When deciding on a career (or pivoting to a new career) a huge motivating factor is salary. Of course, you already knew that! That’s why you’re here!
In this guide, we’ll discuss what jobs have the best pay as well as other important factors to consider when choosing a job, what you can do to get better pay, and predictions for New Zealand’s 2025 job market.
Where Are The Best Jobs in New Zealand?
In a general sense, there are two ways to begin scoping out the highest-paying jobs. You can compare salaries within an industry, based on what you want to do, and/or you can look at a particular area.
The same job might pay a lot more in a different city than the one you’re currently in. So, if you’re only thinking about the money, choose which factor is more important to you and research accordingly.
The Industry with the Highest Paying Jobs
Obviously, there are some industries with more opportunities to earn a high salary than others. The rank of these industries will likely not surprise you.
According to TradeMe, the top 7 highest paying industries in New Zealand are:
- IT
- Construction & Roading
- Executive & General Management
- Engineering
- Accounting
- Architecture
- Marketing, Media & Communications
This chart shows the low, average, and high range of yearly salaries in thousands of NZ$ per year for the highest-paying industries.
| Industry | Low Salary (NZD) | Average Salary (NZD) | High Salary (NZD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Information Technology (IT) | $80,000 | $130,000 | $200,000+ |
| Construction & Roading | $75,000 | $120,000 | $180,000+ |
| Executive & General Management | $90,000 | $150,000 | $300,000+ |
| Engineering | $70,000 | $110,000 | $170,000+ |
| Accounting | $65,000 | $105,000 | $160,000+ |
| Architecture | $60,000 | $95,000 | $140,000+ |
| Marketing, Media & Communications | $65,000 | $100,000 | $150,000+ |
The Region with the Highest Paying Jobs
Another way to evaluate career prospects is by location. If you want to experience a specific city, you can see what jobs pay well there and choose a career based on that. Otherwise, you can choose a career and move to a city that has higher average salaries.
It’s all about what you want to do in life!
| City | Average Salary (NZD) |
|---|---|
| Auckland | $100,000 |
| Wellington | $98,000 |
| Christchurch | $90,000 |
| Hamilton | $85,000 |
| Tauranga | $83,000 |
| Dunedin | $80,000 |
What Else to Consider Besides Pay
There are many other aspects of a job or industry to consider before diving in. Each job seeker's list of priorities is unique, so evaluate your wants and needs and weigh them according to your own scale as you decide on a career path to pursue.
Cost of Living
If you move to a well-paying city, there’s a good chance that the cost of living is also inflated, meaning your paycheck might only go just as far as someone else earning less in a cheaper city.
Compare the costs of things like housing, groceries, services (like haircuts and plumbers), transportation, and activities (restaurants, movies, etc) to get a better idea of what life in this city will cost you versus the money you’ll be bringing in.
Benefits
Carefully inspect the benefits offered by the companies and industries you’re considering. Some will go above and beyond, and some will give the bare minimum. Perhaps they offer more paid leave than the minimum required or have attractive health insurance plans that you can join.
Also, some jobs have built-in perks, like complimentary coffee in the break room, discounts on products or services provided by the company, company outings, or even visiting massage therapists!
Work/Life Balance
Is it important to you to be able to spend a lot of time away from work, doing other things? If so, a demanding role isn’t right for you. Sure, we all see the pay that a neurosurgeon brings home, but not all of us can complete all the schooling and gruelling training required to get there.
Make sure you consider what kind of life you want to have while you’re in the position. Also, keep in mind that some careers start out demanding and get more relaxed as you get promoted, and some are the opposite.
Opportunities
What kinds of opportunities does your prospective career present? Can you transfer to a different career with the skills you learn, if you so desire?
If you’re fortunate, you will be happy working in the same industry for the rest of your life. But if you decide that a career change is what you need, you’ll want to have transferable skills.
Being able to network while you’re in the company is also a great move! It’s much easier to pivot your career path within the same industry when you already know a lot of people who can help you move into a different job title.
Fulfilment and Value Alignment
How important is it for your job to align with your values and be a source of personal fulfilment? What kind of experience do you want to have at work?
Some people have jobs they really don’t like much, but they find great fulfilment in what they do outside of work, and vice versa.
Also, some people don’t mind working in a role that doesn’t really align with their beliefs, while others simply cannot do that.
Decide what’s important for you and make sure your choice won’t make you miserable in the long run!
The Highest Paying Jobs in New Zealand
So, what are the most lucrative jobs for you to consider?
