Salaries and Holidays in New Zealand

A Basic Guide to Salaries and Holidays

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 selected occupation
Occupation	Average Annual Salary NZ$
Administrator or Manager	$58,000 - 66,000
Marketing and Sales Executive	$55,000 - 75,000
Financial Analyst	$60,000 - 80,000
Lawyer	$75,000 - 140,000
Engineer	$60,000 - 110,000
Technician (IT)	$35,000 - 50,000
Software Engineer	$80,000 - 125,000
Primary School Teacher	$42,500 - 65,500
Doctor (Physician)	$128,000 - 195,000
Registered Nurse	$40,000 - 55,000
Clerk	$26,000 - 45,000
Service or Sales Worker	$26,000 - 38,000
Agriculture or Fisheries Worker	$34,000 - 45,000
Trades	$35,000 - 65,000

Sources:
www.stats.govt.nz New Zealand Income Survey June 2009 quarter
www.careerservices.govt.nz
www.hays.com.au Australia and New Zealand Salary Survey 2009

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.