Best Highest Paying Jobs in New Zealand in 2024
Jobs in New Zealand – If you are you looking for a job in New Zealand, then you are likely familiar with the competitive employment landscape & the challenges that come with finding the high-paying position.
This competitive atmosphere, coupled with the higher-than-average cost of the living, can create a lot of stress for the people who are trying to find a new job or start their careers.
My dear friend, if you are in this position right now, then luckily, we are here to help you to take some guesswork out of your search. Read this article to learn more about the highest paying jobs in New Zealand.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a fresh graduate or a seasoned pro looking to make a career change. Either way, this guide will help you plan for the future.
What Salary Is Considered Rich in New Zealand?
The very nominal and average salary in New Zealand, across all the industries, is roughly NZ$25.50 per hour or NZ$53.50 per year (assuming the person is working a standard 40 hours a week). The majority of the workers earn somewhere between NZ$40,500 and NZ$80,500 per year.
To be considered the “rich” in New Zealand country and live more comfortably, you will need to earn more than average salary. For most of the people, a salary of around NZ$100,500 or more would probably put you into “rich” or in “wealthy” category.
Of course, these definitions depends lot of the other factors, such as the number of the debts you owe or the number of children’s you have.
If you have 3-4 kids and a lot of student’s loan, for example, likely a salary of $NZ100, 500 might be just quite enough to keep everyone comfortable. If you are single with no debt on yourself or on family, on the other hand, a salary of the $NZ100, 500 would be a very generous amount & give you plenty of the disposable income. (Jobs in New Zealand)
Best Paying Jobs in New Zealand in Finance and Accounting
Highest Paying Jobs in New Zealand in Finance and Accounting
- Finance Director (201,500 NZD)
- Financial Manager (191,500 NZD)
- Investment Advisor (182,500 NZD)
- Risk Management Director (164,500 NZD)
- Economist (159,500 NZD)
- Tax Director (158,500 NZD)
- Audit Director (156,500 NZD)
- Investment Fund Manager (152,5500 NZD)
- Accounting Manager (145,500 NZD)
- Auditing Manager (142,500 NZD)
Best Paying Jobs In Business Administration
Highest Paying Jobs in Business Administration
- Chief Executive Officer (217,500 NZD)
- Chairman of The Board (211,500 NZD)
- Chief Financial Officer (200,500 NZD)
- Regional Director (193,500 NZD)
- Executive Manager (176,500 NZD)
- Chief Corporate Officer (175,500 NZD)
- Managing Director (174,500 NZD)
- General Manager (169,500 NZD)
- Risk and Capital Manager (164,500 NZD)
- Chief Operating Officer (163,500 NZD)
Best Paying Jobs In Advertising
Highest Paying Jobs in Advertising
- Advertising Sales Director (166,500 NZD)
- Events Director (162,500 NZD)
- Advertising Manager (155,500 NZD)
- Product and Brand Manager (152,500 NZD)
- Sales Promotion Manager (151,500 NZD)
- Media Production Manager (130,500 NZD)
- Media Sales Executive (124,500 NZD)
- Social Media Manager (123,500 NZD)
- Digital Media Strategist (119,500 NZD)
- Advertising Account Manager (116,500 NZD)
Best Paying Jobs in Architecture
Highest Paying Jobs in Architecture
- Architectural Manager (174,500 NZD)
- Architecture Consultant (166,500 NZD)
- Assistant Architectural Manager (164,500 NZD)
- Facilities and Project Manager (159,500 NZD)
- Design Manager (156,500 NZD)
- Landscape Architect (135,500 NZD)
- Architecture Estimating Manager (130,500 NZD)
