New Zealand is one of the world’s stable and expanding economies, with the lowest employment rate at 3.3%. The country has a growing economy at 1.8% and great potential in the job market.
Many cities, like Auckland and Waikato, are well known for providing high paying jobs in New Zealand. However, the healthcare sector is also seeing massive demand in the job market.
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The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has also highlighted New Zealand’s promising job market that welcomes doors for experienced and freshers. This makes it one of the better choices for all aspiring people who want to make a career abroad.
We will discover more about the high paying jobs in New Zealand, across various industries in this blog.
High Paying Jobs in New Zealand: The Scenario
New Zealand is among the most highly developed countries, creating diverse job opportunities yearly. Information technology is the primary industry, contributing 8% of the GDP and 5% of employment.
The healthcare sector (6.5%) is also among the significant contributing forces to the economy and is likely to grow more in the coming days. The reason behind this is the rising number of medical requirements in the country.
Industries like manufacturing (8%), construction (6.3 %), and financial services (5.5%) also contribute to the best jobs in New Zealand.
(Data Source: 2023 data, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), a New Zealand Government department.)
High Paying Jobs in New Zealand: Top Industries
In New Zealand’s mixed economy, various industries contribute more to the job market, offering various opportunities for International citizens. However, specific sectors stand out for their propensity to offer higher salaries and abundant employment prospects.
Below, we present an overview of the top five high paying industries in New Zealand, along with their average salaries:
| Industry | Average Salary (in INR) |
| Healthcare | INR 47 – 55 L |
| IT | INR 44 – 52 L |
| Financial Services | INR 42 – 48 L |
| Manufacturing | INR 40 – 48 L |
| Construction | INR 38 – 45 L |
In New Zealand, these industries offer substantial opportunities for a rewarding career with competitive salaries. You can assess your skills, interests, and goals and then pursue the job roles within these top industries to help you grow faster.
Also See: Cost of Living in New Zealand 2024
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Top High Paying Jobs in New Zealand
New Zealand has experienced labour shortages in various areas, such as healthcare, construction, IT, legal services, etc. They have provided lucrative job opportunities with better salaries to fill this gap. For example, the average dentist salary in New Zealand is around INR 72 – 80 L.
Below are some of the best high paying jobs in New Zealand:
| Jobs | Average Salary |
| Surgeon | INR 90 L – 1.1 Cr |
| Dentist | INR 72 L – 80 L |
| Legal Practitioner | INR 70 L – 78 L |
| Engineering Manager | INR 68 L – 75 L |
| Data Scientist | INR 66 L – 72 L |
| IT Manager | INR 65 L – 70 L |
| Financial Manager | INR 59 L – 64 L |
| Software Developer | INR 48 L – 56 L |
| Building and Construction Manager | INR 45 L – 80 L |
| Marketing Manager | INR 43 L – 52 L |
| Civil Engineer | INR 37 L – 45 L |
Note: The above-provided salary range is based on the average data (in April 2024) received from various sources, such as Glassdoor, Indeed, Seek, and more. The salary might vary over time.
Also Read: Best Country to Migrate from India for 2024
Top Regions With Highest Paying Jobs In NZ
Job salaries in New Zealand vary from location to location. Some cities are highly advanced and grown up, offering better opportunities and salaries. For example, cities like Wellington and Auckland are well known for their jobs and salaries.
On average, the New Zealand salary per month amounts to around 2.5 – 3. 5 L (yearly 30 L – 40 L).
Below is a list of the cities that provide high paying jobs in New Zealand along with their average salary:
| Cities | Average Salary (per annum) |
| Hamilton | INR 55 L – 65 L |
| Auckland | INR 48 L – 56 L |
| Waikato | INR 42 L – 50 L |
| Wellington | INR 38 – 45 L |
| Christchurch | INR 34 – 42 L |
Knowing the city-wise salary data will help you make the right decision and land a good job opportunity in New Zealand.
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High Paying Jobs In New Zealand: Immigration
Now that we know about the job prospects in New Zealand let us understand the legal requirements to fulfil to be eligible to seek jobs in the country. Please note that International citizens must have certain documents before they wish to apply for high paying jobs in New Zealand.
| Documents | Description |
| National Identity Card | You must have a valid national identity card. |
| Passport | An active and original passport is required to enter NZ. |
| Work Visa | Mandatory work visa for all international citizens |
| Proof of Finance | To ensure that you have sufficient funds to manage your stay in NZ. |
Suggested Read: Top Companies in New Zealand for Indians
High Paying Jobs In New Zealand: Work Visa Requirements
To get a visa to seek high paying jobs in New Zealand, you need to fulfil some essential requirements. But before we do that, let’s learn some basic details about the Accredited Employer Work Visa.
