Balancing passion with practicality is essential, especially when choosing a study destination. The good news? New Zealand is more than just a breathtaking destination and hobbit holes. It’s also home to various industries with impressive earning potential.
And with an 85% student visa approval rate as of August 2024, your dream of studying and earning here is more within reach than you might think! But before you pack your bags, it is time to understand the breakdown of the average salary in New Zealand across different industries.
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From tech to healthcare, understanding what each sector pays could help you plan your future. Dive in!
Key Highlights
The table below outlines the key highlights of the average salary in New Zealand, which you will learn about in greater detail.
| Highlight | Details |
| Average Salary in New Zealand | INR 27.4L (NZD 53K) per year |
| Top Industries | IT, Healthcare, Engineering |
| Top Factors Affecting Average Salary in New Zealand | Experience, Location, Age |
| Top Universities with Best Average Salaries | The University of Auckland, University of Otago, University of Waikato |
| Top Recruiters | Xero, Fonterra, ANZ Bank |
| Post-Study Work Visa Application Fee | Online: INR 36.3K (NZD 700) |
| Paper: INR 32.4K to INR 44.6K (NZD 625 to NZD 860) | |
| Top High-Paying Part-Time Jobs | Tutor, Delivery driver, Barista |
| Cost of Living | INR 88.2K (NZD 1.7K) per month without rent |
Average Salary in New Zealand by Industry
With an average salary of INR 27.4L (NZD 53K) per year, New Zealand could be your golden ticket to a slightly more luxurious lifestyle, like a couch, not from a second-hand store.
And here’s some good news to calm those post-graduation job fears. As of August 2024, New Zealand’s employment rate was a solid 68.4%. So, while you may still rely on caffeine and late-night study sessions, at least you can count on landing a decent job when you’re done.
Now, dive into the top industries that offer the highest average wage in New Zealand.
- Information Technology (IT)
Information Technology (IT) is the magic behind everything from smartphones to self-driven cars. In fact, New Zealand’s ICT market hit an impressive US$12.77 billion in 2023, proof that tech is the way of the future.
Here are the top job roles with the average salary in New Zealand for this field.
| Job Role | Average Annual Salary |
| Cloud Architect | INR 85L (NZD 163.6K) |
| DevOps Engineer | INR 59.7L (NZD 115K) |
| Data Scientist | INR 59.1L (NZD 113.8K) |
- Healthcare
Healthcare is the heart of any society, keeping communities healthy and thriving.
The healthcare and social assistance industry in New Zealand is valued at a whopping NZD 18 billion. It offers countless opportunities and a great average salary in New Zealand for healthcare professionals!
Here are the top job roles with the average salary in New Zealand for this field.
| Job Role | Average Annual Salary |
| Orthodontist | INR 1.2Cr (NZD 240K) |
| Physician | INR 1Cr (NZD 204.4K) |
| Surgeon | INR 1Cr (NZD 204.4K) |
- Engineering
Engineering is the backbone of innovation, building everything from bridges to cutting-edge technology. In New Zealand, an impressive 77,000 engineers, about 3% of the workforce, are powering the country’s progress, according to PwC.
With that, it’s time to check out the top job roles with the average salary in New Zealand for this field.
| Job Role | Average Annual Salary |
| Software Engineer | INR 57.1L (NZD 110K) |
| Engineering Manager | INR 52L (NZD 100K) |
| Systems Engineer | INR 49.5L (NZD 95.3K) |
- Finance
Finance drives the engine of New Zealand’s economy, supporting everything from startups to major corporations. As of June 30, 2024, the country is home to 731,314 registered companies, all relying on sound financial strategies to thrive.
Here are the top job roles with the average salary in New Zealand for this field.
| Job Role | Average Annual Salary |
| Finance Manager | INR 65L (NZD 125K) |
| Investments Manager | INR 63.6L (NZD 122.5K) |
| Financial Advisor | INR 49L (NZD 94.2K) |
- Construction and Property Development
Construction and property development is booming in New Zealand, shaping the skyline and transforming communities. With the real estate market hitting a staggering US$0.89 trillion this year, it’s an exciting time to build and invest.
Here are the top job roles with the average salary in New Zealand for this field.
| Job Role | Average Annual Salary |
| Construction Project Manager | INR 69.6L (NZD 134K) |
| Real Estate Agent | INR 69.3L (NZD 133.4K) |
| Quantity Surveyor | INR 52L (NZD 100K) |
Highest Paying Jobs in New Zealand
Average earnings in New Zealand are on the rise, and knowing which paths lead to the highest-paying jobs can make all the difference.
