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 job profiles.

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.

Updated 12 Sep 2019