New Zealand's Median Wage Threshold and How It Affects Your Visa Pathway (2026)

## Quick Facts - **Median wage threshold (2026)**: NZD $31.61 per hour (based on Statistics NZ 2025 median earnings of NZD $1,273 per week), used as the minimum salary requirement for most skilled work and residence visa pathways. - **Post Study Work Visa (PSWV) duration**: 1–3 years depending on qualification level — Level 7 bachelor's degree holders receive 3 years; Level 4–6 diploma graduates receive 1 year (Level 4–5) or 2 years (Level 6). - **Green List Tier 1 occupations**: 57 roles (as of April 2026) including registered nurses, software engineers, civil engineers, and electricians — these offer a straight-to-residence pathway with no requirement to work in New Zealand first. - **Green List Tier 2 occupations**: 29 roles including early childhood teachers, quantity surveyors, and social workers — require 2 years of work in the role before applying for residence. - **Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) 6-point system**: Points awarded for NZQF qualification level (3–6 points), skilled work experience in New Zealand (1–3 points), or income at 1.5x or 2x the median wage (3–6 points). Minimum 6 points required. - **Graduate starting salaries (2026)**: Engineering graduates average NZD $65,000–$75,000 per year; IT graduates NZD $60,000–$70,000; nursing graduates NZD $68,000–$75,000; business graduates NZD $55,000–$65,000 (source: Universities New Zealand Graduate Destinations Survey 2025). - **Living cost evidence requirement**: NZD $20,000 per year (for a single student) must be demonstrated in your bank account or via a student loan letter when applying for a student visa. ## Overview New Zealand's median wage threshold is the single most important number for international graduates planning their migration journey. It determines eligibility for the Post Study Work Visa (PSWV), the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), and residence pathways under the Skilled Migrant Category and Green List. As of 2026, the median wage is NZD $31.61 per hour, calculated from Statistics New Zealand's Labour Market Statistics (December 2025 quarter), which reported median weekly earnings from wages and salaries at NZD $1,273. This figure is updated annually by Immigration New Zealand, typically in February or March, based on the previous calendar year's data. Understanding how this threshold interacts with your qualification, occupation, and work experience is critical. For example, a graduate with a Level 7 bachelor's degree in software engineering can access a 3-year PSWV, but to transition to residence through the SMC, they need to earn at least NZD $31.61 per hour (the median wage) or NZD $47.42 per hour (1.5x the median) to claim points for income. The Green List offers a more direct route for occupations in shortage, but the wage threshold still applies for the work-to-residence pathway (Tier 2). This article breaks down each visa pathway, the wage requirements, and practical steps to meet them. ## The Median Wage Threshold: What It Is and Why It Matters The median wage threshold is the minimum hourly rate you must be paid to qualify for most skilled work and residence visas in New Zealand. It is recalculated annually based on Statistics New Zealand’s Labour Cost Index and the Quarterly Employment Survey. For 2026, the median wage is NZD $31.61 per hour, up from NZD $29.66 in 2024 and NZD $31.61 in 2025 (unchanged due to legislative changes in 2025 that shifted the calculation method). This rate applies to: - **Post Study Work Visa (PSWV)**: You must be employed in a role that pays at least NZD $31.61 per hour (or the equivalent annual salary) to be considered "skilled employment" for residence purposes. However, the PSWV itself does not have a minimum wage requirement — you can work in any role during the visa period, but only skilled employment counts toward residence. - **Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)**: Your employer must offer you at least the median wage (NZD $31.61 per hour) for the role to be considered "skilled" and eligible for a 3-year AEWV. Roles paying below the median wage are limited to 1-year visas and are not eligible for residence. - **Skilled Migrant Category (SMC)**: The median wage is the baseline for skilled employment points. Earning at least NZD $31.61 per hour gives you 3 points for income; earning NZD $47.42 per hour (1.5x median) gives you 4 points; earning NZD $63.22 per hour (2x median) gives you 6 points. - **Green List**: Tier 1 occupations require you to be paid at least the median wage. Tier 2 occupations require 2 years of work at or above the median wage before you can apply for residence. ### How the Median Wage Is Calculated Statistics New Zealand publishes the median weekly earnings from wages and salaries each quarter. The most recent data (December 2025 quarter) shows median weekly earnings of NZD $1,273. To calculate the hourly rate, Immigration New Zealand divides this by 40 hours (the standard working week), giving NZD $31.61 per hour. This method was introduced in 2025 to simplify the calculation and remove the previous reliance on the Labour Cost Index. The threshold is reviewed annually, and any changes take effect from late February or early March. For example, if the median weekly earnings rise to NZD $1,300 in 2026, the 2027 threshold would be NZD $32.50 per hour. ## Post Study Work Visa (PSWV) and the Wage Threshold The PSWV is the primary visa for international graduates to gain skilled work experience in New Zealand. As of 2026, the key requirements are: - **Qualification level**: You must have completed a qualification at NZQF Level 4 or higher at a New Zealand institution that is accredited and has good immigration