NZD $35.00
Median hourly wage
(effective March 2026)
NZD $72,800
Approximate annual median
(based on 40hr week)
NZD $23.15
Minimum wage (2025)
Adult rate — verify April 2026 update
What Is the Median Wage and Why Does It Matter?
The median wage is the midpoint of all hourly wages earned in New Zealand — half of all workers earn above it, half earn below. It is distinct from the average wage, which can be skewed upward by very high earners.
For skilled migrants, the median wage is critical for two reasons:
- AEWV eligibility: Most roles covered by the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) must pay at or above the median wage. If a role pays below the median, additional justification or exemptions may apply.
- Job Check compliance: During the Job Check process, INZ verifies that the advertised salary meets or exceeds the median wage threshold. A Job Check will fail if the pay is below this without an approved exemption.
How the Median Wage Is Set
Statistics New Zealand (Stats NZ) publishes wage data through the Quarterly Employment Survey (QES) and the New Zealand Income Survey (NZIS). INZ uses these figures — typically updated annually — to set the median wage threshold for AEWV purposes.
The threshold is reviewed each year, typically taking effect in mid-year. Employers must ensure their offered salary still meets the current threshold at the time of the Job Check, not just when they first planned to hire.
Because the threshold can increase year-on-year, migrants and employers should always verify the current applicable rate directly with INZ before submitting any application.
Median Wage History — Recent Trends
| Year | Median Hourly Wage (NZD) | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $27.76 | — |
| 2023 | $29.66 | +6.8% |
| 2024 (Aug) | $31.61 | +6.6% |
| 2025 (Aug) | $33.56 | +6.2% |
| 2026 (Mar) | $35.00 | +4.3% |
Source: Stats NZ / INZ. The 2026 rate should be confirmed at immigration.govt.nz.
Roles Exempt From the Median Wage Requirement
Not all AEWV roles must meet the median wage threshold. INZ recognises several exemption categories:
- Roles on the Green List: Some Green List roles have their own pay thresholds (which may be higher than the median wage). These override the standard median wage requirement.
- Roles paying below median with a sector agreement: Certain industries (e.g. tourism, hospitality, some agriculture) may have approved sector agreements allowing below-median wages under specific conditions.
- Franchises and high-turnover industries: Subject to INZ approval on a case-by-case basis.
Even in exempt categories, wages must always meet or exceed the New Zealand minimum wage ($23.15/hr as of 2025) and any applicable collective or individual employment agreement rates.
Median Wage vs Minimum Wage — Key Differences
Median Wage ($35.00/hr)
- • The midpoint of all NZ wages
- • Set by Stats NZ data, adopted by INZ
- • Required for most AEWV roles
- • Updated periodically — can rise
Minimum Wage ($23.15/hr)
- • Statutory legal floor for all workers
- • Set annually by NZ Government
- • Applies to all employees regardless of visa
- • Updated each April 1
How Wages Affect Your SMC Points
While the SMC points table does not directly award points for salary level, your earnings indirectly affect your application in several ways:
- Skilled employment verification: INZ uses your salary as one indicator that your employment genuinely matches a skilled occupation. A salary significantly below market rate for your role may raise questions.
- AEWV validity: Your work visa — and therefore your ability to accumulate NZ work experience points — depends on your employer continuing to pay you at or above the median wage.
- Green List Tier 1 pay thresholds: For the Straight to Residence pathway, you must meet the pay threshold for your specific Green List occupation. Many medical and specialist roles require salaries significantly above the median.
Salary Benchmarks by Sector (2025 Estimates)
| Sector | Typical Annual Salary (NZD) |
|---|---|
| Software Engineering | $90,000 – $140,000 |
| Registered Nursing | $65,000 – $95,000 |
| Civil / Structural Engineering | $80,000 – $120,000 |
| Accounting / Finance | $70,000 – $110,000 |
| Construction Management | $90,000 – $130,000 |
| Teaching (secondary) | $60,000 – $90,000 |
| Hospitality / Chef | $50,000 – $70,000 |
| Trades (Electrician, Plumber) | $70,000 – $100,000 |
These are indicative ranges based on 2025 data. Actual salaries vary by location, experience, and employer. Source: Seek NZ, Stats NZ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my salary need to be above median at the time of my EOI, or only at the Job Check stage?
The median wage threshold applies at the Job Check stage (when your employer applies for approval to hire you). Under the current 6-point SMC system, salary is not a direct point criterion — points come from qualifications, registration, or income multiples. However, your salary must meet or exceed the median wage throughout your NZ work experience period if you are using that to top up your points.
What if my salary drops below the median after I start working?
If your salary falls below the median wage threshold, your AEWV conditions may be breached. INZ expects employers to maintain the agreed pay. If you believe your employer is underpaying you, contact the Labour Inspectorate.
Is the median wage the same across New Zealand?
The national median wage applies regardless of region. However, cost of living varies significantly — Auckland is considerably more expensive than regional NZ, so the same salary provides very different purchasing power depending on location.