- Architect (116,500 NZD)
- Architectural Designer (110,500 NZD)
- CAD Manager (109,500 NZD)
Best Paying Jobs In Automotive / Car Industry
Highest Paying Jobs in Automotive / Car Industry
- Regional Manager (188,500 NZD)
- Automotive General Manager (181,500 NZD)
- Automotive Branch Manager (152,500 NZD)
- Automotive Purchase Manager (142,500 NZD)
- Purchasing Project Manager (135,500 NZD)
- Automotive Project Manager (129,500 NZD)
- Auto Parts Manager (123,500 NZD)
- Automotive Assembly Manager (113,500 NZD)
- Service Manager (109,500 NZD)
- Used Car Manager (97,500 NZD)
Best Paying Jobs In Aviation
Highest Paying Jobs in Aviation
- Aviation Manager (203,500 NZD)
- Airport Services Manager (200,500 NZD)
- Airlines Sales Director (195,500 NZD)
- Aviation Safety Manager (188,500 NZD)
- Chief Pilot (174,500 NZD)
- Aircraft Pilot (166,500 NZD)
- Fleet Controller (156,500 NZD)
- Airfield Management Specialist (149,500 NZD)
- Aviation Analyst (130,500 NZD)
- Aerospace Engineer (123,500 NZD)
Best Paying Jobs In Banking
Highest Paying Jobs in Banking
- International Banking Manager (217,500 NZD)
- Group Branch Manager (214,500 NZD)
- Bank Regional Manager (211,500 NZD)
- Bank Operations Head (207,500 NZD)
- Capital Risk Manager (201,500 NZD)
- Credit Portfolio Manager (198,500 NZD)
- Internal Bank Audit Manager (193,500 NZD)
- Cash Management Manager (186,500 NZD)
- Online Banking Manager (177,500 NZD)
- Mortgage Operations Manager (174,500 NZD)
Best Paying Jobs In Construction
Highest Paying Jobs in Construction
- Construction Manager (166,500 NZD)
- Construction Project Manager (159,500 NZD)
- Construction Operations Manager (152,500 NZD)
- Site Leader (145,500 NZD)
- Building Contracts Manager (137,500 NZD)
- Tender Manager (132,500 NZD)
- Building Sales Manager (129,500 NZD)
- Construction Quality Control Manager (120,500 NZD)
- Purchasing Manager (109,500 NZD)
- Installation Manager (106,500 NZD)
Best Paying Jobs In Counseling
Highest Paying Jobs in Counseling
- Psychologist (159,500 NZD)
- Director of Rehabilitation Services (152,500 NZD)
- Youth Development Manager (145,500 NZD)
- Guidance Director (142,500 NZD)
- Adoption Services Director (136,500 NZD)
- Mental Health Counselor (130,500 NZD)
- Supervising Counselor (124,500 NZD)
- Family Support Specialist (123,500 NZD)
- Youth Care Counselor (122,500 NZD)
- Employment Counselor (116,500 NZD)
Best Paying Jobs In Customer Service
Highest Paying Jobs in Customer Service
- Customer Service Manager (130,500 NZD)
- Service Delivery Manager (127,500 NZD)
- Regional Account Manager (123,500 NZD)
- Customer Success Manager (119,500 NZD)
- Call Center Manager (116,500 NZD)
- Client Relationship Executive (113,500 NZD)
- Operations Support Manager (109,500 NZD)
- Customer Service Executive (86,800 NZD)
- Customer Service Team Leader (81,500 NZD)
- Customer Service Advisor (79,600 NZD)
Best Paying Jobs In Education and Teaching
Highest Paying Jobs in Education and Teaching
- College Dean (188,500 NZD)
- Dean of Faculty (177,500 NZD)
- Professor (174,500 NZD)
- Lecturer (137,500 NZD)
- Head of School (133,500 NZD)
- Post Doctoral Researcher (127,500 NZD)
- Educational Psychologist (125,500 NZD)
- Academic Manager (121,500 NZD)
- Clinical School Psychologist (118,500 NZD)
- Principal (116,500 NZD)
Best Paying Jobs In Energy
Highest Paying Jobs in Energy
- Operations Manager (203,500 NZD)
- Geophysicist (162,500 NZD)
- Engineering Geologist (159,500 NZD)
- Exploration Manager (155,500 NZD)
- Energy Dispatch Director (153,500 NZD)
- Geothermal Production Manager (149,500 NZD)
