Survey shows average pay in each part of NZ and why 96% of Kiwis are job hunting

If you’ve been casually scrolling job listings just to see what’s out there, you’re not the only one.

A new survey from Trade Me has revealed that out of 1.946 employed Kiwis and 226 employers, a shocking 96% of workers are either actively job hunting or open to jumping ship this year.

It’s up a whopping 12% from 2025, and nearly half of those surveyed reckon they’ll actually make a move within the next 12 months.

If you’re on the hunt for a new role and open to relocating - or just a bit nosey, like me - Trade Me have shared the average salaries across the motu and industries nationwide.

Just don’t expect it to make you feel any better about your current pay…

Note: Averages may be skewed due to a smaller pool of listings between Jan 1 and March 31 2026.

Average salary across NZ regions:

• West Coast - $76,201

• Wellington - $76,136

• Auckland - $75,881

• Otago - $73,396

• Waikato - $73,219

• Southland - $72,995

• Bay of Plenty - $72,756

• Gisborne - $72,274

• Northland - $71,882

• Canterbury - $71,437

• Nelson/Tasman - $71,351

• Manawatū/Whanganui - $71,191

• Hawke’s Bay - $70,963

• Taranaki - $70,108

• Marlborough - $69,375

Average salary in NZ across industries:

• IT - $128,665

• HR and recruitment - $94,000

• Banking, finance and insurance - $93,819

• Accounting - $91,231

• Transport and logistics - $91,231

• Government and council - $89,034

• Retail - $85,376

• Engineering - $86,167

• Marketing, media and communications - $83,923

• Automotive - $78,851

• Construction and roading - $77,676

• Healthcare - $77,556

• Sales - $74,091

• Education - $72,057

• Agriculture, fishing and forestry - $70,625

• Trades and services - $67,844

• Office and administration - $66,126

• Manufacturing and operations - $65,666

• Hospitality and tourism - $63,745

• Customer service - $60,957

• Property - $59,201

There’ll be more of us considering a potential change after seeing those lists… 

But it’s not just about chasing something new. A solid 16% of the workforce questioned say the main reasons for wanting to switch are unhappiness with workplace culture and feeling undervalued.

Over two thirds (68%) are even willing to relocate for the right role. Head of Trade Me Jobs, Nicole Williams says the willingness is “creating a win-win for the job market.” 

“Businesses now have access to a wider national talent pool, while greater flexibility over location means more choice for job hunters.”