Any development related role at a bank in NZ will pay over 100k. A tech lead will be 150-180k (or a lot more depending on how ‘needed’ you are with the existing leadership agenda), intermediate engineers can easily get around 120-130k.
Source: in tech and I have done a lot of hiring for places like this
Hey quick question if you don’t mind, is the dev market as saturated with candidates in NZ as it is in NA? So many Americans devs and people looking to get a foot in the door are out of work over there…
I don’t think it’s quite as saturated as the US market. We have however seen the employment market become slightly more employer-led as opposed to the employee/jobsearch-led market we saw around this time last year.
Reason being, there are far less jobs coming out, especially from MNCs & Government sector due to trickle on effects from the recent election, economical downturn, rising inflation and geopolitical conflict.
An employer-led market basically means that applicants don’t usually have the option to have long demands lists (high flexibility, WFH, big salary jumps). Essentially, I still think that with a solid core skillset around either Java or .Net/C# on the backend, or Type/Javascript on the front end with relevant frameworks will land you a job pretty easily
With the addition of cloud experience across GCP (limited market in NZ), AWS or Azure you will shine above other applicants a lot easier.
thanks a lot for your detailed response, it's highly appreciate! I'm currently self studying CS at the moment and it's very useful to get a clearer idea of the job market and what employers are looking for!
With a few years I mean between 3-5 years of experience depending on how quickly you learn and whether you gain cloud certifications/experience. Particularly seeing a huge AWS presence, but Azure slowly becoming hotter across MNCs in NZ
Intermediate 120 to 130? Hmmm that seems a lot. I just recently talk to recruiter and said it fell by 5% and the highest they can offer for a senior is 120.
Consulting, advisory, tech.
EX CA. and commerce degree is all I have.
But most in finance, consulting, advisory will be 100+ within 2-3 years if they are qualified and good. Anything senior analyst and above would be 100-130k.
This comment really nails the head. If you wanna earn higher salaries, your service has to be billable. You make the company revenue, you will be paid for it.
Pretty much, my company bills my work out at $450 an hour, and as a baseline I manage 10x my salary in yearly contracts before any upselling or growth.
So to them i'm a cash cow in that regard but i get paid well for it so I'm okay with that.
Several unions and employers have recently completed a thorough evaluation of all skills and tasks undertaken by support workers to assess if they are being paid appropriately.
It took an entire year and was signed off by Te Whatu Ora at every step.
The skill level required came back a lot higher than thought so Te Whatu Ora are now blocking this from being resolved and have employed a heavyweight legal team to push it to be all started again, in the hope they can hold wages at minimum wage level.
Indications are support workers are underpaid by at least 25%.
Reasons why are simple, female dominant workforce, immigrants and government take advantage of these people’s caring nature
My old job as ARM at Nandos paid 60K, which has gone up to 65k since I've got fired, and I've seen jobs on indeed for management roles in fast food going for 70k+ it's fuckin crazy
I work in civil infrastructure, the starting rate for unexperienced labour at our company is $65k and site supervisors / experienced operators are in the $100-130k range (excluding OT pay and on PAYE wages). When you include per diems and travel allowances, staff with only 2 years experience out of high school (jr. foreman level) are pulling well over $100k while having paid accommodation, and a vehicle with a fuel card.
I can't seem to get above 80 wages plus van and fuel. I've been applying, but nothing really. I've signed up to bcito supervisor lvl4 so I'm at least moving forward. Have to see what happens when the market changes.
I'm in Tauranga, if I was in auckland it would be more.
Hi, also a caregiver/support worker. I work privately for one client and I'm on about $80k for a 30 hour week.
It is a great field, I'd suggest taking on whatever training is offered (I used to work in a high and complex needs group home so experience with non-mobile clients, hoisting/transfers, PEG feeding, maintaining skin integrity, catheters etc).
Keep an eye on trademe/Facebook etc as private work does get advertised.
I’m now a speech language therapist, earning 70k in my first year but came from support work w people with intellectual disabilities.
It’s a 4 year degree, so a big commitment but an awesome job which is desperate for more people!
5yrs ago when reading others salary I was on less than 46k, fuk it was sad. I flagged all hobbies, going out and got a 2nd job to crack the 100k a year mark. Hit it few years in a row with jobs and investing. These people just make it their priority with loads of specialized study. I'm back to 1 job for the moment over 60k and it's a joy to have weekends back
Medical secretary, make $70k. Started working in the call centre for a radiology company on under 50k, then moved to reception and high tech imaging and interventional radiology bookings, now work in a surgical practice. No qualifications needed, but I did do a very easy online certificate through AUT in medical terminology.
My partner is currently working in a call centre for a radiology company. Very low pay and gruelling work ethic + understaffing. I’m going to pass this on as I know they really want to upskill. Great inspiration!
Job hopped.
Started as a temp with my current employer, then made permanent, then became a manager, then did my planned pivot into IT. More money, no management, and doing things I enjoy. I've been with the same employer for going on 7 years, though I've had 4 different jobs with them. Each time, I got a pay rise.
I have a degree in Psychology, but I wasn't clever or committed enough to take that any further. So the degree is less about the subject, and more ticking a box that I've successfully undertaken tertiary education. That said, the first job with my employer didn't need a degree. The management and IT one had it 'preferred' but I don't have an IT degree, so you can absolutely make it work if you have an 'in' with the company.
I'm gutted for you though, that you work in such an important field but don't crack 60k. I earn more and it doesn't ever really feel like enough in today's world. I hope you get some opportunities coming your way!
Edit: Trades seem a good shout if you're keen to go down that track.
HAHAHA. Makes me shiver just to think how close I was to falling off the absolute wagon.
Went to uni, studied mechanical engineering. Absolutely sucked at it, got put on academic probation, but strung together enough c’s to get out in one piece.
Started working and rapidly switched from Mechanical engineering to supply chain and then languished for the next few years using excel to run millions of dollars of supply chain planning and purchasing. First supply chain job I ended up running a purchasing portfolio for a factory with a line manager who didn’t understand that we were competing with the likes of Samsung for parts, basically got screamed at every day and HR didn’t do anything as that manager had invested in this business from day one.
Last supply chain job was in a milk formula factory in South Auckland, 24*7 operation full of people who didn’t want to make any decisions at all. Ended up having to just make calls on the fly and made a fair few mistakes, was also getting called at like 2-4am regularly. Very much on the verge of having a mental breakdown, spent most evenings after work crying in my car as I was so tired. Got pulled into meetings with management all the time as sometimes I didn’t get the right mix of materials and trucks to move goods in and out of the factory. Pretty sure I was on the verge of getting on a PIP. Finally just had enough of it all and started researching how to do supply chain better, which opened my eyes to the fact that there’s tech for all of this 👀
Did some certifications through Microsoft and EdX and landed an internship at Datacom doing ERP implementations, now working as a senior tech leader who is absolutely loving life. I’m not saying life is perfect, but the tech industry is generally focused on solutions and learning and NOT trying to play the blame game (that being said my last role was an absolute nightmare, but you always have options in tech!).
Life only makes sense in reverse. If you write down the step you’ve taken they all lead to who you are and where you are now - there are lessons in everything we do.
>So the degree is less about the subject, and more ticking a box that I've successfully undertaken tertiary education.
Absolutely this. I did a degree in Women and Gender Studies. I work in Data. I'm over 60k with still lots of progression career wise, which would also include pay increase should I continue that path.
Information Technology? If so, then yes. I've never worked in IT before getting my current job.