Plus, while you’re exploring your options, don’t forget to enjoy unique Kiwi traditions like the annual Pancake Day, where communities gather to flip pancakes in a fun competition. Because who doesn’t love a delicious reward for hard work?
Now, dive into the top high-paying jobs!
| Job Role | Average Monthly Salary |
| Marketing Manager | INR 50L to INR 1.2Cr (NZD 96K to NZD 230K) |
| Building and Construction Manager | INR 47.8L to INR 1.1Cr (NZD 92K to NZD 224K) |
| Information Technology Architect | INR 72.7L to INR 1.04Cr (NZD 140K to NZD 200K) |
| Procurement Manager | INR 35.8L to INR 1Cr (NZD 69K to NZD 196K) |
| Information Technology Manager | INR 57.1L to INR 93.4L (NZD 110K to NZD 180K) |
Also Read: Jobs in New Zealand for Indians 2025: High Salary Jobs, Top Companies.
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Factors Affecting Average Salary in New Zealand
With New Zealand ranking 10th worldwide for quality of life by US News Report, you’re in for a treat! But when it comes to the average salary in New Zealand, a few factors decide whether you’ll be splurging on good food or sticking to instant noodles.
It’s time to break down what influences those salary figures.
- Experience
Experience is like fine wine. It gets better (and often more expensive) with age! The average salary in New Zealand is based on experience, with seasoned professionals raking in the dough while newcomers are still trying to figure out which end of the stapler is which.
Check out the difference in the average salary in New Zealand based on experience.
| Experience Level Role | Approximate Salary in New Zealand |
| Supervised Junior Doctor | INR 33.2L to INR 75.2L (NZD 64K to NZD 145K) |
| Trainee Physicians | INR 41.5K to INR 1Cr (NZD 80K to NZD 205K) |
| Qualified Physicians | INR 88.2L to INR 1.3Cr (NZD 170K to NZD 251K) |
- Location
Salaries vary like the weather. One minute, it’s sunny with a high average salary in Auckland New Zealand. The next, it’s chilly in the countryside, where your paycheck might be slightly leaner.
Take a lighthearted look at how location influences the average salary in New Zealand.
| Location | Average Yearly Salary |
| Auckland | INR 41.5L (NZD 80K) |
| Wellington | INR 39.5L (NZD 76K) |
| Waikato | INR 37.4L (NZD 72K) |
| Otago | INR 37.4L (NZD 72K) |
| Christchurch | INR 36.8L (NZD 71K) |
- Age
In New Zealand, salaries vary significantly with age, reflecting experience (or a few extra grey hair). Explore how the average salary in New Zealand shifts as you celebrate those birthdays.
| Wage Type (Age Group) | New Zealand Average Salary Per Hour |
| Adult Minimum Wage (18 years and over) | INR 1.1K (NZD 21.2) |
| Starting-Out Wage (16 to 19 years) | INR 882 (NZD 17) |
| Training Minimum Wage (20 years and over) | INR 882 (NZD 17) |
Note: The starting-out and training minimum wage is based on a full-time employee working 40 hours per week.
- Gender
The average salary in New Zealand often tells a tale, with gender playing a significant role in those numbers. Males usually earn more than their female counterparts.
Dive into how salaries differ by gender.
| Gender | Average Annual Salary |
| Male | INR 52.8L (NZD 101.7K) |
| Female | INR 49L (NZD 94.5K) |
Top Recruiters Paying a High Average Salary in New Zealand
Some top recruiters offer a high New Zealand average salary per month that’ll make your bank account as happy as a sheep in a grassy meadow. Ready to see who’s dishing out the big bucks?
Check out the table below for a breakdown of the top recruiters’ salaries.
| Top Recruiters | Job Role | Approximate Annual Salary in New Zealand |
| Xero | Software Engineer | INR 49L to INR 60.2L (NZD 94K to NZD 116K) |
| Fonterra | Business Analyst | INR 40L to INR 73.7L (NZD 77K to NZD 110K) |
| ANZ Bank | Relationships Manager | INR 58L to INR 73.7L (NZD 110K to 142K) |
| Fisher & Paykel Healthcare | Process Development Engineer | INR 34.7L to INR 41.5L (NZD 67K to 80K) |
| Air New Zealand | Senior Software Engineer | INR 52L to INR 65L (NZD 100K to NZD 125K) |
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Top Universities with Best Average Salary in New Zealand
With over 69,000 international students flocking to the country each year, it’s clear that this little corner of the globe is a serious player in the education game.
