The 15 Highest Paying Hourly Jobs in New Zealand

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Highest Paying Hourly Jobs in New Zealand

The 15 Highest Paying Hourly Jobs in New Zealand

Unanimously loved by workers for its enviable work-life balance, New Zealand emerged 6th in HSBC’s 2017 Expat Explorer survey. Employees enjoy autonomy at work and are not often subjected to troubles that come with office hierarchies. Unsurprisingly, New Zealand’s productivity was ranked at 79% by 16,000 business professionals around the world according to a survey. This is higher than the 77 percent of Australian workers, 77% in the US and 73% in China. That said, if you have a ‘can do’ attitude, you’re likely to do well in NZ and flourish. 

With majority companies turning remote, part-time and causal jobs are becoming more popular in New Zealand. 

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What is the minimum hourly wage in New Zealand?

New Zealand’s growing economy has continued to create several job opportunities across various industries. The average salary is NZ$25.50 an hour, with the minimum wage as NZ$21.20 per hour for workers 18 years old or older, and NZ$16.96 per hour for youth aged 16 or 17. All wages are subjected to tax. Students must apply for an IRD Number (Inland Revenue Department) number before they can work.

Most workers make about NZ$2743, which is enough to cover living expenses for 1.6 months given its estimated cost of living of NZ$1706. This makes New Zealand 1.83 times more expensive than the world average. Globally, New Zealand’s cost of living index stands at 72,48 next to UK’s 63.25, US’s 70.12, and Germany’s 62.88. 

What are the top 5 high paying part time industries in New Zealand?

Wondering where the best paying minimum jobs are? Here are the top 5 industries in New Zealand providing highest paying hourly jobs. 

New Zealand’s hospitality industry is a significant industry that operates throughout the country. It contributes approximately 1.7% to the country’s GDP and is equivalent to NZ$5billion annually. The sector’s businesses can be classified into four main categories: Takeaways, Quick Service Restaurants, Pubs-Taverns and Bars, and Cafes and Restaurants. Half of the sector’s workforce works in restaurants and cafes. The hospitality industry in New Zealand is on the rise and currently employs around 200,000 people.  

Top 3 job titles and salaries: 

  • Bouncer- $27.50 per hour 
  • Cashier- $27.28 per hour 
  • Bar Manager – $26.92 per hour 

Browse Hospitality Industry jobs on GrabJobs 

New Zealand had 93,900 workers in 2019 who worked for education or training companies with 100 employees or more. For the same year, 4,100 New Zealanders worked in education and training businesses with one to five employees. Part-time jobs in the Education sector are a steady and lucrative source of income.

Top 3 job titles and salaries:

  • Speech therapist – $54.46 per hour 
  • Youth Councilor – $34.45 per hour 
  • Private Tutor- $29.50 per hour 

Browse Education and Training Industry jobs on GrabJobs

The tech industry in New Zealand is diverse and advanced. Because of its continuous innovation, it is able to compete on the international stage. This sector includes wireless infrastructure, digital content, and payments. It also covers geospatial, agricultural technology, telecommunications, and health IT. Technology employs over 120,000 people and is New Zealand’s third-largest export sector with $8.7 billion in exports. A recent industry study found that employers will require 4-5,000 digital technology professionals each year in the near future.

Top 3 job titles and salaries:

  • Software Developer – $76.45 per hour 
  • Data entry clerk- $38.17 per hour 
  • IT support – $29.00 per hour

Browse IT Industry jobs on GrabJobs

New Zealand’s tourism sector is a key part of its economy. It directly contributed NZ$16.2 million (or 5.8%) to the country’s GDP for the year ended March 2019. In 2016, 188,000 jobs equivalent to a full-time job were supported by tourism (close to 7.5% of New Zealand’s workforce). Indirectly, tourism contributed 4.3% to GDP (or NZ$9.8 million). The country’s isolation meant that 17.1% of New Zealand’s export earnings came from overseas tourists (nearly NZ$12 million). As of 2017, New Zealand’s economy received NZ$34 billion from both domestic and international tourists each year.

Top 3 job titles and salaries:

  • Skydiving instructor – $53.21 per hour
  • Travel manager – $32.51 per hour
  • Hotel receptionist – $23.00 per hour 

Browse Travel and Tourism Industry jobs on GrabJobs

The New Zealand construction industry has seen its greatest growth in the last decade. Statistics New Zealand reports that although growth has slowed in recent month, it is still growing at nearly 2% per year.

Construction employs over 256,000 Kiwis. Statistics show that the industry will need more than 50,000 construction workers to meet demand by 2022. This is a clear win for apprentices, given the growing housing market in New Zealand.