Here are the top 15 highest-paying jobs in New Zealand:
| Rank | Job Title | Average Salary (NZD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | CEO/Managing Director | $250,000+ |
| 2 | Surgeon | $200,000+ |
| 3 | Anaesthesiologist | $180,000+ |
| 4 | IT Manager | $150,000+ |
| 5 | Judge | $145,000+ |
| 6 | Construction Manager | $130,000+ |
| 7 | Financial Controller | $125,000+ |
| 8 | Engineering Manager | $120,000+ |
| 9 | Marketing Director | $115,000+ |
| 10 | Legal Partner | $110,000+ |
| 11 | Pilot | $105,000+ |
| 12 | Pathologist | $100,000+ |
| 13 | Software Engineer | $95,000+ |
| 14 | Procurement Manager | $90,000+ |
| 15 | Senior Lecturer (University) | $85,000+ |
How to Upskill for High-Paying Jobs in New Zealand
If you're looking for one of New Zealand's top-paying jobs, upskilling is one of the most effective ways to stand out against other candidates, especially for the most in-demand jobs.
Focus on In-Demand Skills
Make sure that when you upskill, the skills you're learning are in demand across high-paying industries in New Zealand. At the time of writing, high-demand skills include:
- Data analysis and interpretation (especially in finance, tech, and marketing)
- Project management (widely valued in construction, IT, and engineering)
- Cloud computing and cybersecurity (significant growth areas within IT)
- Sustainability and environmental compliance knowledge (particularly for engineering and architecture roles)
in tech-sector jobs over the last two years.
Remember that upskilling doesn't automatically include going back to university, either. There are many skills you can gain by other means.
Consider Short Courses and Certifications
There are many platforms and local institutions where you can learn new skills while working. Consider looking into:
- NZQA-accredited micro-credentials (via Te Pūkenga and other institutions)
- Online providers like Coursera, edX, or Udemy (popular for tech, data, and business skills)
- Industry-specific programs (like PMP for project management or AWS certifications for cloud tech)
Remember that you can also use professional development budgets, paid study leave, or even reimbursement for upskilling initiatives. Be sure to ask!
Build a Learning Plan Around Your Career Goals
Carefully consider upskilling. Rather than focusing on skills, think about what you want from your career and find the skills that match.
- What are the common qualifications or skills required?
- Can I shadow someone or volunteer in that field?
- What’s a realistic timeframe for pivoting into this role?
Focus on gaining high-demand skills such as cloud computing, project management, or data analysis through short courses or micro-credentials.
Fast-Growing, High-Demand Jobs in 2025
New Zealand's job market is evolving quickly, but not all demand is growing simultaneously.
Specific sectors are experiencing strong job growth, particularly those driven by digital transformation.
Healthcare and Aged Care
Due to long-term shortages, registered nurses, aged care workers, and allied health professionals continue to top the Green List.
Construction and Infrastructure
Civil engineers, quantity surveyors, and skilled tradespeople (like electricians and plumbers) are in high demand due to large-scale national projects.
Information & Communication Technology (ICT)
Software developers, cybersecurity specialists, cloud engineers, and data scientists are all seeing explosive growth.
Education and Early Childhood
Teachers and early childhood educators remain critical, especially in regional areas.
Renewable Energy & Sustainability
Roles in environmental engineering, solar tech, and emissions consulting are emerging fast, thanks to NZ’s push toward a greener future.
are projected to be added annually in NZ through 2025
New Zealand's Green List is still one of the best indicators for the jobs that the country is actively trying to fill.
These jobs are particularly useful for immigrants or international students looking to stay in New Zealand in the long term, but it also means that there's a shortage of people in New Zealand who can fill these roles.
Current Green List roles include:
- Clinical psychologists
- Structural engineers
- ICT business analysts
- Diesel mechanics
- Early childhood teachers
The list is regularly updated, so don't take our word for it; check it regularly.
Remember that even if you're not in any of these roles or fields at the moment, you can always transition to them through upskilling, hands-on experience, certifications, or work on soft skills.
Top Tips to Boost Your Earning Potential This Year
There are many smart and actionable ways to increase your income in 2025. Whether you're job hunting, climbing the ladder, or switching industries, here are our tips.
Attend industry events, connect with recruiters on LinkedIn, and join professional associations to discover hidden high-paying job opportunities.
Learn the Art of Salary Negotiation
Get paid what you're worth. There are a lot of job seekers who leave money on the table because they don't ask.
Negotiating your salary can add thousands to your yearly income.
- Always research market rates using sites like PayScale or SEEK before your interview.
- Practice your pitch so you can confidently explain your value.
- Ask about benefits, too. Things like health insurance, extra leave, or remote flexibility have value.
Make Strategic Career Moves
The best way to increase your earnings is by making moves. By changing companies, you can get a 10-20% salary increase, especially with a move into a higher-demand role.
- Watch the job market regularly, even if you’re not ready to move today.
