Median Wage NZ 2026
The immigration median wage is $35.00 per hour, effective from 9 March 2026 — roughly $72,800 a year based on a 40-hour week. For roles at ANZSCO skill levels 4–5 where 1.5× applies, the rate is $52.50 per hour.
This reference rate is used by specific immigration instructions. It is not a universal minimum for AEWV or every residence pathway: the applicable rate depends on the visa category, occupation and the date fixed by the relevant instructions.
Historical Wage Threshold Lookup
Use the relevant historical date for the visa pathway. Common thresholds are the base median wage and 1.15×, 1.3×, 1.5×, 2× and 3× multiples.
NZ Median Wage History
| Effective From | Effective To | Median Wage | 1.5× (ANZSCO 4–5) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-03-09 | Current | $35.00/hr | $52.50/hr |
| 2025-08-18 | 2026-03-09 | $33.56/hr | $50.34/hr |
| 2024-02-28 | 2025-08-18 | $31.61/hr | $47.41/hr |
| 2023-02-27 | 2024-02-28 | $29.66/hr | $44.49/hr |
| 2022-10-24 | 2023-02-27 | $27.76/hr | $41.64/hr |
| 2021-07-19 | 2022-10-24 | $27.00/hr | $40.50/hr |
| 2020-02-24 | 2021-07-19 | $25.50/hr | $38.25/hr |
| 2018-11-26 | 2020-02-24 | $25.00/hr | $37.50/hr |
| 2018-01-15 | 2018-11-26 | $24.29/hr | $36.44/hr |
Source: Immigration New Zealand wage threshold tables.
It is not the minimum wage
These two get confused constantly, and the difference matters.
The minimum wage is employment law. It applies to every worker in New Zealand and is currently $23.95 per hour.
The immigration median wage is a reference used in particular visa instructions. A visa may instead use market rate, a fixed amount, or an occupation-specific multiple.
An employer can comply with employment law while a worker still falls short of a separate immigration threshold.
Where the median wage applies
AEWV — there is no universal median-wage threshold. Market-rate and minimum-wage requirements apply, while some associated settings use separate wage tests.
Skilled Migrant Category — ANZSCO 1–3 roles need 1× median; ANZSCO 4–5 roles need 1.5× for points to count.
Green List Tier 2 (Work to Residence) — each occupation has its own requirement: the median wage, a higher multiple, a fixed amount, registration, or a stated qualification alternative. See our Green List checker.
Why the history matters
The table on this page goes back to 2017, and it isn't there for interest. Immigration decisions are assessed against the rate in effect at the relevant time, not today's rate.
For SMC, INZ fixes a wage-threshold point in time within a look-back period tied to the invitation to apply, while qualifying experience is counted in a separate look-back period tied to the residence application. For Work to Residence, the eligible period is the 30 months immediately before the residence application and the wage may be fixed when qualifying work began or, when the conditions are met, at the relevant visa-grant date up to five months earlier.
Not sure whether your wage qualifies?
Book a free 15-minute consultation with an IAA Licensed Immigration Adviser in Auckland, or call +64 9 213 1677.