JamesIf you’re thinking about working in New Zealand and wondering what kind of job you could get as a foreigner, especially one that pays well, then this article is for you.
Many people from all over the world dream of living and working in New Zealand. And it’s no surprise—New Zealand is a peaceful, beautiful country with friendly people, clean air, and a great work-life balance.
But what kind of jobs can you actually get as a foreigner? More importantly, are there any jobs that pay well, even up to $70,000 NZD per year?
Yes, there are.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about high-paying jobs in New Zealand for foreigners, especially jobs that pay up to $70,000 NZD per year.
We’ll explain which jobs are in demand, what qualifications you need, and how to increase your chances of landing one.
We’ll also give you tips on where to find these jobs and what it’s really like to live on a $70K salary in New Zealand.
Let’s get started.
Why Work in New Zealand as a Foreigner?
Before we dive into the job list, let’s look at why New Zealand is such a popular destination for foreign workers.
- Great lifestyle: New Zealand is known for its relaxed pace of life, low crime rate, and stunning natural beauty.
- Welcoming to immigrants: The country depends on skilled workers from overseas to keep its economy moving.
- Work-life balance: The average full-time workweek is around 37 to 40 hours, and most employees get at least four weeks of paid vacation.
- Path to residency: Many jobs—especially those on the government’s skill shortage lists—can lead to permanent residency.
Now let’s talk about the New Zealand job market and what you need to know as a foreigner.
Understanding the Job Market in New Zealand
New Zealand may be small in size, but it has a strong need for skilled workers in many areas.
While jobs paying over $100,000 are often talked about online, there are plenty of high-paying jobs in the $50,000 to $70,000 range that are easier to qualify for, especially if you’re just starting out.
These jobs are realistic, attainable, and come with opportunities for growth.
Who Can Apply?
Foreigners who meet the following criteria can apply for these jobs:
- You speak and understand English well (even if it’s not perfect)
- You have work experience or training in a field that’s needed in New Zealand
- You are willing to go through the visa process
- You’re open to relocating to areas where labor is needed (not just big cities)
Top High-Paying Jobs for Foreigners in New Zealand (Up to $70,000)
Below are some of the most in-demand jobs in New Zealand that pay well and are open to foreigners. We’ve grouped them by industry so it’s easier to find what suits you.
1. Healthcare & Social Services
New Zealand’s healthcare system is under pressure due to its growing and aging population.
With not enough local professionals to fill the gap, many healthcare roles are now open to foreign workers.
If you have experience in this field—or are willing to get trained—this is one of the best sectors to find a high-paying, stable job with long-term potential.
Some roles even come with visa sponsorship, and a few may fast-track you toward permanent residency.
A. Registered Nurse
- Average Salary: $65,000 – $75,000
- What You Need: A nursing qualification from your home country, proof of English proficiency (IELTS or OET), and registration with the New Zealand Nursing Council.
Why It’s a Great Choice: Nurses are in extremely high demand across hospitals, aged care homes, and clinics. Some regions offer relocation help and pathways to residency. If you’re a qualified nurse, you could be working in New Zealand faster than you think.
B. Aged Care Worker
- Average Salary: $52,000 – $60,000
- What You Need: Experience caring for the elderly or disabled, either professionally or personally, and a naturally compassionate and patient personality.
- Why It’s a Good Option: This role is perfect if you enjoy helping others and want a meaningful job. Some employers even offer free training or accommodation for workers in rural areas.
C. Mental Health Support Worker
- Average Salary: $55,000 – $70,000
- What You Need: Some formal training or hands-on experience in mental health, psychology, or community care.
- Why It’s Growing: With rising awareness around mental health, demand for support workers is increasing—especially in smaller towns and remote areas where services are limited.
2. Skilled Trades & Technical Jobs
If you’re good with your hands, this is one of the most promising job categories in New Zealand.
Skilled trades are always in short supply, and employers are actively looking for experienced workers from overseas.
These roles usually don’t require a university degree, but they do require real-world training, certifications, and sometimes licensing.
