Discover the latest updates on working in New Zealand salary and costs. This article explains average wages, required expenses, and key factors affecting Vietnamese workers’ income when moving to New Zealand.
Why Choose New Zealand for Work?
New Zealand has become one of the most attractive destinations for international workers thanks to its safe working environment, transparent labor policies, and strong social welfare system. The government regularly updates the minimum and median wage to protect the rights of overseas workers.
Salary for Overseas Workers in New Zealand
One of the top concerns is salary. As of 2025, here are the official rates:
- Minimum wage: 23.5 NZD/hour (approx. 340,000 VND).
- Median wage: 33.56 NZD/hour (updated July 2025).
With a 40-hour work week, workers can expect:
- Minimum earnings: around 3,700 – 3,800 NZD/month (before tax).
- Median wage level: around 4,700 – 5.360 NZD/month (before tax).
Highly skilled occupations on the Green List can earn 6,000 – 8,000 NZD/month.
Factors Affecting Actual Income
Your real take-home pay depends on:
- Occupation: industries like food processing, agriculture, and construction offer stable income; IT, healthcare, and engineering jobs often pay higher.
- Overtime work: extra hours can significantly increase monthly income.
- Location: larger cities come with higher living costs but also better job opportunities.
- English proficiency: essential for better job positions and long-term career growth.
Costs to Prepare Before Working in New Zealand
To work in New Zealand under the AEWV (Accredited Employer Work Visa) or other work visas, workers need to prepare:
- Visa application and processing fee: 750 – 1,000 NZD.
- Medical check-up & health tests: 4 – 7 million VND.
- English test (IELTS or PTE): 4 – 6 million VND per attempt.
- Flight ticket: 20 – 25 million VND (depending on season).
- Initial living expenses: 2,000 – 3,000 NZD for the first month (housing, food, transportation).
Conditions for Working Abroad
Age
From 18 to under 45 years old.
Working holiday (WHS): 18-30 years old.
Long-term workers: 20-45 years old.
Qualifications
Basic English communication or English certificate PTE 29+/ IELTS 4.0+
Intermediate, college, university degrees are advantageous with higher salaries.
Health
No chronic or infectious diseases (tuberculosis, HIV, hepatitis B …).
Good health
Other requirements
Clean background, no criminal record.
Diligent, disciplined and able to withstand work pressure.
The reality of working in New Zealand salary and costs varies by visa type, job sector, and financial preparation. On average, workers earn 3,700 – 5,000 NZD/month, with upfront expenses ranging from 80 million VND.
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If you are planning to work in New Zealand, make sure to prepare your documents properly and choose a reliable agency. KOROO provides full support for visa applications, English test preparation, and transparent job placement services to help you settle with confidence.
