Wage Rates for NZ Work Visas
How Wage Thresholds Generally Work
A general guide to how New Zealand work-visa wage thresholds work — the median wage, market rate, and how thresholds change. This is general information only, not personalised advice. Wage figures are updated by Immigration New Zealand each year; check immigration.govt.nz for the current rates, and confirm what applies to your role with a licensed adviser.
How Thresholds Work
How Wage Thresholds Generally Work
The Wage Threshold
Some work visas generally require the role to be paid at least a set amount — the wage threshold. Immigration New Zealand checks the offered pay rate against the threshold for the visa.
The Median Wage
Many thresholds are based on the New Zealand median wage, which is updated annually. As published by Immigration New Zealand, the June 2025 median wage is NZD $35.00 per hour (up from NZD $33.56).
Market Rate
Some roles are assessed against the market rate — the pay range a New Zealander or resident would generally be paid to do the same work — rather than a fixed median-wage figure.
Other Thresholds
Some thresholds are indexed to the New Zealand minimum wage or to occupation-specific rates, such as those from pay-equity settlements.
If a Threshold Increases
If you already hold a visa and its wage threshold increases, you generally do not need to meet the new rate for that visa — but you generally will when you apply for another visa.
Checking Your Rate
Immigration New Zealand provides an official median-wage comparison calculator. A licensed adviser can confirm which threshold and rate apply to your specific role.
Checking a Wage Rate
How to Check a Wage Rate
- 1
Identify the Visa
Different work visas use different wage rules. Start by identifying which visa applies to the role.
- 2
Find the Threshold
Check the current threshold for that visa on immigration.govt.nz — median wage, market rate, or another indexed rate.
- 3
Compare the Offer
Compare the offered hourly rate against the threshold using Immigration New Zealand's official calculator.
- 4
Adviser Review
A licensed immigration adviser can confirm how the threshold applies to your role and circumstances.
Common Questions
Common Questions About Wage Rates
As published by Immigration New Zealand, the median wage used for immigration thresholds is NZD $35.00 per hour, based on the June 2025 quarter (up from NZD $33.56). It is updated each year, so check immigration.govt.nz for the current figure.
No — wage rules vary by visa. Some visas use the median wage, some use the market rate, and some use other indexed rates. Which applies depends on the visa and the role.
Generally, if you already hold a visa you do not need to meet a later increase for that visa. However, you generally will need to meet the new threshold when you apply for another visa.
Current wage thresholds and the median-wage calculator are published on immigration.govt.nz. A licensed adviser can confirm what applies to a specific role.
Next Step
Check a Wage Rate With an Adviser
Tell us about the role and our licensed adviser will review how the wage threshold applies to your situation.