compliance history. - **Duration**: Level 4–5 diplomas get 1 year; Level 6 diplomas get 2 years; Level 7 bachelor's degrees and higher get 3 years. - **Work conditions**: You can work for any employer in any role (including self-employment) during the PSWV. There is no minimum wage requirement for the visa itself, but to use this work experience toward residence, you must be in "skilled employment" — defined as a role at or above the median wage (NZD $31.61 per hour) and at the appropriate skill level (ANZSCO skill level 1–3 for most roles). ### What Counts as Skilled Employment? Immigration New Zealand uses the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) to determine skill levels. For residence, your job must be in ANZSCO skill level 1, 2, or 3, and you must be paid at or above the median wage. Examples: - **Registered nurse (ANZSCO 2544)**: Skill level 1 — median wage requirement applies. Starting salary for a new graduate nurse in 2026 is NZD $68,000–$75,000 (NZD $34.00–$37.50 per hour), easily meeting the threshold. - **Software engineer (ANZSCO 2613)**: Skill level 1 — median wage applies. Starting salary NZD $65,000–$80,000 (NZD $32.50–$40.00 per hour). - **Retail manager (ANZSCO 1421)**: Skill level 2 — median wage applies. Starting salary typically NZD $55,000–$65,000 (NZD $27.50–$32.50 per hour), which may be below the median wage for some roles. - **Hospitality manager (ANZSCO 1413)**: Skill level 2 — median wage applies. Starting salary often NZD $50,000–$60,000 (NZD $25.00–$30.00 per hour), which may fall below the threshold. If your role is below the median wage, you cannot use that work experience toward residence, even if you are on a PSWV. You would need to find a higher-paying role or wait until your salary increases. ## Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and the Wage Threshold After your PSWV expires, the AEWV is the main work visa for staying in New Zealand. It requires: - **Employer accreditation**: Your employer must be accredited by Immigration New Zealand. As of 2026, there are three tiers of accreditation: Standard (3 years), High Volume (for employers with 5+ AEWV holders), and Labour Hire (for temporary staffing agencies). - **Job offer**: You must have a full-time job offer (at least 30 hours per week) in a role that pays at or above the median wage (NZD $31.61 per hour) for most roles. Some roles in the transport, tourism, and hospitality sectors have lower wage thresholds (NZD $25.00–$28.00 per hour) but these do not lead to residence. - **Visa length**: 3 years for roles at or above the median wage; 1 year for roles below the median wage (with limited renewal options). - **Residence pathway**: To transition from AEWV to residence, you must be in a role on the Green List or meet the SMC requirements. The median wage is the baseline for both. ### What If Your Salary Is Below the Median Wage? If your job offer pays below NZD $31.61 per hour, you can still get a 1-year AEWV, but you cannot use this time toward residence. After 1 year, you must either find a higher-paying role or leave New Zealand. This makes the median wage a critical barrier for graduates in lower-paid fields like retail, hospitality, or administration. For example, a graduate with a Level 7 business degree working as a retail assistant (NZD $25.00 per hour) would not be able to use that role for residence, even though they hold a degree. ## Green List Pathways and the Wage Threshold The Green List, updated in April 2026, contains 86 occupations (57 Tier 1, 29 Tier 2) that offer a direct residence pathway. The wage threshold applies differently: - **Tier 1 (Straight to Residence)**: You can apply for residence immediately after starting your job, provided you are paid at or above the median wage. Examples: registered nurse, software engineer, civil engineer, electrician, carpenter. No requirement to work in New Zealand first. - **Tier 2 (Work to Residence)**: You must work in the role for 2 years (at or above the median wage) before applying for residence. Examples: early childhood teacher, quantity surveyor, social worker, secondary school teacher. ### Green List Salary Benchmarks (2026) Occupations on the Green List typically pay above the median wage. For example: - **Registered nurse**: NZD $34.00–$40.00 per hour (NZD $68,000–$80,000 per year) - **Software engineer**: NZD $35.00–$50.00 per hour (NZD $70,000–$100,000 per year) - **Civil engineer**: NZD $36.00–$45.00 per hour (NZD $72,000–$90,000 per year) - **Early childhood teacher**: NZD $30.00–$36.00 per hour (NZD $60,000–$72,000 per year) — note this is slightly below the median wage for some entry-level roles, so you need to negotiate or find a higher-paying employer. If your occupation is not on the Green List, you must use the Skilled Migrant Category, which is more competitive. ## Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) 6-Point System The SMC uses a simplified points system introduced in 2023. You need a minimum of 6 points, which can be earned from three categories: - **NZQF qualification level**: Level 7 bachelor's degree = 3 points; Level 8 postgraduate diploma = 4 points; Level 9 master's degree = 5 points; Level 10 doctoral degree = 6 points. - **Skilled work experience in New Zealand**: 1 point for 2 years; 2 points for 3 years; 3 points for 4 years. Work must be at or above the median wage and in ANZSCO skill level 1–3. - **Income**: 3 points for earning at least NZD $31.61 per hour (median wage); 4 points for NZD $47.42 per hour (1.5x median); 6 points for NZD $63.22 per hour (2x median). You can combine points from different categories, but you cannot use the same category twice. For example, a graduate with a Level 9 master's degree (5 points) needs 1 more point from work experience (2 