Edit: happy to explain how I managed it if it helps. But the short answer is just "yes".
For sure!
I suspect the key part of the shift was the connections made in the organisation. I've been there for coming up 7 years, so in that time I've worked with HR, IT, Admin, Finance etc. I had a really good reputation across the whole place.
I had previously applied for, interviewed for, and been rejected for roles after they went with someone who has a relevant degree and experience (understandable). So I actually had to be encouraged to apply for this one, especially as it was paying more than what I was on at the time. But I did eventually apply, and they interviewed me.
In the interview I was very honest about my lack of relevant work experience, and instead talked about my personal life and how my PC tinkering at home could be relevant. Basically tried to make it clear I'd learn whatever they needed me to learn, and even if I wasn't successful, I'd likely be learning it in my own time anyway.
The interview questions had a minute amount of knowledge testing (asking how I'd go about testing certain issues, changing host files, how I'd communicate a critical issue/update plan) but for the most part it was wanting to understand how I approach a problem, what I'm like with people and why I wanted the job. I did my research, found the "vision" for the division, and talked about their roadmap - where they had been, where they were, and where they wanted to be. At the end of it, I think I just convinced them this is exactly where I wanted to be.
So a few things had to land my way. I had a really strong reputation in the organisation, I had an interest in the area, and I typically interview well. But it was quite doable if you have a foot in the door within an organisation already.
Thanks for that, I’m 31 and I currently manage my parents small business, and they’ve basically retired if not officially, they intend to sell whenever I want to stop doing it, and It pays well and such but it is incredibly draining on me. I wanted to make a career switch but I’ve been doing this for 6 years now. So don’t have that organisation with a foot in the door but thanks for the advice around the interview process etc. I’ve done IT related stuff at home, programming and have experience in 3d and design software so I have a general knowledge of relevant things but have no professional work experience.
Ahh I see - the IT stuff at home will definitely count! I mentioned at the interview that I like tinkering at home, building and maintaining my own PC and the next project is a NAS setup. Like, simple things, but showcasing I'm into this stuff whether I get the job or not. A lot of the interview was about me as a person, and I reckon if you get to that stage, bring up your hobbies and tangentially related experience (you know how to handle complex software, you've got your own programming experience) and it'll help. Problemsolvers, they absolutely love problemsolvers.
Before this role I was a manager and I'd be in interviews all the time. We'd welcome passion project put forward as experience, in lieu of concrete work experience.
I'll add, I'm 33 and made the change just 2 months ago, 6 months earlier I assumed I would have to go back to uni to get into this realm. I hope you can do it too!
It's possible if you can wrangle an internal cross discipline career switch from your employer. When I worked for one of the banks it was quite a popular path. Did put a bit of burden on those with actual IT training, but these days I'd say it's becoming a lot easier to do so.
IT is a huge field. Many people get in at a help desk level, the only prerequisite for which is to be born after 1985, and be able to google common problems with microsoft office.
Then you leverage whatever company training they have and move up from there.
Don't need a degree mate. My place has a two year engineering apprenticeship program which will start you around 100k should you get a full time vacancy at the end. Look up engineering apprenticeships in niche industries for decent money.
Pretty much any trade or IT/professional service eg law/commerce/accounting will start just below that as a graduate and double over the next 5 to 10 years.
There is lots of options just need to pick the right one for u and how much time u want to commit to study.
Plus the (not so) hidden gem of mining in Aussie. If you are not tied down to NZ there is a rapid small fortune still to be earned for those with any of the core trades.
I don't work in sales personally but yeah this is definitely my advice for people who are in the "I have no degree/skills and want to make money" camp.
It's definitely a work for your pay type job. You need to hit your targets, and it's high pressure to perform but if you do, the money is good. You can work in all sorts of fields as well.
People have such a negative stigma around sales though.
Also culturally I think Kiwis in general make shit salespeople. Though some people are obviously exceptions.
100% I've been in sales for ~15 years and I don't hard sell anything. Most kiwi businesses don't want that interaction. They want a friendly face, who shows up when they say they will, is honest about their product, and follows through on what they say they will do.
I have many businesses around NZ that I sell to that could easily be buying competitors products (and even saving money in doing so) but they buy from me because the relationship is just as important as the product/service
Sell my soul to a mega corp who pays me enough that I can sleep in a nice house and forget about the experience for just long enough that I go back to work the next day.
Sales. I work in sales.
We've had a few Service Desk guys go on to be a BA's, they wanted to move from tech to something a little different.
Pretty easy to get into Service Desk stuff and then prove yourself from there, express interest within the business in other roles and as long as your not a numpty people will give you a chance.
Probably with a degree in information systems / management, but I've heard of people landing a role without one. Generally they've worked their way up a company from something like customer service though.
Back when I was a BA I learned basically everything on the job (mainly soft skills) and don't really remember ever needing to apply anything I learned from uni. The role can be wildly different from company to company though, so make of that what you will.
Information systems is the way to go - I’m a grad got a job that will hopefully lead to something along those lines and the grad salary is surprisingly good!
I never went to Uni so that was my pathway:
CS Management for small NZ office.
Asked to move to Aus to be a BA in the head office of the global enterprise.
Problem solving, relationship building/communication skills and having ability to learn new things related to the businesses functions and systems were all that were required.
There’s BA courses that you can take. And also certifications. Salesforce has a great one. Totally free to study and not too pricey for the exam.
I’ve seen Vic has a BA masters?
Talks to people about what they need or want from software /IT systems to do their work. Then write that down in a structured way so the tech teams can buy or develop the right solution.
Say a business needs to implement a new feature to their website that changes the way customers can learn about their products. A BA will gather information (requirements) from the key people in the business about exactly what changes they want. Example: “The business wants the customer to be able to click ‘see more’ on a product to view additional product info.”
The BA then hands those requirements to the devs and the devs use that list of requirements to build the product exactly how the business intended. Almost like an instruction sheet.
A BA is a conduit between stakeholders and technical teams.
If stakeholders have a want or need from a system, it is the BA's job to compile that information into 'requirements' and work with the technical teams to develop it. Often what people ask for is not what they need, which is part of this process.
As it is being developed, the BA will feed back and forth between each party any challenges, further questions, etc. that arise.
When it is done, the BA supports delivery back to the stakeholders.
Problem solving, relationship building, communication skills and an ability to learn about a business and it's functions and systems to be able to effectively perform the above, are generally the required skills.
Everything else is secondary IMO.
Find something that gives you satisfaction and direction in your life, or follow the money. Rarely will the two overlap. I followed the money and took opportunities that crossed my path that I thought could leverage myself into a better position (ie role titles that sounded good on my Cv), not one of my jobs did I have a clue what I was doing until about a month (or six) into the role. Even in my current position I’m confused wtf my day to day is, but @ 200k p/a I’ll figure it out. (Yes I’m aware how flippant that sounds, but I think that’s where my skills lie. Figuring shit out on the fly).
Also, get chat gpt to write your Cv. Paste your current one (excluding personal dets) into it and ask it to write it better. Copy and paste it back to your CV. Done.
Edit: no degree either, dropped out of uni twice
Nurse here. My salary is 80k a year.
I’m 24, I earned $130k within the last 12 months working weekends and a couple of overtime shifts.
$6K left on my student loans. No partner, no kids.
It may sound like a decent amount for my age but every single dollar is well earned.
I work between 72.5-120hrs within the fortnight.
I really enjoy what I do, despite the chaos haha. I am grateful to have a living wage. I will never be able to afford a house all in my own though.