- Network with recruiters. Many high-paying roles are filled before they’re advertised.
- Use LinkedIn to keep your personal brand sharp and visible.
Build a Side Hustle That Aligns with Your Skills
You can bolster your income and earning potential with a side hustle. Consider the following:
- Freelancing (copywriting, web development, consulting)
- Online coaching or tutoring
- Starting a small e-commerce store
- Contract or part-time project work
Short-term contracts can sometimes pay better than full-time roles and they often lead to permanent high-paying positions if you prove your value!
Even if these don't become your main income stream, they can always build new skills and open doors to other opportunities.
What is the Highest Paying Job in NZ?
The absolute highest-paying job title in New Zealand is: CEO (of course).
As of 2021, the person who earned the most in all of New Zealand (from their job position in a publicly traded company) was Ross Taylor at Fletcher Building.
He earned $5 million from working, plus $2 million in shares. This example reflects 2021 figures; CEO compensation can vary widely year to year.
Now, getting to a position like this isn’t easy, but if it’s your dream to get into the realm of being an ultra-wealthy CEO, you can certainly try! Someone has to do it!
What Factors Affect Your Pay
Now that you have a general idea of what career you want to set your sights on, you need to know what factors can affect your pay. Your salary can increase or decrease based on quite a few factors.
Becoming a Parent
New parents, especially mothers, can have their pay affected due to parental leave and more responsibilities at home that can affect their work in quantity or quality.
It’s illegal to terminate employment due to pregnancy or application for parental leave, but there are some exceptions, like if your role is determined to be a key position (it can’t wait for you to return and needs to be filled at all times).
Experience & Education
Of course, if you have more experience, you are likely to get more pay.
Likewise, having a degree, certification, or other qualification in the field or a supporting aspect of the field can help you increase your pay rate.
Fired or Quit
If you have a negative history of being fired or quitting a lot from previous jobs, it may impact your pay, since your new employer might be wary of your permanence in the company.
Economy
Depending on the economic status of the country, the industry, the region, and the company, your salary can vary. New Zealand has been feeling the effects of inflation and increased costs of living for a while, so your dollar might not go as far as it once did.
Your Negotiation Skills
Brush up on your negotiation skills and know what you’re worth before you even interview for the role you want. Employers may try to lowball you because they want to save a dime, but if you’re worth more and you need it to live a good life, make sure you fight for it!
Strategic Job Hopping
While quitting a lot can negatively impact your job history, making strategic moves can help you move up the ladder of job titles and salary. In many jobs, it’s confusingly easier to get promoted to a better role and salary if you apply with a different company, rather than try to advance internally.
Keep your eyes open and keep networking to find out about strategic career moves you can make to boost your title and salary.
Salary Predictions for 2025
What do the experts think of job market growth in New Zealand for 2025?
According to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), approximately 40,000 new jobs are projected to be added annually in New Zealand through 2025.
You can see which jobs are the most in-demand by looking at the Green List. This is the list of roles most likely to help an immigrant get into the country and gain residency.
As of 1 April 2025, New Zealand’s minimum wage is $23.50 per hour.
Choosing a career encompasses a lot of aspects and takes a lot of thought. A good starting point is salary, but there is also a lot more to consider!
References and Further Reading
- “Green List Roles.” Immigration New Zealand, www.immigration.govt.nz. Accessed 27 Apr. 2025.
- “New Zealand’s Highest-Paying Jobs.” SEEK Career Advice, talent.seek.co.nz. Accessed 27 Apr. 2025.
- “Salary Guide 2025.” Robert Half New Zealand, www.roberthalf.com. Accessed 27 Apr. 2025.
- “Hays Salary Guide 2024–2025.” Hays New Zealand, www.hays.net.nz. Accessed 27 Apr. 2025.
- “Adecco New Zealand Salary Guide 2025.” Adecco New Zealand, www.adecco.co.nz. Accessed 27 Apr. 2025.
- “New Zealand Salary Survey 2025.” Robert Walters, www.robertwalters.co.nz. Accessed 27 Apr. 2025.
- “Top In-Demand Jobs in New Zealand for 2025.” Working In New Zealand, www.workingin-newzealand.com. Accessed 27 Apr. 2025.
- “Navigating the New Zealand Tech Job Market in 2025.” TechWomen NZ, techwomen.nz. Accessed 27 Apr. 2025.
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Good information mam,
Hi,
Thanks for your very informative article. I did notice one error, though… You have the average wage for NZ higher than any of the regions underneath, which is therefore not possible.
We would be happy to receive some clarification on this, please, as it could be a simple error.
Thanks and regards,
Dave.
Hi Dave!
It looks like it was an error, this has since been updated!
Best,
Very interesting thankyou.
Interesting and broad information