years) or income (median wage). A graduate with a Level 7 bachelor's degree (3 points) needs 3 more points from work experience (4 years) or income (1.5x median wage). ### Practical Example - **Scenario 1**: You have a Level 8 postgraduate diploma (4 points) and earn NZD $47.42 per hour (4 points) — you have 8 points, exceeding the 6-point minimum. You can apply for residence immediately. - **Scenario 2**: You have a Level 7 bachelor's degree (3 points) and have worked for 2 years in New Zealand (1 point) — you have 4 points. You need 2 more points, either from 1 more year of work (2 years total = 2 points) or earning 1.5x the median wage (4 points). If you earn the median wage only, you cannot use income points because you would only get 3 points, and you already used 3 points from your qualification — you cannot combine the same category. ## FAQ ### Q1: What happens if my salary is below the median wage but my occupation is on the Green List? If your occupation is on the Green List but your salary is below NZD $31.61 per hour, you cannot use the Green List pathway. The Green List requires you to be paid at or above the median wage for both Tier 1 and Tier 2 roles. For example, a registered nurse earning NZD $30.00 per hour (below the threshold) would not qualify for straight-to-residence, even though nursing is on Tier 1. You would need to negotiate a higher salary or find a different employer. Some roles, like early childhood teacher, have starting salaries close to the threshold — check your offer against the median wage and consider asking for a higher rate. ### Q2: Can I use part-time work toward the Skilled Migrant Category? No. The SMC requires full-time employment (at least 30 hours per week) at or above the median wage. Part-time work, even at a high hourly rate, does not count. Similarly, casual or contract work may not qualify unless it meets the full-time hours requirement and is ongoing. If you are working part-time while studying, that time does not count toward the 2–4 years of skilled work experience needed for points. ### Q3: How often is the median wage threshold updated? The median wage threshold is updated annually, usually in late February or early March, based on Statistics New Zealand's data from the previous calendar year. For example, the 2026 threshold (NZD $31.61) reflects the December 2025 quarter data. If median earnings rise, the threshold increases. Graduates on a PSWV or AEWV are not affected by increases during their visa period — your visa conditions are locked in at the time of application. However, if you apply for a new visa (e.g., from PSWV to AEWV), the new threshold applies. ### Q4: What if I have a Level 7 bachelor's degree but my job is not related to my field of study? For the PSWV, your job does not need to be related to your field of study. You can work in any role. However, for the SMC or Green List, your job must be in an occupation that matches your qualification level and skill level. For example, a graduate with a Bachelor of Engineering working as a retail assistant (ANZSCO skill level 4) would not qualify for residence, even if they earn above the median wage. Your job must be in ANZSCO skill level 1–3 and related to your qualification or work experience. ### Q5: Are there any exemptions to the median wage threshold for international graduates? Yes, there are limited exemptions. For example, some roles in the transport sector (e.g., bus drivers) have a lower wage threshold of NZD $25.00 per hour, but these roles do not lead to residence. Graduates with a doctoral degree (PhD) can apply for a 3-year PSWV without a job offer, and they can work in any role. However, for residence, the median wage threshold still applies. Additionally, if you are applying for residence under the SMC using only qualification points (e.g., a PhD gives 6 points), you do not need to meet the wage threshold — but you must still have a job offer in skilled employment. ### Q6: What should I do if my employer refuses to pay the median wage? If your employer offers a salary below NZD $31.61 per hour, you have several options. First, check if your occupation is on the Green List — if so, you may be able to negotiate a higher salary. Second, look for other employers in your field who are accredited and willing to pay the median wage. Third, consider using your PSWV to work in a different role that pays above the threshold, even if it is not directly related to your qualification. Finally, if you are in a region with labour shortages (e.g., Southland, West Coast), some employers may offer relocation incentives or higher wages. Consult the Employment New Zealand website (employment.govt.nz) for minimum wage and employment rights information. ## Sources 1. Immigration New Zealand — Median wage threshold for skilled work and residence visas (immigration.govt.nz) 2. Statistics New Zealand — Labour Market Statistics: Median weekly earnings from wages and salaries, December 2025 quarter (stats.govt.nz) 3. Immigration New Zealand — Post Study Work Visa requirements and duration (immigration.govt.nz) 4. Immigration New Zealand — Green List occupations and residence pathways (immigration.govt.nz) 5. Immigration New Zealand — Skilled Migrant Category 6-point system (immigration.govt.nz) 6. Universities New Zealand — Graduate Destinations Survey 2025 (universitiesnz.ac.nz) 7. Employment New Zealand — Minimum wage and employment rights for migrant workers (employment.govt.nz) 8. New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) — Qualification levels and recognition (nzqa.govt.nz) 9. Education New Zealand — Study and work in New Zealand for international students (studywithnewzealand.govt.nz) 10. Inland Revenue Department (IRD) — Tax rates and thresholds for employees (ird.govt.nz)