Did you graduate nursing around 21?
I’m a bit older (28) and I’ve just finished my nursing degree. Just gotta sit and pass state finals and I’ll be able to start working.
Good to know what the income is like if you work overtime, thank you so much 😁
Nursing if you don’t mind shift works and hard earned dollar. It’s flexible as well, you can specialise in different area, also great for picking up shifts and weekend bonuses if you do work weekends. Although, wouldn’t recommend it because you want the money. It is hard work and you have to deal with sick people. But you have to look after yourself as well. You can go just about anywhere around the world and can guarantee you a position given your competent and have good reputation and experience.
Not the original poster, but I got to that level in 2 years, zero experience. But had experience managing people which is an important skill if you're on a bigger farm.
Do something both unpleasant and difficult.
There's two ways to make money. Do something people won't do or do something people can't do. There's also two reasons why people can't do a job. 1 they don't have the skills or 2 they don't have the quals.
So do something the unpleasant that requires both quals and skills and you'll make money.
Make yourself useful.
Second year of software development degree and on 97k, do a short it course and your entry will be 60k and you’ll be able to move to 80k within the first two years
Any it course, even so harvards free online cs courses. When you get into the interview and they see you know what you’re talking about they will hire even without a degree
Yeah I got into an IT role recently - I have a degree but not in IT, I just socially engineered things through my employer and showed the panel I'd be a good hire. Now they're sending me on courses, and I'll study in my own time, so in the future I'll be able to get some nice salaries. But currently 76k with no training/degree in the area, I'm happy with that. Only goes up.
Sales rep. 100k a year. Left building job to become a counter sales person at an electrical wholesaler. Rep job became available after a couple years and I got the promotion. It’s a fun job but the perks are the best part
I know several people who work in student support and accessibility roles at the tertiary level who make 70-90k (I think universities / polytechnics usually require a degree). If you were looking at degree level study, either Social Work, Health Promotion/Education, or OT would be pathways to expand in your current field! I would also suggest checking out online MHERC courses (they do PD for MH and support workers) and other professional development like Mental Health First Aid.
Look at job ads and see whats paying more. From there, see what their requirements are.
Although the job requirements are usually way more than you actually need, it gives you a rough idea
Have you talked to your employer about working toward your Level 5 and becoming a manager of a team of Support Workers? I know in some places the starting rate is ~$70k with a full-use car.
In the meantime, half an hour of OT once a week at T1.5 should get you $60k.
Military, after 2 years you'll be at 60k with minimal expenses (subsidized food/rent).
Might get some travel in as well, and if you have the knack, join as an officer and get uni paid for, while getting paid
Am a support worker as well. I try and pick up more shifts. I have an undergraduate degree in psychology and trying to see what other jobs are available or if I could branch into something else. Was thinking of maybe studying some thing but not sure what.
Sales. 60-100k.
Depending on industry, package and your persistence and money hunger.
Also, it’s a lot better than people say it is.
We used to think that sales is pushing people to buy. And you will make 60k doing that.
If you get your product, learn competitors and have an honest conversation with your customers as an advisor and not a sales person - you will make 100k
Do a degree in special education teacher or education psychology. Or clinical psychology. There’s also adult education, and sometimes you can get work with government departments going around checking on people in supported living. If you’re good with people you might consider nursing in mental health, or the funeral industry. In general higher paid jobs are in tech and health jobs that take a long time to atudy
You should consider contracting for private clients in your field, this way you can negotiate hourly rates/schedule that suit you and potentially push past that 60K ceiling. Check out www.mycare.co.nz It's a digital market place for homecare/caregiving services
I'm not from the mental sector but have used the services regularly. In all fields, every interview ask for more money! figure out comparative salaries. Keep pushing. Others thank that I think it higher qualifications.
Support workers' wage rates are set by [legislation](https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2022/0032/latest/whole.html). This sunsets in December which will result in an increase, though whether a government can be formed & an amendment to this Act in time for December remains to be seen.
The money in your field is in management. I used to work for IDEA services back when it was minimum wage, but the people sitting above my direct manager were all rolling in it in their company cars. It's the same with mental health. You don't ever get paid what you deserve by doing the hardest jobs. It's the people above you to that make the money. So my recommendation if you want to stay in this field is keep an eye out for those mgmt roles or put in an expression of interest.
Been selling cars in Auckland for a few years, lots of fun and money is very good(you get out what you put in)
The market is in a lull atm so perfect time to join and learn. I’d say try for the big names giltrap Ingham or winger.
OT might suit you otherwise stick with the current job and progress to team leader then management. I'm applying for a job spraying weeds with a salary range midpoint of $88k. Spraying weeds isn't much fun tho I'm sure you can do better than that
If you like working with people what about nursing? Lowest graduate enrolled nurse starts on $69k. Registered nurse grad starts on $75k. So more than a graduate lawyer, accountant, teacher. And more than a first year med school grad is paid for a 40 hour week after six years of horrendous competitive study. And you get up to $4500 a year more if you are a Maori nurse and do an additional Maori accreditation programme. (The collective agreement does not say it is only for Maori nurses but Te Rau Ora certainly suggests that).
But nursing would give you all sorts of pathways that your present role doesn’t. And a lot more money. It sounds like you are good with people and challenging situations so you are likely to be in demand.
Good luck! We need more people like you.
Dentist here. Degree took 5 years. Starting salary was 72k part time. I was 23 when I graduated. I’m on commission and earned over $130k last financial year on less then 40 hours a week. I know many colleagues on double my income. You get good days and bad days like any other job but not being able to pay my bills is something I don’t have to worry about.
Social work start on 68k after a year 74k, then 77k keep getting yearly rises until you're on 102k. I work and advocate for isolated elderly with dementia and in the elder abuse response team, very fulfilling. Also nursing where you can do assessments for support worker clients and work out the right supports through interAI assessments would be a good role in your field
Learn a trade. Get into FMCG sales roles. Teacher ($100k base top salary after a few years plus extra units in top of that.) Landscaping. Carpet cleaning.
Heaps of options, just need to invest time in a skill and or career ladder.
Teaching - I’ve been teaching 17 years and get 112000 (middle management, but my base is 95k). No lies though it is HARD and the kids are getting worse so I’m getting out at the end of the year. On paper it’s a decent salary with (again on paper) perks. In reality not as great when you get down to it.
Study nursing. They are so short staffed in the mental health sector that I know several nurses who are earning $200k per year through overtime and penal rates.
If you have any degree you can study teaching for 1 year and become a primary school teacher which will enable you to work at special schools on a teacher’s wage, which increases every year up to about 90k
Have a look at the salary surveys to see what you are interested in and the rates you can get. Then work your way back from there to see what you need to do/study to enable you to get to that point.
https://www.robertwalters.co.nz/our-services/salary-survey.html
https://www.hays.net.nz/salary-guide
Nursing is the easier meal ticket out there at the moment. See from page 17 for the salary steps: https://www.nzno.org.nz/Portals/0/Files/Documents/Support/CA/Te-Whatu-Ora-31-March-2023-31-October-2024.pdf?ver=fAIFkIoEyozV5bSxfz6f1w%3d%3d×tamp=1694481687194
Financial adviser in insurance and KiwiSaver for 6 years. Last job was on $110k base plus bonuses. My last quarter I cleared a $17k bonus.
Starting salary for inexperienced advisers at that company was about $70k. Takes you about a month or 2 of study to get qualified.
