Top Career Paths Worth Pursuing in New Zealand
With 5.1 million residents––about 2.85 million of which are gainfully employed––New Zealand can boast of a healthy economy thanks to its dutiful workforce population. However, the cost of living, even compared to nearby Australia, is relatively high (roughly NZ$3,000 to NZ$4,000 per month for a single person living in the city). As such, there is a great need for people to find and secure a rewarding career to cover many everyday costs.
In this article, we will tell you about the top career paths in New Zealand––and the job titles and industries that are the most in-demand and the most well-paying.
Starting your Career Path in New Zealand
Training and Education
Depending on the type of career you are looking to start, you might consider taking some specialized training and education courses to stand out from the rest. Many careers that earn top dollar for their employees will likely require higher education in the form of a business, science, or arts degree, or even a doctoral degree.
New Zealand is frequently mentioned as one of the best providers of quality education anywhere in the world––even placing 7th in a recent global ranking list. Similar to Australia’s three-tiered system, the New Zealand Qualification Framework (NZQF) demonstrates which type of degree or training levels result in which type of qualifying document, which is key to pursuing many different rewarding career paths in the country.
This is an overview of the different levels and qualifications available:
Level 1 | Certificate I |
Level 2 | Certificate II |
Level 3 | Certificate III |
Level 4 | Certificate IV |
Level 5 | Diploma |
Level 6 | Advanced Diploma OR Associate’s Degree |
Level 7 | Bachelor’s Degree |
Level 8 | Bachelor’s Honours Degree OR Graduate Certificate OR Graduate Diploma |
Level 9 | Master’s Degree |
Level 10 | Doctoral Degree |
There are several exceptional colleges and universities in New Zealand in which to learn specialized and general knowledge that will prepare you for a great and rewarding career.
Find help with career centers
There are plenty of resources available across the country for helping qualified (and even beginner) job seekers find employment in New Zealand. Whatever your level of education, skills, training, or availability, there is a job site to help place you where you need to be.
GrabJobs is the best option for hiring New Zealanders. It is a cost-effective recruitment solution that automates sourcing, screening, and interviewing of candidates––and includes over 5,000 companies using the job platform to simplify their hiring process. Auto-generated job seeker profiles mean that users can begin applying for new jobs in under a minute, making it great for employers looking to hire quickly and easily.
Demonstrate the qualities of a great employee
If you are just starting on your career journey, your experience is likely low. So, in order to impress any potential employers, especially during a job interview, it is best to exhibit some of the top qualities business owners are looking for.
- Strong communication
- Leadership skills
- Conflict management abilities
- Teamwork
- Problem-solving skills
- Confidence
- Interpersonal skills
- Dedication
Top 10 Best + Most In-Demand Jobs in New Zealand
Top companies hiring: TAGGUN, Vontier, Visory, Deloitte
Average annual salary: NZD $91,000
Job description: Software developers are responsible for the creation of specific computer applications and programs used to carry out specific tasks and are essential for digital transformation. These roles are some of the most in-demand in all of New Zealand.
Top companies hiring: Metlifecare, Auckland DHB, Ryman Healthcare
Average annual salary: NZD $82,000
Job description: A staple of the medical industry, registered nurses are always in demand in New Zealand and will continue to be one of the most in-demand jobs for years to come. Nurses can work a variety of jobs, from traditional positions in hospitals to positions within outpatient or rehabilitation facilities.
Top companies hiring: Fiserv, Campari Group, Decipher Group, Deloitte
Average annual salary: NZD $89,000
Job description: Human Resource Managers play a key role in the recruitment, hiring, and onboarding process. They also provide ongoing training and work hard to ensure employees are supported in their jobs. There’s a growing need for skilled and experienced human resource managers throughout New Zealand. Ensure you enhance your knowledge of the intricacies and dynamic nature of the HR field by visiting Whatishumanresource, where a wealth of HR information awaits to broaden your understanding.
Top companies hiring: HAYS, Cushman & Wakefield, Downer New Zealand
Average annual salary: NZD $86,000
Job description: A highly demanding (and in-demand) trades job, HVAC mechanics and technicians install, repair, and maintain heating, cooling, and ventilation systems for businesses and residences.
Top companies hiring: New Zealand Government, Te Whatu Ora Southern, University of Waikato
Average annual salary: NZD $98,000
Job description: New Zealand has faced significant stress on its collective healthcare system in the last 3 years –– so, it’s no wonder that supports professions specializing in mental health have been consistently on the rise. Psychologists are needed now more than ever, and career prospects look good for 2023 and beyond. After all, people are always going to want and need quality mental health support.
Top companies hiring: Concentrix, Rabobank, Ventia, Verifone
Average annual salary: NZD $52,000
Job description: Some people have a natural gift for connecting with others and know just the right words to say to sway their decision-making. If this sounds like you, an urgent-hire job in a call center could be a good fit. In New Zealand, many companies let employees perform these jobs from home, completely remote.
Top companies hiring: SGS, Vector NZ, Canon, Aon Corporation
Average annual salary: NZD $81,000
Job description: Businesses, large and small, can benefit greatly from having an experienced accountant on staff. Independently, accountants also work with individuals to help them handle their finances. Because there’s so much versatility in what accountants can do, there are tons of job openings in New Zealand, many with a lot of room for growth.
Top companies hiring: Foundever, Concentrix, Suncorp New Zealand
Average annual salary: NZD $56,000
Job description: Many business owners across New Zealand are urgently looking to hire employees to manage the overflow of inbound chat and telecommunication questions from companies. These types of roles are heavily in demand and typically require minimal experience.
