Nursing salaries in New Zealand continue to rise in 2025, making nursing one of the most rewarding and stable healthcare careers in the country. From entry-level registered nurses to senior specialists, pay rates are competitive and reflect both experience and qualifications. This guide covers average pay, city-wise differences, education-based earnings, and the outlook for nurses in New Zealand.
Average Nursing Salaries in New Zealand
Overall average salary: NZD 83,300 per year (about NZD 6,941 per month).
Salary range: NZD 43,100 for beginners up to NZD 127,700 for senior or specialist roles.
Hourly rate: Nurses earn an average of NZD 35.14 per hour, with most ranging between NZD 28.46 and NZD 40.63.
These figures show that nursing salaries in New Zealand are competitive compared to many other healthcare careers.
Experience-Based Nursing Salaries in New Zealand (Annual)
| Experience Level | Average Salary (NZD) |
|---|---|
| 0–2 Years | 43,100 |
| 2–5 Years | 58,700 |
| 5–10 Years | 79,000 |
| 10–15 Years | 97,600 |
| 15–20 Years | 107,300 |
| 20+ Years | 114,500 |
Graduate nurses typically begin at NZD 75,773 (Step 1) and progress to NZD 83,317 by the second year. Most registered nurses reach Step 7, earning around NZD 106,739 base salary or NZD 120,129 including overtime and allowances.
Education-Based Nursing Salaries in New Zealand
| Education Level | Average Salary (NZD) |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 65,700 |
| Master’s Degree | 102,700 |
Nurse practitioners with a master’s degree and specialization earn between NZD 137,000–163,000 annually. This highlights how advanced education significantly boosts nursing salaries in New Zealand.
Senior and Specialist Nursing Salaries in New Zealand
| Role | Average Annual Salary (NZD) |
|---|---|
| Senior Registered Nurse | 114,000–163,000 |
| Nurse Practitioner | 137,000–163,000 |
| Clinical Nurse | 97,433 |
| Health Policy/Research Nurse | 98,000 |
| Critical Care Nurse | 78,000 |
| Geriatric Nurse | 80,000 |
Senior roles and specialist nurses command some of the highest nursing salaries in New Zealand, especially in advanced practice and research positions.
City-Wise Nursing Salaries in New Zealand
| City | Avg Annual Salary (NZD) |
|---|---|
| Auckland | 83,800 |
| Wellington | 77,000 |
| Christchurch | 79,800 |
| Hamilton | 76,000 |
| Rotorua | 69,800 |
| Napier | 65,000 |
Nurses in larger cities like Auckland and Wellington enjoy higher nursing salaries in New Zealand, reflecting living costs and demand.
Additional Allowances and Benefits
Overtime, night/weekend, and call-back allowances: NZD 5,000–13,000 extra per year.
Most full-time nurses earn between NZD 101,189–125,662, especially at Steps 5–7.
Professional Development & Recognition Programme (PDRP) adds up to NZD 4,500 annually.
Enrolled nurses earn between NZD 50,000–70,000 annually, with hourly pay between NZD 25–35.
These benefits ensure that nursing salaries in New Zealand remain competitive while rewarding extra responsibilities.
Key Facts About Nursing Salaries in New Zealand 2025
Annual increments: Nurses receive around 2% annual pay rise in 2025.
Overtime opportunities: Boost total income significantly, especially for senior staff.
Career growth: Advanced education and specialization can lead to six-figure salaries.
Final Takeaway
In 2025, nursing salaries in New Zealand remain highly attractive. Entry-level registered nurses start with solid pay, while senior and specialist nurses, particularly in Auckland and Wellington, can earn well above NZD 100,000 annually. With opportunities for overtime, allowances, and progression, nursing offers a financially rewarding and secure career path in New Zealand.
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FAQs
Q1: How will registered nurse salaries in New Zealand evolve through 2025?
Registered nurse salaries in New Zealand are expected to grow steadily in 2025, with a 2% annual increase across most pay steps. Entry-level nurses start at around NZD 43,100 annually, while senior and specialised nurses can earn over NZD 120,000 with allowances and overtime.
Q2: What regional differences in nurse pay are most significant in New Zealand?
Nurse salaries vary by city. Auckland offers the highest pay at NZD 83,800 per year, followed by Christchurch (NZD 79,800) and Wellington (NZD 77,000). Smaller cities like Napier (NZD 65,000) and Rotorua (NZD 69,800) offer comparatively lower salaries.
Q3: How do education level and experience impact nurse salaries in New Zealand?
Education and experience are major salary drivers. Nurses with a Bachelor’s degree earn around NZD 65,700, while those with a Master’s or Nurse Practitioner qualification earn NZD 137,000–163,000 annually. Experience also increases earnings: nurses with 15+ years can earn over NZD 114,500.
Q4: What factors influence the salary range for nurses in major New Zealand cities?
Key factors include cost of living, demand for healthcare staff, and hospital size. Auckland and Wellington pay higher salaries due to higher living costs and demand, while smaller regions pay less. Specialist roles and overtime allowances further widen the pay range.
Q5: How do New Zealand nurse salaries compare to other high-paying countries in 2025?
In 2025, New Zealand nurse salaries remain competitive. While countries like the US and Australia may offer slightly higher base pay, NZ offers strong benefits such as overtime allowances, professional development incentives, and clear pay progression, making it an attractive choice for international nurses.