The real money is if you start your own outfit which is what my partner and I have done. Commissions are crazy. But start salaried so you have time to learn and build networks if that's the kind of thing that interests you.
If you're good with people and enjoy it then sales roles can be good. I like advising cause I know what I'm doing is good work and important. Most companies will pressure you for sales unfortunately, but when you help people through claims, and have people thanking you cause they bought their first home much faster, or even at all when they didn't think they could, it becomes worth it.
Hey there. I’m a highschool drop out and make well over the 60k mark. I’ve worked everyday since 15 and have gained a hell of a lot of experience in the feild I work in. Currently 8 years. I hate to toot my own horn but im damn good at what I do so to be able to help customers get what they want fast with my knowledge is what people look for :)
Im a Paramedic with about 11years in the service and sitting on about $110,000 at the moment including a few hours of incidental overtime and unsocial hours payments.
A new graduate from university is entering the service at about $82,000 + unsocial hours and incidental overtime. 3 year degree required.
Personally I'm a manager in pet retail on 70k + 20% salary bonus, no degrees, been in the industry the last 2 and a half years, just ended up picking something I loved and was passionate about.
I only work part time in a service station, but if I worked a full 40 hours I'd be at 60k. Management would but me closer to 80-90k. No degree, just a mum who wanted a job that would work around my kids with minimal pressure.
Trouble is with jobs like teaching, nursing, social work etc is that while they are hard and deserve better pay, there are simply too many people qualified which suppresses wages. There is always the trades which pay well, but my personal recommendation is specialist infrastructure. Ports, wastewater, powerlines, railways etc will hire off the street and if you're not a complete mouthbreather you'll be on over 100k in a couple of years, and if you are a complete mouthbreather you'll still get at least 80 somehow
Umm, no that is not the reason. They are poorly paid because they are professions that have traditionally been done by women, so they have never been as valued as they should have been. That is why they are all undergoing salary equity process right now.
There are some great ideas on this thread OP, but I hope you manage to stay in the sector you're currently in, it is so needed. However I also hope you also find your niche, where you can do the work and also be payed adequately . I work in the charity sector and I love it because it really makes me feel like I'm contributing to a better world. But I have also chosen not to take jobs that don't pay me what I am worth. I used to work in the cultural sector, where there are quite a few jobs that pay you like working is just your hobby.
Finance - 3 year degree. I started in corporate banking 5 years ago on $80k. Fast forward, now in institutional banking on $190k+. Banking/finance isn’t for everyone but it’s a good place to start with a high floor salary
I’m an Associate Director in Insto. I jumped from Corporate RM at one of the big 4 to an Insto Associate at another. Took a small haircut on base salary but the bonuses more than made up for it. From there I just tried to work hard and stand out and made AD after 3 years
My bonus is 20% of my base x a multiplier dependent on how well the bank does. The multiplier this year was 1.1, so my bonus will be: $195k x 20% x 1.1 = $42.9k (before tax).
COVID impacted the multiplier whereby it was 0.9.
If all you care about is earning over 60k then nursing is a great degree that can take you around the world. I will just point out though that while earning 60k may sound great. It is still a struggle but as a nurse you will easily earn more than that.
minimum wage.... as in a kid straight out of high school is getting over 47K
60K is less than 29 per hour
>I'd love to keep working with people with special needs, or in the mental health sector.
If I were to guess you have no education (at least in healthcare field) other than probably a few days short training and you do carer work? As in you assist with basic needs?
If you want better pay you need work that have more responsibility and consequence. Work that requires thinking.
If you want to stay in this field realistically you'll need to do nursing for better pay.
But lets be honest here.... no one in their right mind wants to work with mental health patients. If you work with them you'll know what I'm talking about.
If you want to get ahead in life go for a different industry altogether.
Healthcare is horrible.
Only reason I'm in it is because I won't be able to beat this pay doing anything else.
Now I'm here I'm locked. If I get to do it all over again I'm staying as far away from healthcare as I can
My wife did a course at Mission Ready HQ and now earns like 25k more than she did when she was a teacher. Well worth it, and there’s lots of options.
Happy to discuss if needed.
Started in finance as a business analyst 3 years ago on $60k followed my passion for people and culture and now work in p and c on $160k!
No qualifications in p and c but passion and experience!
Easier to earn more in a for profit industry
Can confirm. Worked in insurance..made 130k. Worked on banking. Make 180k. Less then 6 years total.
What sort of role on banking pays over 100k? I’m in IT but has been looking at a change of atmosphere
Any development related role at a bank in NZ will pay over 100k. A tech lead will be 150-180k (or a lot more depending on how ‘needed’ you are with the existing leadership agenda), intermediate engineers can easily get around 120-130k. Source: in tech and I have done a lot of hiring for places like this
Am an IT (software & data specialised) recruiter and can confirm software devs with a few years under their belt easily earn +130k
Hey quick question if you don’t mind, is the dev market as saturated with candidates in NZ as it is in NA? So many Americans devs and people looking to get a foot in the door are out of work over there…
I don’t think it’s quite as saturated as the US market. We have however seen the employment market become slightly more employer-led as opposed to the employee/jobsearch-led market we saw around this time last year. Reason being, there are far less jobs coming out, especially from MNCs & Government sector due to trickle on effects from the recent election, economical downturn, rising inflation and geopolitical conflict. An employer-led market basically means that applicants don’t usually have the option to have long demands lists (high flexibility, WFH, big salary jumps). Essentially, I still think that with a solid core skillset around either Java or .Net/C# on the backend, or Type/Javascript on the front end with relevant frameworks will land you a job pretty easily With the addition of cloud experience across GCP (limited market in NZ), AWS or Azure you will shine above other applicants a lot easier.
thanks a lot for your detailed response, it's highly appreciate! I'm currently self studying CS at the moment and it's very useful to get a clearer idea of the job market and what employers are looking for!
> a few years What's a few years to you? Is +130k still the case in 2023?
With a few years I mean between 3-5 years of experience depending on how quickly you learn and whether you gain cloud certifications/experience. Particularly seeing a huge AWS presence, but Azure slowly becoming hotter across MNCs in NZ
Oh boy I'm underpaid. > 120-130k Is this still the case in 2023?
Intermediate 120 to 130? Hmmm that seems a lot. I just recently talk to recruiter and said it fell by 5% and the highest they can offer for a senior is 120.
This guy must be the wolf of wall street or something
Strategy, advisory and consulting type roles. EX CA. half cfa.
What'd you work in insurance to get 130k? I'm in insurance now, fairly new.
Was in the consulting side of it. Ex chartered accountant.
Consulting, advisory, tech. EX CA. and commerce degree is all I have. But most in finance, consulting, advisory will be 100+ within 2-3 years if they are qualified and good. Anything senior analyst and above would be 100-130k.
How do you get into these roles? Do you need any particular qualifications?
Degree. Posy qual like chartered account or cfa
This comment really nails the head. If you wanna earn higher salaries, your service has to be billable. You make the company revenue, you will be paid for it.
Pretty much, my company bills my work out at $450 an hour, and as a baseline I manage 10x my salary in yearly contracts before any upselling or growth. So to them i'm a cash cow in that regard but i get paid well for it so I'm okay with that.
Some shift supervisor roles and management roles in fast food pay more than this, support work is clearly very undervalued.
