |
| Dunedin | ~$58,000 | Broadly average |
| Regional NZ | $48,000–$58,000 | Often lower |
Auckland median incomes are higher, but so is the cost of housing, childcare, and transport. A $75,000 salary in Invercargill provides more purchasing power than the same salary in Auckland.
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentile is $100,000 in New Zealand?
Approximately the 81st percentile — meaning $100,000 is higher than roughly 81% of all NZ individual earners. Among full-time employees, it sits closer to the 70th–75th percentile. Approximately 19–20% of all NZ earners earn $100,000 or more per year.
What is the median salary in New Zealand in 2026?
The median individual income (all earners) is approximately $57,000–$60,000/year. The median for full-time employees is higher — approximately $70,000–$73,000/year based on Stats NZ Household Labour Force Survey data. These figures are updated quarterly; check stats.govt.nz for the latest release.
What percentage of New Zealanders earn over $150,000?
Approximately 5–7% of all individual earners receive $150,000 or more per year. Among employed workers aged 25–64, it is closer to 8–10%. Auckland and Wellington have higher concentrations of high earners due to the tech, finance, and public service sectors.
Is $80,000 a good salary in New Zealand?
$80,000 puts you in approximately the top 30% of all NZ earners. For a single person, it provides a comfortable lifestyle outside Auckland and is workable in Auckland with careful budgeting. See the good salary guide for a detailed regional breakdown.
How does NZ income compare internationally?
New Zealand’s median income is broadly similar to Australia (adjusted for cost of living), somewhat below the US and UK, and above most European countries except Scandinavia and Switzerland. High housing costs relative to income are the main source of financial stress for most NZ earners.