But you’re probably curious about one thing.The average salary in New Zealand after you toss that graduation cap in the air.
Here are the top 5 universities according to the QS Rankings 2025, with average fees and salaries.
| Top Universities | Approximate Annual Fees | Approximate Annual Salary |
| The University of Auckland (65) | INR 19.1L to INR 27.5L (NZD 36.8K to NZD 53.1K) | INR 31.1L (NZD 60K) |
| University of Otago (214) | INR 19L (NZD 36.6K) | INR 28.5L to INR 39L (NZD 55K to NZD 75K) |
| University of Waikato (235) | INR 15.2L to INR 20L (NZD 29.4K to NZD 38.3K) | INR 31.1L to INR 35.8L (NZD 60K to NZD 69K) |
| Massey University (239) | INR 4.1L to INR 7L (NZD 8K to 13.6K) | INR 26.4L to INR 31.1L (NZD 51K to NZD 60K) |
| Victoria University of Wellington (244) | INR 16.4L to INR 23.4L (NZD 31.7K to NZD 45.2K) | INR 53L (NZD 102K) |
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Average Salary in New Zealand vs India
Spoiler alert! It’s not just the weather that’s different between these two countries. Check out the numbers and see how the monthly salary in New Zealand vs India measures up, with the example of one top job role.
| Country | Average Monthly Salary of a Physician |
| New Zealand | INR 8.8L (NZD 17K) |
| India | INR 45.8K (NZD 883) |
From this, you’ll see that the average monthly salary in New Zealand for a physician is 1,820% higher than in India. Now, it’s time to look at the work visas to earn that salary in New Zealand.
Post-Study Work Visa in New Zealand
The Post-Study Work Visa in New Zealand is like your golden ticket to stick around and finally put that hard-earned degree to use. It’s your chance to trade those lecture halls for real-world experience and maybe even upgrade your diet while you’re at it.
Here are some essential details you should know about.
| Particular | Details |
| Application Fee | Online: INR 36.3K (NZD 700) |
| Paper: INR 32.4K to INR 44.6K (NZD 625 to NZD 860) | |
| Processing Time | 38 days |
| Stay Period | Up to 3 years |
| Major Eligibility | Good health, Have sufficient funds, Valid visa |
Top High-Paying Part-Time Jobs for Students in New Zealand
“Opportunities don’t happen, you create them.” – Chris Grosser. And what better way to create opportunities than by snagging a high-paying part-time gig while studying in New Zealand?
You can work up to 20 hours a week during the semester and full-time on vacation. Your course must be at least two or one year as part of an approved exchange scheme.
But what work can you do that pays well, too? Check out the top jobs.
| Job Title | New Zealand Average Salary Per Month |
| Tutor | INR 3L (NZD 5.9K) |
| Delivery Driver | INR 2.2L (NZD 4.2K) |
| Barista | INR 2.1L (NZD 3.9K) |
| Hospitality Staff | INR 2L (NZD 3.8K) |
| Retail Assistant | INR 1.9L (NZD 3.7K) |
How to Find Jobs in New Zealand?
Don’t worry. Finding the right gig doesn’t have to be as tricky as pronouncing Whakatāne (a town in the Bay of Plenty)!
Dive into some tips that’ll make your job search smoother than a flat white.
- Use Job Portals: Use sites like Seek for IT roles, Trade Me Jobs for retail, and Indeed for hospitality positions.
- Network Locally: Attend local tech meetups or business events and connect with professionals on LinkedIn for potential opportunities.
- Visit Company Websites: Check Xero’s career page for tech jobs, Fonterra for agricultural roles, and ANZ Bank for finance-related positions.
- Use Recruitment Agencies: Agencies like Hays for construction roles or Randstad for healthcare jobs can match you with employers.
- Tailor Your CV: Adapt your CV for roles like marketing at startups or engineering positions in established firms.
- Apply for Part-Time or Internship Roles: Start with part-time gigs in retail or internships at local tech firms, which can lead to full-time offers.
- Check Government Resources: Explore Careers.govt.nz for advice on finding roles in education or government sectors in New Zealand.