- Mining Project Manager (147,500 NZD)
- Service Delivery Manager (142,500 NZD)
- Sustainability Specialist (137,500 NZD)
- Energy Advisor (130,500 NZD)
Best Paying Jobs In Engineering
Highest Paying Jobs in Engineering
- Director of Engineering (174,500 NZD)
- Engineering Production Manager (152,500 NZD)
- Field Engineering Manager (145,500 NZD)
- Electrical Engineering Manager (130,500 NZD)
- Engineering Key Account Manager (127,500 NZD)
- Engineering Project Manager (120,500 NZD)
- Mechanical Engineering Manager (116,500 NZD)
- Engineering Sales Manager (113,500 NZD)
- Engineering Consultant (109,500 NZD)
- Chief Engineer (106,500 NZD)
Best Paying Jobs In Real Estate
Highest Paying Jobs in Real Estate
- Portfolio Manager (188,500 NZD)
- Director of Real Estate (181,500 NZD)
- Shopping Center Manager (174,500 NZD)
- Town Planner (170,500 NZD)
- Property Operations Manager (169,500 NZD)
- Real Estate General Manager (166,500 NZD)
- Commercial Leasing Manager (164,500 NZD)
- Community Development Manager (152,500 NZD)
- Real Estate Project Manager (145,500 NZD)
- Property Manager (121,500 NZD)
Best Paying Jobs In Manufacturing
Highest Paying Jobs in Manufacturing
- Production Director (166,500 NZD)
- Director of Manufacturing (162,500 NZD)
- Industrial Production Manager (156,500 NZD)
- Operational Excellence General Manager (152,500 NZD)
- Technology Development Manager (149,500 NZD)
- Manufacturing Manager (145,500 NZD)
- Plant Manager (142,500 NZD)
- Product Manager (137,500 NZD)
- Shipping Manager (135,500 NZD)
- Key Account Manager (130,500 NZD)
Best Paying Jobs In Fitness and Sports
Highest Paying Jobs in Fitness and Sports
- Sports Manager (156,500 NZD)
- Fitness Manager (145,500 NZD)
- Head Coach (137,500 NZD)
- Head Gymnastics Instructor (94,200 NZD)
- Ski Instructor (81,500 NZD)
- Assistant Coach (79,600 NZD)
- Swim Instructor (76,700 NZD)
- Personal Trainer (73,800 NZD)
- Game Manager (70,900 NZD)
- Fitness Trainer (68,500 NZD)
Best Paying Jobs In Hospitality
Highest Paying Jobs in Hospitality
- Hospitality Director (181,500 NZD)
- Hotel Manager (174,500 NZD)
- Fleet Manager (149,500 NZD)
- Cluster Director (145,500 NZD)
- Regional Restaurant Manager (137,500 NZD)
- Assistant Hospitality Manager (132,500 NZD)
- Hotel Sales Manager (130,500 NZD)
- Food Service Manager (124,500 NZD)
- Restaurant Manager (117,500 NZD)
- Room Reservations Manager (116,500 NZD)
Best Paying Jobs In Healthcare
Highest Paying Jobs in Healthcare
- Surgeon – Heart Transplant (434,500 NZD)
- Chief of Surgery (420,500 NZD)
- Surgeon – Orthopedic (405,500 NZD)
- Surgeon – Plastic Reconstructive (391,500 NZD)
- Invasive Cardiologist (386,500 NZD)
- Surgeon – Neurology (374,500 NZD)
- Surgeon – Pediatric (338,500 NZD)
- Urologist (321,500 NZD)
- Internist (301,500 NZD)
- Chief of Psychology (287,500 NZD)
Best Paying Jobs In Human Resources
Highest Paying Jobs in Human Resources
- Chief People Officer (159,500 NZD)
- Director of Talent Acquisition (152,500 NZD)
- Human Resources Vice President (149,500 NZD)
- Human Resources Manager (145,500 NZD)
- Recruiting Manager (142,500 NZD)
- Human Resources Development Manager (137,500 NZD)
- Benefits Manager (126,500 NZD)
- Labor Relations Director (121,500 NZD)
- Human Resources Consultant (117,500 NZD)
- Training Executive (116,500 NZD)
Best Paying Jobs In Import and Export
Highest Paying Jobs in Import and Export
- Import and Export Manager (152,500 NZD)
- Exports Sales Manager (149,500 NZD)
- Export Logistics Manager (133,500 NZD)
- Import and Export Consultant (121,500 NZD)
- Importation Supervisor (101,500 NZD)
- Export Logistics Specialist (89,700 NZD)
