Architect Salary in New Zealand: How Much do Architects get Paid?

Key Takeaways:

• Architecture and design salaries in New Zealand vary by role, experience level, and qualifications, with senior positions earning $115k–$135k per year.
• Pay levels also differ by location, with architects in major centres typically earning more due to the scale and concentration of projects.
• ​​Salary differences across architecture roles reflect variations in responsibility, project scope, and the level of coordination required with clients, consultants, and delivery teams.
• Architects and design professionals in larger urban centres such as Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch generally have access to more projects, which often corresponds with higher average salaries.

Architects and designers in New Zealand play a crucial role in shaping the built environment. The sector continues to grow, driven by urban development, infrastructure projects, and a focus on sustainable building. Projects increasingly demand innovative design solutions that respond to climate challenges and urban planning needs.

For those entering the field, opportunities exist in private studios, larger consultancies, and public projects that help shape communities. If you’re curious about how much architects get paid and what influences their earning potential, this guide is for you. It highlights trends in the field, showing which skills and experiences are shaping the job opportunities.  

Here’s what this guide will cover:  

Architecture jobs and average salaries in New Zealand 

Architecture salary overview 

Highest paying architecture roles in New Zealand

Explore more about architecture salaries In New Zealand 

Architecture jobs and average salaries in New Zealand

In the table below, let’s explore some architecture jobs and the average architecture salary across different roles:  

Architecture salary overview 

Salaries in the architecture and design field in New Zealand vary depending on experience, role, and responsibilities. Entry-level positions, such as landscape architects earn an average of $90k per year. Senior roles, including architects and design managers, earn $115k-$135k annually.  

Each discipline offers its own career growth opportunities, allowing professionals to build expertise, take on larger projects, and move into leadership positions within their field. Knowing how salaries differ across roles and experience levels can help you make informed career decisions and plan your growth strategically. 

Highest paying architecture roles in New Zealand 

Architect salaries in New Zealand rise as experience grows. After completing formal education, registration with the New Zealand Registered Architects Board opens doors to higher-paid roles and larger projects.

Architects with skills in sustainable design, advanced CAD and BIM software, or heritage restoration are particularly sought after, giving them more opportunities and higher earning potential. Location also affects how much architects are paid. Architects in major centres such as Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch earn more due to the concentration of large commercial and infrastructure projects. 

Here are some of the highest-paying architecture roles:  

• Architect 
• Design Manager
• Landscape Architect

Let’s take a closer look at these roles, starting with their typical pay and a quick summary of what each role involves.  

Architects’ salary

Architects' salary in New Zealand lies between $115k–$135k per year. They plan and design building projects, coordinate with engineers, builders and surveyors to ensure projects meet design, budget, and regulatory requirements. They also manage planning permissions, adapt designs based on feedback, and oversee the project throughout the build process.

Becoming an architect typically requires a Master of Architecture and registration with the New Zealand Registered Architects Board. Strong design skills, project management ability, attention to detail, and effective communication help succeed in this role. 

Design managers’ salary

Design managers in New Zealand earn $110k–$135k per year. They coordinate and oversee the design process, ensuring projects meet client requirements, quality standards, and deadlines. Design managers liaise with clients and internal teams, balancing project goals with budget and resource constraints.

They manage and guide design teams, providing feedback and resolving issues to maintain creative output. A bachelor’s degree in design, visual communications, or a related field is generally required. Key skills include leadership, project management, creativity, and the ability to communicate effectively with clients and teams.

Landscape architects’ salary

Landscape architects' salary ranges between $80k–$100k per year. They plan and design outdoor spaces, including gardens, parks, and recreational areas, with a focus on aesthetics, functionality, and environmental sustainability. Landscape architects prepare site plans, cost estimates, and presentations to guide construction and meet project requirements.

They work closely with clients, engineers, and construction teams to ensure designs are feasible. A bachelor’s or master’s degree in landscape architecture or a related field is generally required. Creativity, project management, knowledge of environmental regulations, and strong communication skills are essential for this role. 

Explore more about architecture salaries in New Zealand  

Use real data to guide your next step. On SEEK’s Explore Careers, you can review what the job involves in New Zealand, typical pay, demand trends, and the skills employers want. 

Source: SEEK data, roles based on average advertised salaries of over $150,000 for job ads listed on SEEK from July 23 to June 24 to July 24 to June 25. A minimum threshold of job ads on SEEK is required for a role to appear in this table.