New Zealand median wage increases to $35.00: What it means for your visa plans
- Published: 14 April 2026
What is the median wage in New Zealand?
The New Zealand median wage used for immigration purposes is NZ$35.00 per hour from 9 March 2026. It increased from NZ$33.56 per hour.
The median wage is the midpoint of hourly wages used by Immigration New Zealand to set pay thresholds for certain visas and immigration settings. It does not mean every worker must earn at least NZ$35.00 per hour.
Median vs. average wage: What's the difference?
The median wage and average wage measure earnings differently.
Median wage: The midpoint of wages. Half of workers earn above it and half earn below it.
Average wage: Calculated by adding everyone's earnings together and dividing the total by the number of workers. Higher earners can push this figure up.
Good to know: The NZ$35.00 immigration median wage is based on June 2025 wage data and took effect for relevant immigration settings on 9 March 2026.
Why this matters for you
Your salary is not just what you earn. It is used to assess your visa eligibility.
When the median wage increases:
Visa salary requirements increase
Some residence pathways become harder to qualify for
Your course and career choices matter more
Even a small gap in pay can affect your plans.
Skilled Migrant Category (SMC)
To qualify under SMC, your job must meet minimum pay levels based on skill level and income points.
Pay rates for skilled work
Category | Before | After |
Skill level 1–3 (median wage) | $33.56 | $35.00 |
Skill level 4–5 (150%) | $50.34 | $52.50 |
Pay rates to claim income points
Category | Before | After |
3 points (1.5x median) | $50.34 | $52.50 |
4 points (2x median) | $67.12 | $70.00 |
6 points (3x median) | $100.68 | $105.00 |
What this means: You may now need a higher salary to qualify or reach enough points for residence.
Transport Work to Residence Visa
For this visa, the key requirement is meeting the median wage threshold.
Median wage requirement (main change)
Category | Before | After |
Median wage threshold | $33.56 | $35.00 |
Current eligible roles
Job | Required wage (from 9 March 2026) |
Ship’s Master (ANZSCO 231213) | $35.00 |
Deck hand (ANZSCO 899211) | $35.00 |
Work to Residence Visa (Green List roles)
This pathway requires you to meet specific wage thresholds for 24 out of the last 30 months.
Percentage-based thresholds
Category | Before | After |
Median wage | $33.56 | $35.00 |
115% roles | $38.59 | $40.25 |
130% roles | $43.63 | $45.50 |
150% roles | $50.34 | $52.50 |
Example roles and updated salaries
Job | New required wage |
Telecommunications technician | $40.25 |
Civil machinery operator | $40.25 |
Crane operator | $45.50 |
Building associate | $52.50 |
Panel beater / Vehicle painter | $40.25 |
Welder / Fitter roles | $45.50 |
If your role does not have a fixed threshold, it must pay at least $35.00/hour.
What this means: If your role is tied to these percentages, your required salary has increased across all levels.
Straight to Residence Visa (Green List roles)
These are high-demand roles with higher salary thresholds.
Updated pay rates
Job | New required wage |
ICT roles | $72.80 |
ICT (contract roles) | $109.20 |
Multimedia specialist | $57.75 |
Database/System administrator | $70.00 |
Auditor roles | $45.50 |
If no specific threshold is listed, the role must pay at least $35.00/hour.
What this means: These roles still offer strong PR pathways, but now require higher pay.
What should you do next?
If you are planning your future in New Zealand, now is the time to review your plan.
Ask yourself:
Will my future job meet the new salary requirement?
Is my course aligned with higher-paying roles?
Should I adjust my timeline or pathway?
Planning early helps you stay on track.
How IDP can help
You’ve already taken the first step by understanding these changes.
Now it’s about making sure your application stays strong.
We can help you choose the right course, plan your visa pathway, and make sure you meet the latest requirements.
Speak to an IDP expert today and move forward with confidence.
FAQs: Median wage in New Zealand
What is the current median wage in New Zealand?
The immigration median wage is NZ$35.00 per hour from 9 March 2026. Immigration New Zealand uses this figure to set pay thresholds for several visa and residence settings.
What's the difference between the median and average wage in New Zealand?
The median wage is the midpoint of wages, meaning half of workers earn more and half earn less. The average wage is calculated by adding earnings together and dividing by the number of workers, so higher earners can push the average up.
How often does the immigration median wage change in New Zealand?
Immigration New Zealand updates the immigration median wage based on wage data from Stats NZ. The current NZ$35.00 per hour rate took effect on 9 March 2026 and is based on June 2025 wage data.
Because the rate can change, check the latest Immigration New Zealand requirements when planning your visa or residence pathway.
How does the median wage affect my New Zealand visa?
The median wage is used to set pay thresholds for several immigration settings. These include Skilled Migrant Category, Green List residence pathways, Transport Work to Residence and some family visa requirements.
However, the exact pay requirement depends on the visa and your occupation. Some roles require the median wage, while others have a specific rate or a multiple of the median wage.
What's the difference between the median wage, minimum wage and Living Wage in New Zealand?
They serve different purposes:
Median wage – NZ$35.00/hour: Used by Immigration New Zealand for certain visa and residence settings.
Adult minimum wage – NZ$23.95/hour: The legal minimum hourly rate for eligible adult employees from 1 April 2026.
Living Wage – NZ$29.90/hour: A voluntary benchmark for the 2026/27 Living Wage year, designed to reflect the income workers and their families need for a basic standard of living.
Is the median wage the same as the average wage in New Zealand?
No. The median is the midpoint of wages, while the average is calculated by adding all wages together and dividing by the number of workers.
For immigration purposes, the figure to pay attention to is the immigration median wage of NZ$35.00 per hour from 9 March 2026.
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