# What is the average income in New Zealand?

Olivia Watson · August 4, 2026

> The median household income in New Zealand reached a record high of NZ$92,000 (around US$58,000) in 2023, reflecting the country's strong economic...

The median household income in New Zealand reached a record high of NZ$92,000 (around US$58,000) in 2023, reflecting the country's strong economic performance.

Income levels vary significantly by occupation, with professionals in fields like finance, IT, and law earning 50-100% more on average compared to those in service-based roles.

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Auckland, the largest city, has the highest median individual income at NZ$65,000, around 25% above the national average.

The gender pay gap in New Zealand has narrowed in recent years, but women still earn about 88 cents for every dollar earned by men in comparable roles.

Part-time workers make up over 20% of the workforce and have a median income of NZ$25,000, less than half the full-time median.

Income inequality, as measured by the Gini coefficient, has remained relatively stable in New Zealand over the past decade, ranking it among the more equal OECD countries.

The average income for Māori and Pacific peoples is around 20-25% lower than the national median, highlighting ongoing socioeconomic disparities.

Retirees relying solely on New Zealand Superannuation have an average income of just NZ$24,000, emphasizing the importance of private retirement savings.

High-skilled immigrants, particularly in the tech sector, can earn up to 30% more than their New Zealand-born counterparts with similar qualifications and experience.

The minimum wage in New Zealand increased to NZ$22.10 per hour in 2024, making it one of the highest in the OECD and contributing to reduced income inequality.

Income levels in the primary industries (agriculture, fishing, and mining) are around 15% below the national average, while the finance and insurance sector earns over 40% more.

The top 1% of income earners in New Zealand account for around 8% of the total national income, a relatively low concentration compared to other developed economies.

The median income for individuals aged 55-64 is about 20% higher than the overall median, reflecting the peak earning years for many workers.

New Zealand's tax system, which includes a progressive income tax and a goods and services tax, contributes to a relatively high level of income redistribution compared to other OECD countries.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on income levels, with the median income dropping by around 3% in 2020 before rebounding in the following years.

The proportion of self-employed individuals in New Zealand, who tend to have more variable incomes, has remained stable at around 16% of the workforce over the past decade.

Income levels in the public sector, including healthcare and education, are generally lower than the private sector, but often come with more comprehensive benefits packages.

The highest-earning occupations in New Zealand are in the fields of management consulting, investment banking, and senior executive roles, with average incomes exceeding NZ$200,000.

The income gap between urban and rural areas in New Zealand has widened in recent years, with the median income in major cities around 30% higher than in smaller towns and communities.

New Zealand's income distribution is more compressed compared to other OECD countries, with a smaller proportion of individuals at the extreme high and low ends of the income spectrum.

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