A. Electrician
- Average Salary: $65,000 – $75,000
- What You Need: A license or trade certification. You may need to get registered with New Zealand’s Electrical Workers Registration Board.
- Why It’s in Demand: Electricity is everywhere—homes, businesses, infrastructure. So electricians are always needed. Most regions have shortages, especially outside of Auckland.
B. Plumber
- Average Salary: $60,000 – $70,000
- What You Need: Plumbing license or trade qualifications. International plumbers may start with an apprenticeship to gain local experience.
- What’s Great About It: It’s a respected trade with stable income and the chance to work independently or grow into supervisory roles.
C. Carpenter
- Average Salary: $55,000 – $68,000
- What You Need: Hands-on carpentry or construction experience, preferably with some certification or apprenticeship background.
- Good to Know: New housing developments are being built across the country, especially in Christchurch and smaller cities. Carpenters are needed for everything from framing to finishing work.
3. IT and Technology
New Zealand’s tech industry is growing, but there’s still a shortage of mid-level professionals.
If you have basic to intermediate tech skills and a willingness to learn, you’ll find opportunities here—even if you’re not a senior developer or data scientist.
A. Technical Support Specialist
- Average Salary: $55,000 – $70,000
- What You Need: A diploma or certificate in IT, or relevant experience helping users with software or hardware issues.
- Why It’s Attractive: Many of these jobs offer flexible hours or remote work. They’re a great entry point into the tech industry for foreigners.
B. Junior Software Developer
- Average Salary: $60,000 – $70,000
- What You Need: Programming knowledge (from university, bootcamps, or self-study), and basic experience with common languages like JavaScript, Python, or C#.
- Why You Should Apply: It’s ideal if you’re just starting your tech career. Many companies are open to training junior devs who show potential.
C. QA Tester
- Average Salary: $55,000 – $68,000
What You Need: Understanding of software testing, bug tracking, and attention to detail.
Bonus: QA jobs often require less coding, making them great for people who want to work in tech without becoming full-time programmers.
4. Construction & Infrastructure
Whether it’s repairing earthquake damage, expanding highways, or building homes, New Zealand’s construction industry is always hiring.
These jobs pay well and often offer consistent hours with overtime options.
A. Site Supervisor (Junior Level)
- Average Salary: $60,000 – $70,000
- What You Need: On-the-ground construction experience, basic knowledge of safety and scheduling, and good communication skills.
- Career Path: Many foreigners start in general labor and move up into supervisory roles as they prove themselves on-site.
B. Health and Safety Officer
- Average Salary: $55,000 – $68,000
- What You Need: A certificate or diploma in occupational health and safety. Prior construction or industrial experience is a plus.
- Why It Matters: These roles are vital in every industry, from construction to manufacturing. Ensuring worker safety is a high priority in New Zealand.
5. Education & Childcare
If you enjoy teaching or caring for children, this sector offers good job security and a chance to make a real difference.
New Zealand lacks qualified early childhood educators and teacher aides, especially in regional towns.
A. Early Childhood Educator
- Average Salary: $55,000 – $65,000
- What You Need: Early Childhood Education (ECE) qualification, or a willingness to train and gain certification locally.
- Why It’s Rewarding: You’ll be helping young children grow and learn during their most important years.
B. Teacher Aide
- Average Salary: $45,000 – $55,000
- What You Need: Patience, empathy, and some experience working with children or special needs students.
- Bonus: A great entry-level position for foreigners who want to work in schools without becoming full-time teachers.
C. ESOL Assistant (English as a Second Language)
- Average Salary: $55,000 – $68,000
- What You Need: TESOL, TEFL, or CELTA certification. Experience teaching English is highly valued.
- Best For: Bilingual or multilingual individuals who want to help other immigrants adapt and succeed.
6. Hospitality & Tourism
New Zealand’s tourism industry is coming back strong, especially in scenic areas like Queenstown, Rotorua, and the Bay of Islands.
If you’ve worked in hotels, restaurants, or as a tour guide, there are great opportunities to explore here.