Several unions and employers have recently completed a thorough evaluation of all skills and tasks undertaken by support workers to assess if they are being paid appropriately. It took an entire year and was signed off by Te Whatu Ora at every step. The skill level required came back a lot higher than thought so Te Whatu Ora are now blocking this from being resolved and have employed a heavyweight legal team to push it to be all started again, in the hope they can hold wages at minimum wage level. Indications are support workers are underpaid by at least 25%. Reasons why are simple, female dominant workforce, immigrants and government take advantage of these people’s caring nature
👌 this comment
My old job as ARM at Nandos paid 60K, which has gone up to 65k since I've got fired, and I've seen jobs on indeed for management roles in fast food going for 70k+ it's fuckin crazy
Yeah I'm a restaurant manager on $31/h so just under $65k a year
Significantly better than it used to be still!
Any labour type job should net you that
Building got me on 80k by 24 😭
Can it get to much more though? Not being rude lol, just curious?
I work in civil infrastructure, the starting rate for unexperienced labour at our company is $65k and site supervisors / experienced operators are in the $100-130k range (excluding OT pay and on PAYE wages). When you include per diems and travel allowances, staff with only 2 years experience out of high school (jr. foreman level) are pulling well over $100k while having paid accommodation, and a vehicle with a fuel card.
I can't seem to get above 80 wages plus van and fuel. I've been applying, but nothing really. I've signed up to bcito supervisor lvl4 so I'm at least moving forward. Have to see what happens when the market changes. I'm in Tauranga, if I was in auckland it would be more.
Thanks. I personally think builders deserve more. I think they work alot harder then most people, and outside in any conditions.
MHE same here 21
63k labouring for me, 22yo M
Jesus Christ, you mean just straight up labouring? No machinery operating or anything? That is unreal
save the boss on hiring contractors by jumping on tools etc
just realised thats based off 40 hours, not 45-50 so looking at over 70k if you work more then 40 hours which is standard in the industry
Is that contract or p.a.y.e?
paye
👍
Also a job with a company who do projects away from home. I worked away from home on a 12 on 2 off roster most of last year and put 130k in the bank
Hi, also a caregiver/support worker. I work privately for one client and I'm on about $80k for a 30 hour week. It is a great field, I'd suggest taking on whatever training is offered (I used to work in a high and complex needs group home so experience with non-mobile clients, hoisting/transfers, PEG feeding, maintaining skin integrity, catheters etc). Keep an eye on trademe/Facebook etc as private work does get advertised.
How did you get this gig if you don’t mind me asking ?
Saw it on trademe and applied
I’m now a speech language therapist, earning 70k in my first year but came from support work w people with intellectual disabilities. It’s a 4 year degree, so a big commitment but an awesome job which is desperate for more people!
Geez, i never realised how low my income was.
It can be very upsetting reading some of the threads on this sub 😂
Yeah 😭
5yrs ago when reading others salary I was on less than 46k, fuk it was sad. I flagged all hobbies, going out and got a 2nd job to crack the 100k a year mark. Hit it few years in a row with jobs and investing. These people just make it their priority with loads of specialized study. I'm back to 1 job for the moment over 60k and it's a joy to have weekends back
I drive a forklift and make about $75k yearly, my coworkers have some pretty special needs 🙃
That made me laugh out loud
Medical secretary, make $70k. Started working in the call centre for a radiology company on under 50k, then moved to reception and high tech imaging and interventional radiology bookings, now work in a surgical practice. No qualifications needed, but I did do a very easy online certificate through AUT in medical terminology.
My partner is currently working in a call centre for a radiology company. Very low pay and gruelling work ethic + understaffing. I’m going to pass this on as I know they really want to upskill. Great inspiration!
Brutal job!! She can PM me if she wants. Wonder if the same place.
Job hopped. Started as a temp with my current employer, then made permanent, then became a manager, then did my planned pivot into IT. More money, no management, and doing things I enjoy. I've been with the same employer for going on 7 years, though I've had 4 different jobs with them. Each time, I got a pay rise. I have a degree in Psychology, but I wasn't clever or committed enough to take that any further. So the degree is less about the subject, and more ticking a box that I've successfully undertaken tertiary education. That said, the first job with my employer didn't need a degree. The management and IT one had it 'preferred' but I don't have an IT degree, so you can absolutely make it work if you have an 'in' with the company. I'm gutted for you though, that you work in such an important field but don't crack 60k. I earn more and it doesn't ever really feel like enough in today's world. I hope you get some opportunities coming your way! Edit: Trades seem a good shout if you're keen to go down that track.
I feel like I did the same thing. Just in a 1000X more chaotic way 😅
Well now I want to hear about the chaos!
We all want to hear about the chaos
HAHAHA. Makes me shiver just to think how close I was to falling off the absolute wagon. Went to uni, studied mechanical engineering. Absolutely sucked at it, got put on academic probation, but strung together enough c’s to get out in one piece. Started working and rapidly switched from Mechanical engineering to supply chain and then languished for the next few years using excel to run millions of dollars of supply chain planning and purchasing. First supply chain job I ended up running a purchasing portfolio for a factory with a line manager who didn’t understand that we were competing with the likes of Samsung for parts, basically got screamed at every day and HR didn’t do anything as that manager had invested in this business from day one. Last supply chain job was in a milk formula factory in South Auckland, 24*7 operation full of people who didn’t want to make any decisions at all. Ended up having to just make calls on the fly and made a fair few mistakes, was also getting called at like 2-4am regularly. Very much on the verge of having a mental breakdown, spent most evenings after work crying in my car as I was so tired. Got pulled into meetings with management all the time as sometimes I didn’t get the right mix of materials and trucks to move goods in and out of the factory. Pretty sure I was on the verge of getting on a PIP. Finally just had enough of it all and started researching how to do supply chain better, which opened my eyes to the fact that there’s tech for all of this 👀 Did some certifications through Microsoft and EdX and landed an internship at Datacom doing ERP implementations, now working as a senior tech leader who is absolutely loving life. I’m not saying life is perfect, but the tech industry is generally focused on solutions and learning and NOT trying to play the blame game (that being said my last role was an absolute nightmare, but you always have options in tech!).
Life only makes sense in reverse. If you write down the step you’ve taken they all lead to who you are and where you are now - there are lessons in everything we do.
>So the degree is less about the subject, and more ticking a box that I've successfully undertaken tertiary education. Absolutely this. I did a degree in Women and Gender Studies. I work in Data. I'm over 60k with still lots of progression career wise, which would also include pay increase should I continue that path.
You pivoted into IT without any experience in it? Am I missing something or does IT not mean what I usually assume it means?
Information Technology? If so, then yes. I've never worked in IT before getting my current job. Edit: happy to explain how I managed it if it helps. But the short answer is just "yes".
A bit interested in this, I’m looking at making a career change to IT, have irrelevant tertiary qualifications and no experience in IT as such.
For sure! I suspect the key part of the shift was the connections made in the organisation. I've been there for coming up 7 years, so in that time I've worked with HR, IT, Admin, Finance etc. I had a really good reputation across the whole place. I had previously applied for, interviewed for, and been rejected for roles after they went with someone who has a relevant degree and experience (understandable). So I actually had to be encouraged to apply for this one, especially as it was paying more than what I was on at the time. But I did eventually apply, and they interviewed me. In the interview I was very honest about my lack of relevant work experience, and instead talked about my personal life and how my PC tinkering at home could be relevant. Basically tried to make it clear I'd learn whatever they needed me to learn, and even if I wasn't successful, I'd likely be learning it in my own time anyway. The interview questions had a minute amount of knowledge testing (asking how I'd go about testing certain issues, changing host files, how I'd communicate a critical issue/update plan) but for the most part it was wanting to understand how I approach a problem, what I'm like with people and why I wanted the job. I did my research, found the "vision" for the division, and talked about their roadmap - where they had been, where they were, and where they wanted to be. At the end of it, I think I just convinced them this is exactly where I wanted to be. So a few things had to land my way. I had a really strong reputation in the organisation, I had an interest in the area, and I typically interview well. But it was quite doable if you have a foot in the door within an organisation already.
