Over $2,000 more in our back pockets
Salaries grew by over $2,000 in 2013, shows data released today by SEEK, New Zealand’s largest job source. The average
Kiwi pay packet increased by 3% to $74,002 per annum across jobs advertised on www.seek.co.nz.
“A 3% increase in average salaries for jobs listed on seek.co.nz equates to an additional $185 every month. This makes a
significant difference to New Zealander’s spending ability, as highlighted by the recent increase in spending, with
record retail sales over the holidays,” comments Janet Faulding, General Manager - SEEK New Zealand.
Interestingly, it wasn’t the big cities to lead the way in salary growth over the last 12 months. Gisborne’s average pay
packet rose a significant 10% to $75,000 and Marlborough grew by 8% to over $65,000 - driven by a particularly strong
demand for quality employees in the wine industry. Northland and Manawatu salaries both grew by 6% to $66,160 and
$62,803 respectively.
Main cities also fared well, with Wellington claiming the highest average national income of over $81,000 and with pay
increasing by 4%. Salaries in Auckland increased by 3% to over $75,000 and Canterbury by 5% to almost $73,000.
The industries paying the highest salaries in 2013 on seek.co.nz were dominated by Construction, Consulting & Management and Information & Communication Technology - all offering average salaries above $90,000.
The fastest growing salaries were in Design & Architecture, which increased by almost 12% and Construction which increased by 10.2%. The property market in 2013
experienced a surge of activity in both the commercial and residential sectors, driving demand and in-turn forcing
salaries skyward.
“The buoyant real estate market and Christchurch reconstruction are key factors driving the need for employees in Design & Architecture and Construction with this trajectory expected to continue in 2014,” says Ms Faulding.
“With many economists predicting that the New Zealand economy will grow at its fastest pace since 2007 this year, we
expect 2014 to be a strong year for the job market and salary growth,” says Ms Faulding.
“Some job hunters may be willing to switch employers without a pay rise, providing other perks such as flexible hours or
health insurance are offered. Some however, will want an increase of cold hard cash in their pay packet at the end of
the month -with the opportunity to earn a higher salary regularly topping the list of factors most likely to make people
jump ship,” Ms Faulding concludes.
-ENDS-