
A Basic Guide to:
Salaries
The following guide will give you an idea of the average annual salary in different kinds of jobs in New Zealand. These provide an indication only – your actual income will depend on your employer, your qualifications and experience, and the role you undertake.
Average annual salary per occupation
| |
Number of People Employed |
Average Annual Salary NZ$ |
| Legislators, administrators and managers |
172,800 |
63,385 |
| Professionals |
208,200 |
60,025 |
| Technicians and associate professionals |
203,000 |
47,525 |
| Clerks |
240,500 |
38,685 |
| Service and sales workers |
296,100 |
30,720 |
| Agriculture and fisheries workers |
72,700 |
36,235 |
| Trades workers |
135,100 |
40,645 |
| Plant and machine operators and assemblers |
158,200 |
37,000 |
| Unskilled occupations |
115,300 |
30,825 |
Source: Statistics New Zealand, Labour Market Statistics 2007. www.stats.govt.nz
Holidays
Employees in New Zealand are entitled to a minimum of four weeks paid annual holidays after the first year of employment.
All employees are also entitled to a paid day off on a public holiday if it would otherwise be a working day for them.
Public Holidays in New Zealand:
- Christmas and New Year: Christmas Day (25 December), Boxing Day (26 December), New Year's Day and the day after (1 and 2 January)
- All other holidays: Waitangi Day (6 February), Good Friday and Easter Monday (dates variable), ANZAC Day (25 April), Queen's Birthday (first Monday in June), Labour Day (fourth Monday in October) and Provincial Anniversary Day (date determined locally).
Parental leave
Parental leave entitlements are also available to employees. Provisions depend on how long you have been with your employer, and can include a paid maternity leave of 14 continuous weeks for the mother and partner’s/paternity leave for up to two weeks. New mothers are entitled to leave their job for up to 12 months, with a guarantee a role will be available upon their return to work.