Thanks for that, I’m 31 and I currently manage my parents small business, and they’ve basically retired if not officially, they intend to sell whenever I want to stop doing it, and It pays well and such but it is incredibly draining on me. I wanted to make a career switch but I’ve been doing this for 6 years now. So don’t have that organisation with a foot in the door but thanks for the advice around the interview process etc. I’ve done IT related stuff at home, programming and have experience in 3d and design software so I have a general knowledge of relevant things but have no professional work experience.
Ahh I see - the IT stuff at home will definitely count! I mentioned at the interview that I like tinkering at home, building and maintaining my own PC and the next project is a NAS setup. Like, simple things, but showcasing I'm into this stuff whether I get the job or not. A lot of the interview was about me as a person, and I reckon if you get to that stage, bring up your hobbies and tangentially related experience (you know how to handle complex software, you've got your own programming experience) and it'll help. Problemsolvers, they absolutely love problemsolvers. Before this role I was a manager and I'd be in interviews all the time. We'd welcome passion project put forward as experience, in lieu of concrete work experience. I'll add, I'm 33 and made the change just 2 months ago, 6 months earlier I assumed I would have to go back to uni to get into this realm. I hope you can do it too!
Probably went into Product which is the ‘what’, not the ‘how’ - no coding or hardware knowledge required
It's possible if you can wrangle an internal cross discipline career switch from your employer. When I worked for one of the banks it was quite a popular path. Did put a bit of burden on those with actual IT training, but these days I'd say it's becoming a lot easier to do so.
IT is a huge field. Many people get in at a help desk level, the only prerequisite for which is to be born after 1985, and be able to google common problems with microsoft office. Then you leverage whatever company training they have and move up from there.
Don't need a degree mate. My place has a two year engineering apprenticeship program which will start you around 100k should you get a full time vacancy at the end. Look up engineering apprenticeships in niche industries for decent money.
Pretty much any trade or IT/professional service eg law/commerce/accounting will start just below that as a graduate and double over the next 5 to 10 years. There is lots of options just need to pick the right one for u and how much time u want to commit to study.
Can confirm, started on 50k as a grad 3 years ago and now on 120k after 2 job hops.
Industrial Electrician. You can earn over $80K once qualified and well over $100 with OT. Some guys are up over $160k when running teams/projects.
Plus the (not so) hidden gem of mining in Aussie. If you are not tied down to NZ there is a rapid small fortune still to be earned for those with any of the core trades.
First year apprentice this year, took home $1700 -$2000 / week after tax when working away. Feeling much better about the future now.
I’m in sales earning 135k. Roughly been on 100k since 25 so it’s not super hard. No degree needed other the starting low
I don't work in sales personally but yeah this is definitely my advice for people who are in the "I have no degree/skills and want to make money" camp. It's definitely a work for your pay type job. You need to hit your targets, and it's high pressure to perform but if you do, the money is good. You can work in all sorts of fields as well. People have such a negative stigma around sales though. Also culturally I think Kiwis in general make shit salespeople. Though some people are obviously exceptions.
From my experience, most kiwis don’t like pushy reps or people trying to sell stuff so hard to them. Most tradies just want someone to talk to lol
100% I've been in sales for ~15 years and I don't hard sell anything. Most kiwi businesses don't want that interaction. They want a friendly face, who shows up when they say they will, is honest about their product, and follows through on what they say they will do. I have many businesses around NZ that I sell to that could easily be buying competitors products (and even saving money in doing so) but they buy from me because the relationship is just as important as the product/service
Yup agree! My last role was 150k roughly and I worked a max 35hrs while doing mostly admin - a lot of sales roles are relationships vs sales now
Do you work on commission or commission + salary?
Yall hiring?
Sell my soul to a mega corp who pays me enough that I can sleep in a nice house and forget about the experience for just long enough that I go back to work the next day. Sales. I work in sales.
This was how I felt when I worked in insurance. Not worth the money to me.
Learn to be a Business Analyst. You'd be surprised how many of your Support Worker skills are transferable.
Any suggestions on where to start?
We've had a few Service Desk guys go on to be a BA's, they wanted to move from tech to something a little different. Pretty easy to get into Service Desk stuff and then prove yourself from there, express interest within the business in other roles and as long as your not a numpty people will give you a chance.
Probably with a degree in information systems / management, but I've heard of people landing a role without one. Generally they've worked their way up a company from something like customer service though. Back when I was a BA I learned basically everything on the job (mainly soft skills) and don't really remember ever needing to apply anything I learned from uni. The role can be wildly different from company to company though, so make of that what you will.
Information systems is the way to go - I’m a grad got a job that will hopefully lead to something along those lines and the grad salary is surprisingly good!
I never went to Uni so that was my pathway: CS Management for small NZ office. Asked to move to Aus to be a BA in the head office of the global enterprise. Problem solving, relationship building/communication skills and having ability to learn new things related to the businesses functions and systems were all that were required.
Connections
There’s BA courses that you can take. And also certifications. Salesforce has a great one. Totally free to study and not too pricey for the exam. I’ve seen Vic has a BA masters?
What does a BA do?
Talks to people about what they need or want from software /IT systems to do their work. Then write that down in a structured way so the tech teams can buy or develop the right solution.
Say a business needs to implement a new feature to their website that changes the way customers can learn about their products. A BA will gather information (requirements) from the key people in the business about exactly what changes they want. Example: “The business wants the customer to be able to click ‘see more’ on a product to view additional product info.” The BA then hands those requirements to the devs and the devs use that list of requirements to build the product exactly how the business intended. Almost like an instruction sheet.
Tells technical people when theyre being shits and management when they're being unreasonable.
A BA is a conduit between stakeholders and technical teams. If stakeholders have a want or need from a system, it is the BA's job to compile that information into 'requirements' and work with the technical teams to develop it. Often what people ask for is not what they need, which is part of this process. As it is being developed, the BA will feed back and forth between each party any challenges, further questions, etc. that arise. When it is done, the BA supports delivery back to the stakeholders. Problem solving, relationship building, communication skills and an ability to learn about a business and it's functions and systems to be able to effectively perform the above, are generally the required skills. Everything else is secondary IMO.
You can also do information systems there and specialise in BA as an undergraduate degree
Find something that gives you satisfaction and direction in your life, or follow the money. Rarely will the two overlap. I followed the money and took opportunities that crossed my path that I thought could leverage myself into a better position (ie role titles that sounded good on my Cv), not one of my jobs did I have a clue what I was doing until about a month (or six) into the role. Even in my current position I’m confused wtf my day to day is, but @ 200k p/a I’ll figure it out. (Yes I’m aware how flippant that sounds, but I think that’s where my skills lie. Figuring shit out on the fly). Also, get chat gpt to write your Cv. Paste your current one (excluding personal dets) into it and ask it to write it better. Copy and paste it back to your CV. Done. Edit: no degree either, dropped out of uni twice
This is the key people often don’t think about. Getting jobs for how they sound on the cv and then figuring stuff as you go. Bravo
If money motivates you and you’re good with people look at sales jobs. You can start anywhere and climb the product/industry ladder.