- Export Supervisor (86,800 NZD)
- Logistics Analyst (80,300 NZD)
- Logistics Administrator (76,700 NZD)
- Global Forwarding Agent (69,500 NZD)
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Best Paying Jobs In Insurance
Highest Paying Jobs in Insurance
- Risk Management Director (188,500 NZD)
- Risk Modeling Manager (181,500 NZD)
- Insurance Manager (174,500 NZD)
- Insurance Sales Director (159,500 NZD)
- Policy Change Director (152,500 NZD)
- Auditing Insurance Manager (145,500 NZD)
- Loss Prevention Manager (142,500 NZD)
- Claims Manager (137,500 NZD)
- Actuary (130,500 NZD)
- Insurance Program Manager (127,500 NZD)
Best Paying Jobs In Information Technology
Highest Paying Jobs in Information Technology
- Chief Information Officer (159,500 NZD)
- Online Banking Manager (152,500 NZD)
- Information Technology Project Manager (145,500 NZD)
- Enterprise Infrastructure Manager (140,500 NZD)
- Director of Application Development (137,500 NZD)
- Chief Information Security Officer (135,500 NZD)
- Web Security Manager (133,500 NZD)
- Business Intelligence Consultant (132,500 NZD)
- Technical Project Manager (129,500 NZD)
- Information Technology Sales Manager (127,500 NZD)
Best Paying Jobs In Law and Legal Services
Highest Paying Jobs in Law and Legal Services
- Supreme Court Judge (289,500 NZD)
- Administrative Law Judge (260,500 NZD)
- Crown Prosecution Service Lawyer (246,500 NZD)
- General Counsel (232,500 NZD)
- Litigation Attorney (217,500 NZD)
- Legal Services Director (210,500 NZD)
- Judge Advocate (203,500 NZD)
- Attorney (188,500 NZD)
- Legal Executive (174,500 NZD)
- Corporate Counsel (137,500 NZD)
Best Paying Jobs In Marketing (Jobs in New Zealand)
Highest Paying Jobs in Marketing
- Brand Director (181,500 NZD)
- Chief Marketing Officer (174,500 NZD)
- Brand Manager (166,500 NZD)
- Marketing Manager (159,500 NZD)
- Chief Product Officer (156,500 NZD)
- Search Marketing Strategist (142,500 NZD)
- Market Development Manager (137,500 NZD)
- Product Manager (135,500 NZD)
- Digital Marketing Manager (133,500 NZD)
- Trade Marketing Executive (130,500 NZD)
Best Paying Jobs In Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology
Highest Paying Jobs in Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology
- Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Lead (232,500 NZD)
- Pharmaceutical Manager (217,500 NZD)
- Molecular and Cellular Biologist (206,500 NZD)
- Medical Affairs Director (195,500 NZD)
- Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Manager (194,500 NZD)
- Bioinformatics Scientist (188,500 NZD)
- Pharmaceutical Research Scientist (186,500 NZD)
- Pharmaceutical Sales Manager (181,500 NZD)
- Clinical Research Manager (178,500 NZD)
- Pharmacy Manager (174,500 NZD)
Best Paying Jobs In Public Relations
Highest Paying Jobs in Public Relations (Jobs in New Zealand)
- Head of Public Relations (163,500 NZD)
- Public Relations Manager (145,500 NZD)
- Director of Communications (139,500 NZD)
- Head of Communications (135,500 NZD)
- Marketing Communications Executive (131,500 NZD)
- Public Relations Executive (127,500 NZD)
- Media Relations Specialist (120,500 NZD)
- Communications Project Manager (116,500 NZD)
- Investor Relations Officer (101,500 NZD)
- Government Relations Officer (90,500 NZD)
Best Paying Jobs In Procurement
Highest Paying Jobs in Procurement
- Supply Chain Director (181,500 NZD)
- Procurement Manager (174,500 NZD)
- Distribution Manager (166,500 NZD)
- Warehouse Manager (152,500 NZD)
- Vendor Manager (137,500 NZD)
- Wholesale Buyer (130,500 NZD)
- Supply Chain Analyst (123,500 NZD)