Top 3 job titles and salaries:

  • Site Supervisor – $30.32 per hour 
  • Carpenter – $30.29 per hour 
  • Foreman – $28.00 per hour 

Browse Construction Industry jobs on GrabJobs

What are the 15 Best Paying Hourly Jobs in New Zealand?

Considering taking up a part-time role? Here are the 15 highest-paying part-time jobs in New Zealand that might interest you. 

Software developers work in a variety of roles depending on their company, organization or team. Others develop and maintain networks and devices. Some others create applications that allow people to do specific tasks on their computers, smartphones, and other devices. 

This role typically requires a degree in computer science, software engineering, or a similar field. Candidates should possess interpersonal skills, analytical skills, time management, and deep knowledge of coding languages, database structures, and algorithms. Experienced professionals can also move to a full-time jobs. 

Average Salary – $76.45 per hour

Children and adults with difficulties communicating, eating, drinking, swallowing, or communication can receive life-changing support and treatment from speech and language therapists. Ones working with children are often assigned to struggling children at school. 

You need a Master’s degree, strong communication skills, proficiency in acute care, and attention to detail for making efficient treatment plans, to work as a Speech therapist. The job is always in demand. 

Average pay – $54.46 per hour

Skydiving instructors teach willing participants how to safely skydive. They then take them miles up the sky to show them how to use a parachute to get out of a plane. Instructors can teach, pack parachutes, and assist clients with gearing up and answer questions.

Skydivers usually can start taking clients once they attain the B license, which is granted after completing 100 jumps. The adventure sport instructor must also possess strong verbal communication skills, problem-solving skills, and technical skills. 

Average salary – $53.21 per hour

Data entry clerks are administrative professionals who handle routine clerical tasks related to updating or entering data into a computer system. The main responsibility of a data entry clerk is to make sure that the company’s database remains accurate and current. 

The role doesn’t require particular qualifications but candidates with strong computer skills, proficiency in MS Office, and a keen eye for attention to detail are preferred. 

Average Salary – $38.17 per hour

Youth counsellors or youth support workers offer social services to minors. They provide mentorship, counselling, and legal assistance as well as assistance with domestic problems in private facilities or educational institutes. Youth counsellors work with teenagers and children at risk to help them overcome their personal problems. 

Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, or counseling to apply for this job. The profession is expected to see a 22% growth in demand by 2028. 

Average Salary – $34.45 per hour

Travel managers manage, operate, and administrate travel programs for companies and agencies. Many times, they work for large corporations. They arrange business travel for executives and employees. They can also assist clients with their travel plans by working for travel agencies. These managers work in offices and can make arrangements via the internet or phone. 

A Travel Manager requires a bachelor’s degree in hospitality, travel, and tourism, or a similar field to land a job, in addition to strong communication skills, interpersonal skills, organizational and management skills, and attention to detail. 

Average salary – $32.51 per hour

Site supervisors are also known as construction site supervisors. They monitor progress on construction projects and ensure compliance with construction safety regulations. Site supervisors supervise subcontractors and construction workers, train them on safety procedures, and assess employee performance. 

Candidates with a Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management or a similar field are preferred for this role. A CPR and first aid certification along with a thorough understanding of construction safety regulations will certainly help secure this position. 

Average Salary – $30.32 per hour

Carpenters are skilled craftsmen who build, erect and install wood- and other-material-based structures. These include kitchen cabinets and building frameworks. They can work in many areas of construction. As you learn skills on the job, there are no requirements for becoming a carpenter. Employers prefer carpenters who are working towards or have a qualification.

As you learn skills on the job, there are no requirements for becoming a carpenter. Employers prefer carpenters who are working towards or have a qualification. You need to complete an apprenticeship to become a carpenter and attain a New Zealand Certificate in Carpentry at Level 4. You can also obtain a New Zealand Certificate of Carpentry through apprenticeships in carpentry with the New Zealand Army.

Average Salary – $30.29 per hour

A variety of administrative support tasks are performed by receptionists, such as answering phones, greeting visitors, setting up meeting rooms and training rooms, sorting mail and making travel plans.

Candidates with proficiency in MS Office, strong communication skills, organizational skills, and interpersonal skills will find several opportunities. A formal degree is not essential. 

Average Salary – $30.07 per hour

Private tutors are subject matter experts who can help students understand and absorb the details and concepts of any subject. Private tutors can work one-on-one with students, usually at home or in any other location that is suitable for teaching and learning. 