A. Hotel Duty Manager
- Average Salary: $60,000 – $70,000
- What You Need: Hotel experience, team leadership, and a good grasp of customer service.
- Why It’s a Fit: Great for people who enjoy fast-paced environments and working with international guests.
B. Restaurant Supervisor
- Average Salary: $50,000 – $65,000
- What You Need: Restaurant or food service experience and leadership skills.
- Upside: You can work your way up to management and possibly own your own restaurant someday.
C. Tour Guide (Multilingual)
- Average Salary: $45,000 – $60,000
- What You Need: Strong communication skills, knowledge of local history or landmarks, and foreign language abilities (especially Spanish, Mandarin, or French).
- What Makes It Fun: You get paid to travel and meet people from all over the world.
7. Agriculture & Farming
New Zealand’s economy relies heavily on agriculture, and many farming roles pay quite well—especially for those willing to live in rural areas.
While some positions are seasonal, others offer full-time contracts with housing and bonuses.
A. Dairy Farm Assistant
- Average Salary: $55,000 – $65,000
- What You Need: Physical fitness, willingness to learn farm routines, and the ability to work early hours.
- Why It’s Good: Many dairy farms are happy to train motivated workers, and accommodation is often included.
B. Orchard Supervisor
- Average Salary: $60,000 – $70,000
- What You Need: Experience working with fruit crops or vineyards, plus some management skills.
- Where It’s Common: Hawke’s Bay and Bay of Plenty regions are top areas for fruit production.
C. Viticulture Technician (Wine Industry)
- Average Salary: $55,000 – $68,000
- What You Need: Experience in vineyards or winery production, especially grape growing.
- Best Part: You get to be part of New Zealand’s award-winning wine scene, often in stunning scenic regions.
Where to Find These Jobs
If any of the jobs above interest you, the next step is knowing where to look. Here are the best places to find high-paying jobs in New Zealand:
- Seek.co.nz – The largest job site in NZ
- TradeMe Jobs – Local job listings, especially good for smaller towns
- Workhere.co.nz – Jobs specifically for foreigners
- Indeed NZ
LinkedIn – A great place to network with employers
Tip: Always tailor your CV and cover letter to the New Zealand format. Keep it short, clear, and focused on your achievements.
How to Improve Your Chances of Getting Hired
Here are some practical steps to stand out as a foreign applicant:
- Get Your Credentials Recognized
Check if your diploma, certificate, or license is accepted in NZ. Some jobs require registration with NZ bodies (like nursing, trades, or teaching). - Take an English Test (IELTS or PTE)
Even if you’re confident, you may need a test score to qualify for work visas. - Apply for the Right Visa
Start with the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). Many jobs on this list qualify. - Get Local References (if possible)
If you can, do short-term work, volunteering, or online gigs for New Zealand clients to get a reference. - Join Facebook or LinkedIn Groups
There are active groups for foreigners working in New Zealand. You can find advice, leads, and real people who’ve already gone through the process.
Living on $70,000 a Year in New Zealand
Let’s be honest—$70K in New Zealand is not a luxury salary, but it’s more than enough to live comfortably.
Here’s a rough monthly budget breakdown in NZD:
- Rent (1-bedroom in small city): $1,200
- Utilities + Internet: $200
- Groceries: $600
- Transport (car or public): $300
- Other (phone, entertainment, insurance): $300
Total: Around $2,600 – $2,800/month
You’ll still have room to save, travel, or support your family back home.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
If you’re looking for a realistic, high-paying job in a peaceful, friendly country with growth opportunities, New Zealand is a strong choice.
With jobs paying up to $70,000 and plenty of demand across healthcare, trades, IT, and more, you don’t need to be a doctor or lawyer to earn well.
You just need the right skills, the right approach, and a little bit of courage.
Ready to Start?
Start by picking a job that suits your experience. Then:
- Polish your CV (in NZ format)
- Look for jobs on Seek or WorkHere
- Apply for the right visa
- Keep learning and improving your English
- Join online communities for support
Your new life in New Zealand might be closer than you think.