- Purchasing Supervisor (116,500 NZD)
- Inventory Control Manager (113,500 NZD)
- Demand Planning Manager (109,500 NZD)
Best Paying Jobs In Quality Control
Highest Paying Jobs in Quality Control (Jobs in New Zealand)
- Quality Director (159,500 NZD)
- Quality Control Manager (152,500 NZD)
- Quality Assurance Executive (145,500 NZD)
- Six Sigma Black Belt (125,500 NZD)
- Product Quality Leader (114,500 NZD)
- Approval Team Manager (113,500 NZD)
- Quality Assurance Supervisor (110,500 NZD)
- Quality Trainer (107,500 NZD)
- Assistant Quality Manager (104,500 NZD)
- Quality Control Analyst (99,100 NZD)
Best Paying Jobs In Sales
Highest Paying Jobs in Sales
- Wholesale Manager (210,500 NZD)
- National Sales Manager (203,500 NZD)
- Sales Director (188,500 NZD)
- Sales Executive (174,500 NZD)
- Sales Manager (166,500 NZD)
- National Account Manager (152,500 NZD)
- Head of Direct Sales (145,500 NZD)
- Head of Retail (142,500 NZD)
- Corporate Sales Manager (137,500 NZD)
- Relationship Manager (134,500 NZD)
Best Paying Jobs In Telecommunications
Highest Paying Jobs in Telecommunications (Jobs in New Zealand)
- Telecommunications Manager (159,500 NZD)
- Sales Director (152,500 NZD)
- Chief Technology Officer (145,500 NZD)
- Telecommunication Service Delivery Manager (121,500 NZD)
- Telecommunication Solution Architect (115,500 NZD)
- Telecommunication Consultant (112,500 NZD)
- Telecommunication Project Manager (109,500 NZD)
- Telecommunications Analyst (107,500 NZD)
- Telecommunication Technical Manager (106,500 NZD)
- Access Operation Team Leader (103,500 NZD) (Jobs in New Zealand)
FAQ
What are projected to be some of the highest-paying jobs in New Zealand in 2024?
Some of the highest paying jobs in New Zealand in 2024 are expected to be medical specialists like orthopedic surgeons, pediatricians, radiologists, corporate chief executives, anesthetists, psychiatrists, internal medicine physicians, dentists, mining/petrochemical engineers, software architects, infrastructure project managers, airline pilots, corporate finance managers, product development leads at top companies, and senior partners at major law firms, consultancies or accounting practices.
Which industries in New Zealand typically offer the highest-salary jobs?
Industries that offer some of the most lucrative salaries and packages in New Zealand include banking and finance, specialized engineering roles focused on major infrastructure development initiatives, information technology – especially FinTech, MedTech and software firms building global solutions, executive management at top New Zealand companies across mining, power, dairy, timber, telecom, tourism, biotech, film, wineries and leading manufacturers, clinical medical specialist roles amid ongoing shortages, private legal practices serving corporate, and senior airline jobs at integrated carriers like Air New Zealand.
What job qualifications are required for the highest-paying roles in New Zealand?
The highest-paying jobs almost universally require at least an undergraduate university degree with a postgraduate degree like an MBA, which is common among senior corporate executives and board directors.
Many occupations, like medical specialists, senior engineers, lawyers, and accountants, need specific advanced designations, such as passing bar exams to practice law.
On-the-job experience spanning at least 10-15 years, even post qualification, is required before salaries exceed NZ$200-300,000, plus potential bonuses or stock options. Communication skills also prove vital. (Jobs in New Zealand)
Which major New Zealand companies pay the top salaries?
