Salary guide
View pay ranges for jobs and find out how qualifications can affect what you earn.
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Job pay rates and pay ranges
Find pay rates and pay ranges for over 400 jobs in our jobs database.
2018 median pay and pay ranges by job category
Job categories with their median (average) pay and pay ranges for jobs advertised recently on Trade Me.
| Job category | Median pay | Pay range |
| Accounting | $65,000 | $42,000 to $125,000 |
| Architecture | $50,000 | $37,000 to $85,000 |
| Automotive | $55,000 | $37,000 to $85,000 |
| Banking, finance and insurance | $65,000 | $42,000 to $125,000 |
| Construction and roading | $60,000 | $37,000 to $145,000 |
| Customer service | $45,000 | $37,000 to $65,000 |
| Education | $55,000 | $37,000 to $85,000 |
| Engineering | $70,000 | $42,000 to $125,000 |
| Executive and general management | $85,000 | $45,000 to $207,000 |
| Government and council | $70,000 | $40,000 to $145,000 |
| Healthcare | $55,000 | $40,000 to $85,000 |
| Hospitality and tourism | $45,000 | $35,000 to $63,000 |
| HR and recruitment | $65,000 | $45,000 to $125,000 |
| Information technology (IT) | $100,000 | $45,000 to $207,000 |
| Legal | $65,000 | $40,000 to $115,000 |
| Manufacturing and operations | $47,000 | $35,000 to $85,000 |
| Marketing, media and communications | $65,000 | $42,000 to $125,000 |
| Office and administration | $50,000 | $37,000 to $75,000 |
| Property | $75,000 | $42,000 to $155,000 |
| Retail | $42,000 | $35,000 to $65,000 |
| Sales | $60,000 | $37,000 to $105,000 |
| Science and technology | $55,000 | $37,000 to $105,000 |
| Trades and services | $55,000 | $37,000 to $85,000 |
| Transport and logistics | $50,000 | $37,000 to $80,000 |
- This information is a guide only.
- These pay rates don't include overtime or bonuses, or parts of salary packages such as cars.
- The survey doesn’t cover people who are self-employed or own a business.
- Some jobs, such as specialist health jobs, are not included.
Effect of education on income
Higher qualifications usually lead to higher incomes, although the subjects you choose are also important, according to Ministry of Education research.
Five years after qualifying, graduates in most subjects usually earn at least the median (middle) New Zealand income – $41,200 a year (before tax) in 2017.
The effect of qualifications on income is stronger for graduates with 10 years' work experience:
- Level 1 to 4 certificates – 15% more than the median income
- Level 5 to 7 certificates and diplomas – 30% more than the median income
- Bachelor’s degrees – 67% more than the median income
- Postgraduate qualifications (Level 7 and 8 graduate certificates and diplomas, and Honours and Master's degrees) – 95% more than the median income
- PhDs (doctorates) – 130% more than the median income.
Subject choice affects income
Subject choice can also have a big effect on your income.
Median incomes after 10 years for Level 5 to 7 certificate and diploma graduates in:
- performing arts and personal services – $34,500 a year
- civil, mechanical, aerospace and industrial engineering – $73,000 to $86,000
Median incomes after 10 years for Bachelor's degree graduates in:
- visual arts and crafts and performing arts – $43,000 a year
- law, accountancy, banking and management, computer science and information technology and veterinary – $78,000 to $88,000
- dental studies – $95,000
- medical studies – $124,000.
Other factors affecting income
Usually, the higher your qualification the more you will earn. However, pay rates vary widely and your pay may also be affected by:
- the demand for workers when you're looking for a job
- where you work – both the region and the employer
- the industry you work in and the role you have
- how well you negotiate your starting pay or salary
- being a mother.
Income isn't everything - how to find a job you'll love
Although income is important, so is finding a job you will be good at and enjoy. Use our tools to help you find a job you'll love, based on subjects, skills or interest areas.
Find out more
Updated 9 Jan 2019