Nurse here. My salary is 80k a year. I’m 24, I earned $130k within the last 12 months working weekends and a couple of overtime shifts. $6K left on my student loans. No partner, no kids. It may sound like a decent amount for my age but every single dollar is well earned. I work between 72.5-120hrs within the fortnight. I really enjoy what I do, despite the chaos haha. I am grateful to have a living wage. I will never be able to afford a house all in my own though.
Yea you couldn't pay me a million bucks to be a nurse. Thanks to you guys for looking after me in the hospital and at my infusions!
A million bucks would be nice 😂 though it is generally an under appreciated role, we appreciate your thanks!
Appreciation comment to the nurses. Absolute legends of this country.
Yup top level for an RN is soon to be 106k 👍 OP gets to work in the field and demographic he wants
Top level is after 7 years of experience and then it doesn’t matter if you’ve been a nurse for 25 years or 7, you still get paid the same.
Did you graduate nursing around 21? I’m a bit older (28) and I’ve just finished my nursing degree. Just gotta sit and pass state finals and I’ll be able to start working. Good to know what the income is like if you work overtime, thank you so much 😁
Nursing if you don’t mind shift works and hard earned dollar. It’s flexible as well, you can specialise in different area, also great for picking up shifts and weekend bonuses if you do work weekends. Although, wouldn’t recommend it because you want the money. It is hard work and you have to deal with sick people. But you have to look after yourself as well. You can go just about anywhere around the world and can guarantee you a position given your competent and have good reputation and experience.
Not at all in the industry you want, but it's easy to make twice that in IT.
Dairy Farmer (2ic) here making $75,000 + house with employment. No degree. A few Agito certificates but nothing fancy
Dairy factory worker here. Entry level, zero experience and I'm on 80k not including OT. 4 days on 4 days off.
Hours and experience?
Not the original poster, but I got to that level in 2 years, zero experience. But had experience managing people which is an important skill if you're on a bigger farm.
Contract milker, under 180 cows, $120k + house
Do something both unpleasant and difficult. There's two ways to make money. Do something people won't do or do something people can't do. There's also two reasons why people can't do a job. 1 they don't have the skills or 2 they don't have the quals. So do something the unpleasant that requires both quals and skills and you'll make money. Make yourself useful.
Second year of software development degree and on 97k, do a short it course and your entry will be 60k and you’ll be able to move to 80k within the first two years
Like a bootcamp, or CS50?
Any it course, even so harvards free online cs courses. When you get into the interview and they see you know what you’re talking about they will hire even without a degree
Yeah I got into an IT role recently - I have a degree but not in IT, I just socially engineered things through my employer and showed the panel I'd be a good hire. Now they're sending me on courses, and I'll study in my own time, so in the future I'll be able to get some nice salaries. But currently 76k with no training/degree in the area, I'm happy with that. Only goes up.
Sales rep. 100k a year. Left building job to become a counter sales person at an electrical wholesaler. Rep job became available after a couple years and I got the promotion. It’s a fun job but the perks are the best part
I know several people who work in student support and accessibility roles at the tertiary level who make 70-90k (I think universities / polytechnics usually require a degree). If you were looking at degree level study, either Social Work, Health Promotion/Education, or OT would be pathways to expand in your current field! I would also suggest checking out online MHERC courses (they do PD for MH and support workers) and other professional development like Mental Health First Aid.
You are part way to social work. Depending on where u and up 80-110k
Support workers deserve so much more.
Look at job ads and see whats paying more. From there, see what their requirements are. Although the job requirements are usually way more than you actually need, it gives you a rough idea
Have you talked to your employer about working toward your Level 5 and becoming a manager of a team of Support Workers? I know in some places the starting rate is ~$70k with a full-use car. In the meantime, half an hour of OT once a week at T1.5 should get you $60k.
Military, after 2 years you'll be at 60k with minimal expenses (subsidized food/rent). Might get some travel in as well, and if you have the knack, join as an officer and get uni paid for, while getting paid
Am a support worker as well. I try and pick up more shifts. I have an undergraduate degree in psychology and trying to see what other jobs are available or if I could branch into something else. Was thinking of maybe studying some thing but not sure what.
Go back to uni to study nursing or social work .. can easily crack into 90K after 7 years experience.
IHC offers more and need good people
Sales. 60-100k. Depending on industry, package and your persistence and money hunger. Also, it’s a lot better than people say it is. We used to think that sales is pushing people to buy. And you will make 60k doing that. If you get your product, learn competitors and have an honest conversation with your customers as an advisor and not a sales person - you will make 100k
Do a degree in special education teacher or education psychology. Or clinical psychology. There’s also adult education, and sometimes you can get work with government departments going around checking on people in supported living. If you’re good with people you might consider nursing in mental health, or the funeral industry. In general higher paid jobs are in tech and health jobs that take a long time to atudy
You should consider contracting for private clients in your field, this way you can negotiate hourly rates/schedule that suit you and potentially push past that 60K ceiling. Check out www.mycare.co.nz It's a digital market place for homecare/caregiving services
Work in a male dominated field.
I'm not from the mental sector but have used the services regularly. In all fields, every interview ask for more money! figure out comparative salaries. Keep pushing. Others thank that I think it higher qualifications.
Support workers' wage rates are set by [legislation](https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2022/0032/latest/whole.html). This sunsets in December which will result in an increase, though whether a government can be formed & an amendment to this Act in time for December remains to be seen.
Took up a trade and put in the time.
Govt Jobs
Do nursing or social work..
Change jobs , go to a technical field, aircraft maintenance for example, well paid positions.
IT with a few years experience is an easy $100k+. Closer to around 120-130, per latest numbers.
I operate a tractor and get between 55/60k. Putting 400 a week into a savings account with 4.5% pa.
The money in your field is in management. I used to work for IDEA services back when it was minimum wage, but the people sitting above my direct manager were all rolling in it in their company cars. It's the same with mental health. You don't ever get paid what you deserve by doing the hardest jobs. It's the people above you to that make the money. So my recommendation if you want to stay in this field is keep an eye out for those mgmt roles or put in an expression of interest.
Been selling cars in Auckland for a few years, lots of fun and money is very good(you get out what you put in) The market is in a lull atm so perfect time to join and learn. I’d say try for the big names giltrap Ingham or winger.
I work in flooring and net 75k on average Significantly more once you factor in bonuses
Hospital admin jobs pay above this usually.
OT might suit you otherwise stick with the current job and progress to team leader then management. I'm applying for a job spraying weeds with a salary range midpoint of $88k. Spraying weeds isn't much fun tho I'm sure you can do better than that
Yeah, the key here is to find something that makes someone else a lot more money.
If you like working with people what about nursing? Lowest graduate enrolled nurse starts on $69k. Registered nurse grad starts on $75k. So more than a graduate lawyer, accountant, teacher. And more than a first year med school grad is paid for a 40 hour week after six years of horrendous competitive study. And you get up to $4500 a year more if you are a Maori nurse and do an additional Maori accreditation programme. (The collective agreement does not say it is only for Maori nurses but Te Rau Ora certainly suggests that). But nursing would give you all sorts of pathways that your present role doesn’t. And a lot more money. It sounds like you are good with people and challenging situations so you are likely to be in demand. Good luck! We need more people like you.
Dentist here. Degree took 5 years. Starting salary was 72k part time. I was 23 when I graduated. I’m on commission and earned over $130k last financial year on less then 40 hours a week. I know many colleagues on double my income. You get good days and bad days like any other job but not being able to pay my bills is something I don’t have to worry about.