While not compulsory, a teaching degree in pedagogy goes a long way paired with a great skill set, and can eventually help secure a full-time position at a school. 

Average Salary – $29.50 per hour

Technical support engineers are also known as IT support engineers. They provide technical support to clients with hardware, software, or networking problems. They can be found on-site or remotely to help with IT issues such as software installation, network failures, hardware malfunctions, and other IT-related issues. 

A Tech Support Engineer will need at least an associate degree in Computer Science or a similar field. The candidate will need technical and analytical skills, communication skills, and problem-solving skills to land a job as a Technical Support Engineer. 

Average Salary – $29.00 per hour 

Content writers craft content for companies for various platforms across several formats such as blogs, web content, newsletter, etc. Content writers working on a part-time basis can go on to become full-time writers and further explore different scopes such as medical writing, technical writing, and more. 

To apply for a content writing position, you will need a degree in English or Journalism, along with strong attention to detail, research, and editing skills. 

Average salary – $28.15 per hour 

A Construction Foreman is responsible for managing the daily operations of a site to ensure that projects are completed in an efficient and safe manner. They are responsible for hiring Construction Workers and other trade professionals to complete specific tasks. They also monitor budgets and review laws to ensure a safe working environment. 

The job requires experience and can be adapted to different industries. There are no set qualifications. While some employers might require a diploma in a skilled trade for certain positions, most foreman positions only require high school diplomas. However, foremen positions often require extensive trade knowledge acquired over many years. 

Average Salary- $28.00 per hour

Bouncers staff and guests from inappropriate or lewd acts. They warn the guilty and expel them with tact., and inform the police when and where necessary. Bouncers can be described as security guards disguised and bartenders’ best friends on-call. 

As a bouncer, one must have strong interpersonal skills, civilian-related security training, as well as a clean bill of health. The job is always in demand given the number of people frequenting pubs and bars. 

Average Salary- $27.50 per hour 

Cashiers are responsible for maintaining positive impressions for their employers. They are in charge of transaction sales calculating the price of products and services, accepting payments, and answering customers’ questions about products and services. 

This role doesn’t require any particular certification, however, candidates are expected to have a high school degree and a command of basic math. 

Average salary – $27.28 per hour

Bar Managers ensure that bars run smoothly by managing day-to-day operations and staff, as well as managing employees and resources. They also create a safe and fun environment for patrons and staff. They may also be called Pub Managers. 

Candidates with restaurant or café management experience, strong communication, customer service, and problem-solving skills are highly preferred. 

Average salary – $26.92 per hour

A Nanny (or Childcare Provider) takes care of one or more children at their home. They are responsible for household chores, transportation to school and other activities, and cooking meals. Nannies often have responsibilities and duties that are directly connected to the well-being of their children.

You do not need to have any specific qualifications in order to be a nanny or child carer. However, employers prefer that you have a qualification, such as a New Zealand Certificate or Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (Levels 3 or 4), or a New Zealand Certificate or Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care.

Average Salary – $24.47 per hour

Dog walkers help dog owners take their beloved pooch for a walk while the owner is occupied or unable to walk the dogs at specific times. Dog walkers collect dogs from their homes and drop them at the designated times.

Dog walking doesn’t require a certain certification. However, a license or certification will surely help you find more opportunities. A dog walker is expected to have experience with dogs of various temperaments.

Average Salary – $24.00 per hour  

CSRs are customer service representatives who act as liaisons, provide information about products and services, answer questions and solve any problems our customers might have with accuracy and efficiency. 

To qualify for this position a candidate needs a graduation degree in any field. Since employees are given specialized training after joining, a specific diploma or degree isn’t usually required. However, candidates with communication skills, interpersonal skills, problem-solving skills, and organizational skills are likely preferred. 

Average Salary – $22.87

Find Highest Paying Hourly Jobs in New Zealand Today

It’s time to begin your search and find the job that’s the best fit for you.

Follow the strategies outlined in this guide and you’ll be able to find a job that allows you to use your skills. This is especially true if you use GrabJobs.

GrabJobs lets you filter your search by all kinds of criteria and connects you with the best matches before you know it. It’s totally free, too, so you’ve got nothing to lose by trying it out. 

Give GrabJobs a shot today and see for yourself why millions of job seekers rely on it!

Photo by Dan Freeman on Unsplash

Valentin Berard

Valentin Berard

COO at GrabJobs. Valentin leads strategic and operational activities regionally. Background in Business Development and Recruitment. Passionate about social innovation, he constantly strives to find solutions to real-world problems through harnessing smart technology. Read more: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeberard/