New Zealand median wage increases to $35.00: What it means for your visa plans
Topics covered
- Published: 14 April 2026
From 9 March 2026, the median wage in New Zealand has increased from $33.56 to $35.00 per hour. This update affects work visas, residence pathways, and even family sponsorship.
If you are planning to study, work, or stay in New Zealand, this is something you need to understand early.
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.
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