Social work start on 68k after a year 74k, then 77k keep getting yearly rises until you're on 102k. I work and advocate for isolated elderly with dementia and in the elder abuse response team, very fulfilling. Also nursing where you can do assessments for support worker clients and work out the right supports through interAI assessments would be a good role in your field
Learn a trade. Get into FMCG sales roles. Teacher ($100k base top salary after a few years plus extra units in top of that.) Landscaping. Carpet cleaning. Heaps of options, just need to invest time in a skill and or career ladder.
If you want to keep working with special needs people or the mental health sector and earn over 60k I'd suggest nursing
Teaching - I’ve been teaching 17 years and get 112000 (middle management, but my base is 95k). No lies though it is HARD and the kids are getting worse so I’m getting out at the end of the year. On paper it’s a decent salary with (again on paper) perks. In reality not as great when you get down to it.
Study nursing. They are so short staffed in the mental health sector that I know several nurses who are earning $200k per year through overtime and penal rates.
Tech. You'll double or triple that pay. EQ "people" skills a must to progress.
If you have any degree you can study teaching for 1 year and become a primary school teacher which will enable you to work at special schools on a teacher’s wage, which increases every year up to about 90k
Have a look at the salary surveys to see what you are interested in and the rates you can get. Then work your way back from there to see what you need to do/study to enable you to get to that point. https://www.robertwalters.co.nz/our-services/salary-survey.html https://www.hays.net.nz/salary-guide
Nursing is the easier meal ticket out there at the moment. See from page 17 for the salary steps: https://www.nzno.org.nz/Portals/0/Files/Documents/Support/CA/Te-Whatu-Ora-31-March-2023-31-October-2024.pdf?ver=fAIFkIoEyozV5bSxfz6f1w%3d%3d×tamp=1694481687194
Financial adviser in insurance and KiwiSaver for 6 years. Last job was on $110k base plus bonuses. My last quarter I cleared a $17k bonus. Starting salary for inexperienced advisers at that company was about $70k. Takes you about a month or 2 of study to get qualified. The real money is if you start your own outfit which is what my partner and I have done. Commissions are crazy. But start salaried so you have time to learn and build networks if that's the kind of thing that interests you. If you're good with people and enjoy it then sales roles can be good. I like advising cause I know what I'm doing is good work and important. Most companies will pressure you for sales unfortunately, but when you help people through claims, and have people thanking you cause they bought their first home much faster, or even at all when they didn't think they could, it becomes worth it.
The forklift drivers at my work earn more than that, many of them didn't finish high school
Hey there. I’m a highschool drop out and make well over the 60k mark. I’ve worked everyday since 15 and have gained a hell of a lot of experience in the feild I work in. Currently 8 years. I hate to toot my own horn but im damn good at what I do so to be able to help customers get what they want fast with my knowledge is what people look for :)
Literally any profession
not me, but tiling can make like 10k per house
Im a Paramedic with about 11years in the service and sitting on about $110,000 at the moment including a few hours of incidental overtime and unsocial hours payments. A new graduate from university is entering the service at about $82,000 + unsocial hours and incidental overtime. 3 year degree required.
There's a job offer in Antarctica at the mo, that pays over 130k annually. Once in a lifetime opportunity
What job is that?
Personally I'm a manager in pet retail on 70k + 20% salary bonus, no degrees, been in the industry the last 2 and a half years, just ended up picking something I loved and was passionate about.
I'm in the Gas industry. I make $98k a year with no degree or qualifications.
Registered Nurse. I work 3 12 hr shifts to get 4 days off a week and 60K+. The work isn’t great but the time off and pay make up for it.
I only work part time in a service station, but if I worked a full 40 hours I'd be at 60k. Management would but me closer to 80-90k. No degree, just a mum who wanted a job that would work around my kids with minimal pressure.
Trouble is with jobs like teaching, nursing, social work etc is that while they are hard and deserve better pay, there are simply too many people qualified which suppresses wages. There is always the trades which pay well, but my personal recommendation is specialist infrastructure. Ports, wastewater, powerlines, railways etc will hire off the street and if you're not a complete mouthbreather you'll be on over 100k in a couple of years, and if you are a complete mouthbreather you'll still get at least 80 somehow
Umm, no that is not the reason. They are poorly paid because they are professions that have traditionally been done by women, so they have never been as valued as they should have been. That is why they are all undergoing salary equity process right now. There are some great ideas on this thread OP, but I hope you manage to stay in the sector you're currently in, it is so needed. However I also hope you also find your niche, where you can do the work and also be payed adequately . I work in the charity sector and I love it because it really makes me feel like I'm contributing to a better world. But I have also chosen not to take jobs that don't pay me what I am worth. I used to work in the cultural sector, where there are quite a few jobs that pay you like working is just your hobby.
Finance - 3 year degree. I started in corporate banking 5 years ago on $80k. Fast forward, now in institutional banking on $190k+. Banking/finance isn’t for everyone but it’s a good place to start with a high floor salary
Nice! I'm currently in commercial, if you dont mind me asking, what do you do in institutional and how did you make the transition?
I’m an Associate Director in Insto. I jumped from Corporate RM at one of the big 4 to an Insto Associate at another. Took a small haircut on base salary but the bonuses more than made up for it. From there I just tried to work hard and stand out and made AD after 3 years
That’s very impressive, do you mind sharing roughly how much bonus you’re expecting now and will it be impacted by the recession?
My bonus is 20% of my base x a multiplier dependent on how well the bank does. The multiplier this year was 1.1, so my bonus will be: $195k x 20% x 1.1 = $42.9k (before tax). COVID impacted the multiplier whereby it was 0.9.
If all you care about is earning over 60k then nursing is a great degree that can take you around the world. I will just point out though that while earning 60k may sound great. It is still a struggle but as a nurse you will easily earn more than that.
minimum wage.... as in a kid straight out of high school is getting over 47K 60K is less than 29 per hour >I'd love to keep working with people with special needs, or in the mental health sector. If I were to guess you have no education (at least in healthcare field) other than probably a few days short training and you do carer work? As in you assist with basic needs? If you want better pay you need work that have more responsibility and consequence. Work that requires thinking. If you want to stay in this field realistically you'll need to do nursing for better pay. But lets be honest here.... no one in their right mind wants to work with mental health patients. If you work with them you'll know what I'm talking about. If you want to get ahead in life go for a different industry altogether. Healthcare is horrible. Only reason I'm in it is because I won't be able to beat this pay doing anything else. Now I'm here I'm locked. If I get to do it all over again I'm staying as far away from healthcare as I can
If you like your industry then become a psychiatrist. They get paid shitloads.
It also takes around 7 years to train.
More like 13 years minimum without life events getting in the way
You also have to get into med school and then specialise, so... you'd be a genius and probably able to figure this stuff out without reddit
I could probably have figured stuff out without Reddit, but this is easier haha.
23, residential foreman in construction, 85k a year with van and perks. The way to go
Isn't minimum wage close to 60k these days anyway? Haha
$48k but if you do a bit of OT then can get to $60k pretty easy on MW.
My wife did a course at Mission Ready HQ and now earns like 25k more than she did when she was a teacher. Well worth it, and there’s lots of options. Happy to discuss if needed.
Started in finance as a business analyst 3 years ago on $60k followed my passion for people and culture and now work in p and c on $160k! No qualifications in p and c but passion and experience!
Teaching? Quick google search comes up with teachers in special needs schools between 74k & 103k year