Accredited Employer Work Visa Overview:
| Cost | From ND $750 |
| Length of Stay | Up to 5 Years |
| Processing Time | At least 6 weeks |
Now, to apply for the visa, you need to meet specific requirements, which are as follows:
| Requirements | Description |
| Offer Letter | An official offer letter from a registered company. |
| Job Requirements | Job opportunity with an accredited employer, at least 30 hours per week. |
| Salary Threshold | Minimum pay should be at least $29.66/hour. |
| Health Status | Medical Fitness reports might be required for 1+ years of stay. |
Source: New Zealand Immigration Department
You can prepare your above documents beforehand so that you don’t face last-minute challenges. Getting approvals and necessary documentation might take time.
Conclusion
If you are a student/fresher aiming to make a career abroad, then New Zealand can be a better option. But sitting in a faraway won’t give you a lucrative job opportunity. So, what is the best way to do this?
You can look for various full-time and short-duration courses provided by the top universities in New Zealand, like the University of Auckland and the University of Waikato.
These universities will help you seek a high-quality education and get placed in high paying jobs in New Zealand. To learn more about these universities and their future scope, you can speak with our counsellors, who will help you learn about all the career options available in NZ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Which job has the highest salary in New Zealand?
A. New Zealand boasts several high-paying professions, but surgeons and specialists consistently rank near the top. Their average salary is around INR 90 L—1.1 Cr. Some other high paying jobs in New Zealand, like engineering manager, IT manager, and data scientist, can also offer packages of around INR 70 – 90 L.
Q. What is a good salary in New Zealand?
A. The salary package of at least 30 L is a good salary in New Zealand. But it is very personalised and varies from person to person. Some of us might find 30 L as a good salary for a fresher/associate. Still, for experienced professionals, there will be too many commitments, so a salary of 30 L might not be good enough to sustain them.
Q. Which IT job pays the most in New Zealand?
A. In the IT sector, IT Managers usually earn some of the highest salaries in New Zealand, ranging from INR 65 lakhs to INR 70 lakhs annually. This shows that skilled IT leadership is highly sought after in the country’s booming tech industry.
Q. What is the lowest paying job in NZ?
A. It’s hard to identify the single lowest-paying job in New Zealand since salaries can vary. However, generally, roles like retail sales, hospitality (waiters/waitresses), and basic cleaning services tend to offer lower wages. These jobs are often entry-level and are commonly taken by students or those looking for part-time work.
Q. Is it easy to get a job in New Zealand?
A. Getting a job in New Zealand depends on your skills and experience. Jobs in IT, healthcare, and construction are often available, but they can also be competitive. For people coming from abroad, having the right qualifications, work experience, and getting a work visa are important to consider.
Q. Is it expensive to live in New Zealand?
A. In New Zealand, while salaries can be high, living costs can also be higher. Housing, especially in Auckland, can be expensive, with one-bedroom apartments averaging around INR 90 T – 1 L monthly. Other expenses like groceries and transportation add up, too, with estimates suggesting a single person’s monthly expenses could be around 1.5 lakhs.
Q. Which job has the highest salary but less work?
A. Nearly every job with the highest salary comes with too much responsibility and accountability. But yes, some self-professions can pay you a higher salary with more freedom, like photography, design, art, personal trainers, etc. But remember, even these jobs will have responsibilities that must be addressed, but yes, compared to other jobs, these will all be slightly easier.
Q. How many hours of full-time work is there in New Zealand?
A. In New Zealand, full-time work usually means working 40 hours per week, spread across five days. However, this can vary depending on the industry or employer. Some people might work compressed weeks or have flexible schedules. Hours can also be different in certain jobs, like shift work. Overall, though, most full-time jobs follow the standard 40-hour workweek.
Q. Which company pays the highest salary?
A. No single company consistently offers the highest salaries in New Zealand. It varies based on industry, job role, and experience level. However, sectors like construction, consulting & strategy, and ICT often boast high average advertised salaries, as per SEEK data.
Q. What is overtime in New Zealand?
A. In New Zealand, overtime encompasses hours beyond the standard 40-hour workweek. While there’s no legal mandate for overtime pay, many employment agreements specify rates like “time-and-a-half” for overtime hours. These agreements outline how overtime is calculated and compensated, clarifying additional remuneration for extra work hours.
Q. How many hours can you legally work in NZ during a day?
A. In New Zealand, overtime begins after the standard 40-hour workweek. Although there’s no fixed daily cap for overtime, surpassing 12 hours typically mandates breaks and could be governed by regulations. Specific industries may have extra guidelines. Both employers and employees must grasp these regulations to ensure compliance and well-being.
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