Top companies hiring: Back9 Creative, Open League, AlphaGlobal, The Creative Store
Average annual salary: NZD $68,000
Job description: There is always a high demand for creative artists in New Zealand, but those with specialized computer graphics abilities are particularly sought after. Graphic designers are visual communicators responsible for inspiring customers with their art––a skill that is useful in many industries, especially retail.
Top companies hiring: HainesAttract, Oranga Tamaiki––Ministry for Children, Wesley Community Action
Average annual salary: NZD $76,000
Job description: Clinical social workers help individuals and families attain physical, mental, and spiritual well-being while providing the tools required for all parties to cope with their stressors and triggers.
Top 10 Highest-Paying Jobs in New Zealand
Top companies hiring: Equinox IT, Talent, New Zealand Government, Accenture, Unisys
Average annual salary: NZD $240,000
Job description: A highly demanding job that requires considerable training and technical skills, an ITS (Information Technology Systems) Director helps solve computer issues at the highest level while also helping to develop and/or test software applications while troubleshooting and utilizing specialized skills like coding and writing.
Top companies hiring: John Holland, Mutu, Worley, Delve Underground
Average annual salary: NZD $235,000
Job description: If you have a construction or trades background and consider yourself to be a great project manager, there’s a good chance you can land one of the many positions that are available throughout New Zealand. They are in charge of project builds and worksites, and typically manage dozens if not hundreds of employees.
Top companies hiring: Fuel50 Agency, Puma, Red Bull, MYOB, Snowflake
Average annual salary: NZD $230,000
Job description: Marketing managers work with curated teams of creative individuals to execute ad campaigns, analyze results, and help businesses expand their reach to get in front of more customers and sell more products or services.
Top companies hiring: Tracksuit, University of Auckland, Canva, Trustwave
Average annual salary: NZD $224,000
Job description: Product Managers are, simply put, in charge of products –– digital products, physical goods, and financial products. Some examples of digital products include websites, apps, and computer games, while financial products are not limited to credit cards, loans, and mortgages. Product Managers are responsible for ensuring that their products are free of issues and increasing overall sales revenue.
Top companies hiring: ACCENT Health, Thorndon Eye Clinic, Allied Health
Average annual salary: NZD $212,000
Job description: Ophthalmologists are doctors who focus on diagnosing and treating eye diseases, such as cataracts and glaucoma. They are skilled technicians in that they perform eye surgeries (like oculoplastic work and corneal transplants) while following up with their patients to ensure that their vision is balanced.
Top companies hiring: OfficeMax, Robert Walters, Hays New Zealand, Westpac New Zealand
Average annual salary: NZD $204,000
Job description: Finance managers are very well-paid due to the expertise required of all candidates, not to mention a strong knowledge of numbers, investments, and funds. Those who can also oversee the efficiency of their entire organization while being in charge of millions, sometimes, billions of other people’s hard-earned income are vital responsibilities that make these positions highly sought-after.
Top companies hiring: Head Medical, Origin Medical, Global Medical Staffing
Average annual salary: NZD $200,000
Job description: Anesthesiologists hold the lives of patients undergoing surgery in their hands––they are doctors who administer the drugs (not only anesthesia) that prevent patients from feeling pain or sensation during major surgical procedures. Not only are they responsible for addressing any patient issues or discomforts before they are put under, but they are also in charge of facilitating long-term recovery in patients.
Top companies hiring: Aon Corporation, JacksonStone & Partners, Aviation New Zealand
Average annual salary: NZD $200,000
Job description: CEOs make crucial business decisions that affect a company’s bottom line, not to mention the livelihoods of all employees. Because the job of the CEO is so important to the overall function of an organization, and because they absorb so much of the risk, the compensation is typically the highest of anyone else on the payroll.
Top companies hiring: Lion, Millennium Hotels and Resorts, Brafton, Secured Signing
Average annual salary: NZD $198,000
Job description: Digital marketing directors are responsible for using industry research and web-based market trends to forecast growth opportunities for their companies, increasing revenue wherever possible. There is an increase in growth for these types of well-paying jobs in New Zealand, and the results are well-paying.
Top companies hiring: New Zealand Ministry of Justice, New Zealand Government
Average annual salary: NZD $190,000
Job description: Judges make some of the most important decisions that affect individuals and society as a whole. Their rulings, which they make based on extensive reading, researching, and experience, are incredibly important and they bear the weight of all their actions.
Careers With the Most Job Opportunities in New Zealand
If you are looking to grow your career in New Zealand, you’ll need to know where to start. And which positions are best aligned with your long-term lifestyle plans. Here’s a breakdown of the career paths in New Zealand that have the greatest growth opportunities.
RANKING | INDUSTRY |
1 | Healthcare (Anesthesiologist, Ophthalmologist, Registered Nurse) |
2 | Science and Technology (Software Developer, ITS Architect) |
3 | Trades (HVAC Mechanic, Construction Manager) |
4 | Business and Finance (Chief Executive Officer, Finance Management, Accountant) |
5 | Administrative (Human Resources Manager, Customer Service Associate) |
The Top Career Paths Worth Pursuing in New Zealand
There you have it! The most promising career paths––including the most in-demand and well-paying jobs and industries––in New Zealand. Everybody’s career path is unique to their specific situation. If you are looking to get the ball rolling in pursuit of your professional dreams, let GrabJobs help. Not in New Zealand? Discover how GrabJobs can assist you, wherever you are.
Photo by Marcela Vitória on Unsplash
