Top 10 Highest Paid Professions in the New Zealand – 2021

If you are planning to move to New Zealand for an overseas career in 2021, then you must be aware of the top highest paying jobs in New Zealand to decide if it really worth moving to the country. The top sectors where jobs are expected in 2021 are healthcare, engineering and IT. But there are plenty of job opportunities in sectors such as construction, trades and business services.

You’ll be able to make a more informed decision about potential career pathways by having a good idea of the highest paying jobs in New Zealand.

Here are the top-paying jobs available in New Zealand:

1. Civil engineer

Civil engineers take care of the construction of bridges, roads and water supply networks. In New Zealand, there is currently a huge shortage of civil engineers, meaning the job will pay you well. A degree in civil engineering or other qualifications for building and construction can help. For this role, however, one of the key things is experience. You’ll need a broad understanding of the roles and procedures that go into managing a project.

 The average salary for this role is NZ$93,257.

2. Quantity Surveyors

The management of the costs of civil engineering and other construction projects is the responsibility of quantity surveyors. They strive to minimize the total costs and risks of such programs, to ensure that they retain quality and comply with legal requirements. It is a function that, from planning onwards, has an impact over every stage of the process.

To become a quantity surveyor in New Zealand, you’ll need the correct set of qualifications. You’ll want either a New Zealand Diploma in Building or a bachelor’s degree in quantity surveying to begin with.

The average salary for this role is NZ$71,321.

3. Software engineer

Software engineers specialize in the production and design of software for computer systems or software for applications. These two areas include operating frameworks (back end) and user-facing applications, respectively. There is a lot of demand for these practitioners with the emergence of digital applications of all kinds.

Software developers, server managers, networking administrators and database administrators figure in New Zealand’s long-term skill shortage list, meaning these jobs pay extremely well.

You would need a lot of knowledge about the field, but there are no clear qualifications to become a software engineer. A degree in computer science, or business computing will help you.

The average salary for this role is NZ$70,699.

4. General practitioner

Due to shortage, doctors in New Zealand continue to earn well. It’s worth keeping in mind, though, that it will take 11 years to become a GP. Related positions you may want to consider include being an anesthetist, pathologist, physician, audiologist/audio metrist, or gynecologist/obstetrician.

The average salary for this role is NZ$175,004.

5. Oil and gas engineer

Oil and gas engineers ensure the safe and efficient extraction of gas and oil from reservoirs. Apart from preparing and assessing sites, they also ensure that health and safety regulations are in place. Considering the amount of oil and gas reserves in New Zealand, this is one of the country’s best-paying jobs.

Oil and gas engineers usually have post-graduate education and on the job training.

The average salary for this role is NZ$101,000. 

6. Accountant

Accountants ensure that the financial accounts of individuals and accountants are in good order. They check records, balance the books, provide insights and suggest targets. In just about every sector, it is an important position, making it one of New Zealand’s best-paying jobs.

Training as an accountant in New Zealand takes between two and six years. You will need a degree in either accounting or a business-related subject. You will need three years of professional experience from there, as well as a Chartered Accountants Australia New Zealand (CA ANZ) qualification.

The average salary for this role is NZ$55,002.

7. Investment banker

For a broad variety of companies, investment bankers work to secure money, often in affiliation with banks. They help facilitate complex financial transactions, such as investments, mergers, and sales. To identify risks, investment bankers use their skills in analytics and capital markets.

In order to start a career in investment banking, they need an undergraduate degree and an MBA. They need to gain experience, often with something like an internship or training scheme.

The average salary for this role is NZ$75,000.

8. Veterinarian

You’ll be happy to find out that veterinarians are highly compensated in rural areas. It’s a position that needs specialist expertise and a particular skill set, making it one of New Zealand’s best-paying jobs.

You’ll need to undergo a five-year Bachelor of Veterinary Science course to become a vet. You will require some experience and must register with the Veterinary Council of New Zealand.

The average salary for this role is NZ$78,667.

9. Nurse

There is a shortage of nurses in New Zealand, and the situation is only set to worsen as the population of the country grows and ages. Although the pay is not necessarily high, it is still a stable career choice. You may choose to do Bachelor of Health Sciences, Bachelor of Nursing or Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing to become a registered nurse.

The average salary for this role is NZ$ 57,000.

10. Roofer

Roofers fix and build roofs, with long-term demand expected to play a part. Roofers are mostly self-employed, which for many makes it an appealing career path. You will need to complete an apprenticeship and receive a National Roofing-Installer Certificate to get started in this career.

The average salary for this role is NZ$ 50,000.