According to Glassdoor rankings of best places to work based on employee satisfaction surveys – some of New Zealand’s highest-paying major companies include global medtech giant Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, known for generous base pay and bonuses, Germany-based software firm SAP’s NZ operations offering attractive local packages aligned to global levels, mining/commodities giant Rio Tinto, US-based tech firms like HP, IBM and Cisco which align local salaries with international standards, accounting/consulting firm Deloitte, boutique investment bank Jarden, telecom leader Spark, Commonwealth Bank of Australia’s local subsidiary ASB bank where dealmakers earn over NZD$400k, and top tier law firms Bell Gully and Simpson Grierson also known for seven-figure partner incomes.
What are the typical salaries ranges for the highest-paid legal roles in 2024?
Based on absolute top-tier global firm precedents already visible locally and continued foreign expansion, the highest-paid senior law partners at New Zealand’s most profitable practices should make over NZ$1.5 million annually within the next few years.
Salaries for specialized partners and senior lawyers with at least ten years of experience serving major corporates could reasonably exceed NZ$600-800k. Junior lawyers would start around NZ$80-100k with mid-level/senior associate salaries ranging from NZ$150-250k depending on client billings and specialty expertise – for example, tax, mergers and acquisitions, leading trials, patent approval work, or VC and private equity deal documentation. (Jobs in New Zealand)
Which medical specializations will likely be the highest-paying jobs in NZ healthcare?
Some of the highest-paid medical jobs are set to be orthopedic surgeons earning over NZ$600k in top years, radiologists clearing NZ$500k thanks to scan machine investments, ophthalmologists and dermatologists focused on cosmetic procedures and private pay customers serving Auckland’s wealthy, followed by pediatricians, anesthetists, cardiologists and other surgery intensive roles like neuron or plastic surgeons and oncologists treating private patients where charges exceed public insurance schemes. Psychiatry also pays well with rising mental health demands. Dentists focused on expensive procedures like orthodontics or dental implants also earn very well – with some clearing over $500k.
Are technology salaries likely to match global headline levels seen at major firms by 2024?
For specialized senior architects, engineers, and developers across embedded systems, cloud, cyber security, quantum computing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, augmented reality, data science, and analytics – some proven world-class experts could reasonably match Silicon Valley salaries around NZ$400-600k TC at either local subsidiaries or New Zealand based product companies building globally competitive next-generation solutions.
However, average software developer pay will likely remain between NZ$80-150k – above national averages but below Freedom salaries, which are triple that given the smaller local industry size. Most jobs remain anchored to domestic conditions. (Jobs in New Zealand)
Which finance roles will likely offer Wall Street-sized compensation packages within the next few years?
Front office investment banking roles and capital markets focused executives across indexed funds origination, structured products innovation, and proprietary arbitrage trading groups at New Zealand’s few remaining investment trading houses could potentially earn total compensation approaching NZ$2 million in strong years – with average packages between NZ$800k-1.5 million not impossible given Australian precedents.
Wealth management-focused hedge fund investors may also capitalize on global mobility trends for ultra-high-net-worth individuals – especially across exclusive luxury havens like Queenstown or Waiheke Island.
Which other occupations could yield abnormally high incomes for uniquely talented individuals in the next few years?
Abnormally high salaries approaching NZ$1 million conceivably apply for world elite level winemakers or beer brew masters creating globally iconic, highly coveted vintages traded actively at auction and collected worldwide by connoisseurs – especially pioneering organic or biodynamic pure varietal producers.
Celebrity chefs or Michelin-starred culinary innovators also accrue global fame, television rights, and branding authority, turning high-end restaurants into luxury hospitality brands.
Grammy-winning musicians, Oscar-shortlisted actors/producers, and world-leading digital content creators focused on global English-speaking audiences also hold significant monetization potential from these tiny Pacific islands blessed with dramatic natural filming locations.
I hope these perspectives on New Zealand’s highest salary trajectories across key industries prove useful! Please let me know if you have any other questions.