Cost of Living in New Zealand
The average cost of living in New Zealand is INR 88.2K (NZD 1.7K) per month without rent. With that, understand the breakdown of other essential expenses to help you budget better while you earn.
| Particulars | Average Cost |
| One Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | INR 1.3K (NZD 25) |
| Milk 1 liter | INR 155 (NZD 3) |
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | INR 207 (NZD 4) |
| Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data | INR 3K (NZD 59) |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | INR 93.3K (NZD 1.8K) per month |
Also Read: A Guide on Cost of Living in New Zealand 2024.
Conclusion
New Zealand offers you not only a solid education but also a sweet paycheck to match!
If you graduate from the University of Auckland, you could be pulling in an average salary of INR 31.1L (NZD 60K) annually. And while you’re busy launching your career, you can join in on the quirky Gumboot Day tradition. Yes, people literally throw gumboots (rubber boots) for fun!
Ready to earn that high average salary in New Zealand? So, as the Kiwis say, “Kia kaha”! Stay strong and make the most of your adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q. What is the average salary in New Zealand for fresh graduates?
A. For fresh graduates, the average salary in New Zealand typically starts around INR 27.4L (NZD 53K) per year. However, this can vary depending on the industry you enter and your level of experience. Salaries tend to increase as you gain more skills and expertise in your field.
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Q. How does the average wage in New Zealand compare across industries?
A. The average wage in New Zealand varies widely across industries. For example, tech and healthcare sectors tend to offer higher salaries, with roles like Cloud Architects and Physicians earning significantly more than entry-level positions in retail or hospitality.
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Q. What is the average monthly salary in New Zealand for IT professionals?
A. In the IT industry, the average monthly salary in New Zealand can reach INR 4.75L (NZD 9.1K) for roles like DevOps Engineers. Senior positions, such as Cloud Architects, can earn even higher. Tech professionals are in high demand, which contributes to the strong salaries.
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Q. Which city offers the highest average salary in New Zealand?
A. Auckland is known for offering the highest average salary in New Zealand, with annual earnings of around INR 41.5L (NZD 80K). It’s a popular city for tech, finance, and professional services. Wellington and Christchurch are also top contenders for high-paying jobs.
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Q. How much can healthcare professionals expect to earn in New Zealand?
A. Healthcare professionals, especially doctors, earn some of the highest salaries in the country. The average earnings in New Zealand for a physician are around INR 1Cr (NZD 204.4K) annually. This sector is crucial, with high demand and competitive pay.
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Q. What’s the New Zealand average salary per hour?
A. The New Zealand average salary per hour varies based on the industry and role. For example, the adult minimum wage is NZD 21.2 per hour, while more specialised roles can offer significantly higher hourly rates. Highly skilled jobs can pay up to NZD 70 per hour or more.
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Q. How does location affect the average salary in New Zealand?
A. Location plays a big role in determining salaries. For instance, the average salary in Auckland New Zealand is higher than in regions like Otago or Waikato, due to Auckland’s position as a business and tech hub. Regional areas may offer lower wages but often come with a lower cost of living.
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Q. What’s the average monthly salary in New Zealand for finance professionals?
A. Finance professionals can expect an average monthly salary in New Zealand of around INR 5.42L (NZD 10.4K), with roles like Finance Managers being well-compensated for their expertise. Careers in finance are stable and offer growth opportunities across various sectors.
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Q. What are the highest-paying industries for the average salary in New Zealand?
A. The highest-paying industries in New Zealand include healthcare, IT, and engineering. For example, Orthodontists earn an average of INR 1.2Cr (NZD 240K) per year, while Cloud Architects in IT earn INR 85L (NZD 163.6K) annually. These industries consistently offer top salaries due to the high demand for specialised skills.
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Q. How does experience affect the average earnings in New Zealand?
A. Experience greatly impacts the average earnings in New Zealand. As you gain more experience, your earning potential increases significantly. Senior professionals in fields like healthcare and IT can command much higher salaries than entry-level positions. Experience also opens doors to leadership and management roles.
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Q. What is the average salary in New Zealand after graduating from top universities?
A. Graduates from top universities like The University of Auckland can expect an average salary in New Zealand of INR 31.1L (NZD 60K) annually, especially in high-demand sectors like IT and engineering. Graduates from well-ranked institutions often find it easier to land high-paying jobs.
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