Highest paying engineering jobs and salaries in New Zealand

Key takeaways: 

• Engineering manager and mining engineer are the top-paying roles in New Zealand, earning $155k–$175k and $130k–$135k, respectively.
• Most engineers earn between $90k–$110k, while specialists in mining, ICT, and transport & logistics can reach salaries above $130k.
• Entry-level engineers typically earn $80k–$100k, while senior roles like technical directors reach $155k–$175k.
• Industry matters: mining, ICT, resource & energy, and transport & logistics are the highest-paying sectors.
• Experience and seniority drive earnings. Managers and senior specialists earn more quickly, especially in high-demand or niche areas.

Engineering is one of New Zealand’s in-demand professions, with diverse opportunities across infrastructure, technology, and energy. Whether designing systems, managing projects, or specialising in niche fields, engineers can grow their skills and progress into higher-paying roles.  

But with so many paths available, it can be difficult to know which roles offer the most growth, responsibility, recognition and most importantly, how much do engineers make? This guide explores the highest-paying engineering roles in New Zealand, including typical salaries and what drives pay differences. 

Here’s what we will cover: 

Engineering jobs and average salaries in New Zealand  

Engineering salary overview  

Highest paying engineering roles in New Zealand  

Explore more about engineering salaries in New Zealand 

Engineering jobs and average salaries in New Zealand

In the table below, let’s explore some engineering jobs and the average engineer salary in New Zealand across different management positions and specialisations.

Engineering salary overview 

As you can see from the table, salaries differ by role and specialisation. Overall, the average engineer salary in New Zealand is $100k per year. Entry-level engineers earn in the range of $95k and $105k. Senior roles, such as engineering managers and technical directors, earn nearly twice that amount from $150k to $175k.

Salaries also vary by industry. The highest paid engineers are often found in the following industries:

• Information & Communication Technology
• Mining, Resource & Energy and Manufacturing
• Transport & Logistics sectors

Location is another factor affecting engineering salaries. Major cities such as Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Hamilton generally offer higher pay. 

Highest paying engineering roles in New Zealand 

Here are some of the highest paying engineering jobs in New Zealand: 

• Engineering Manager
• Mining Engineer
• Electrical Engineer
• Civil Engineer
• Mechanical Engineer

Salary increases with the complexity of the role and level of responsibility. Professional certifications, such as New Zealand’s Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng), can further boost earnings. Roles that are in high demand but have a limited supply of skilled professionals, such as mining or marine engineering, also command higher salaries.

Additionally, engineers working on specialised technologies or large-scale projects often earn more due to the unique skills and knowledge required. Let’s take a closer look at these roles, starting with their typical pay and a quick summary of what each role involves. 

Engineering managers’ salary 

Engineering managers in New Zealand earn between $150k and $170k per year.  They are responsible for making sure engineering projects run smoothly from start to finish. Working closely with other departments, they ensure everything is on track. It is a role that blends technical know-how with strong leadership skills to make projects successful. 

Mining engineers’ salary 

Mining engineers’ salary in New Zealand ranges from $130k to $135k per year. They work on extracting minerals and resources, managing equipment, and monitoring safety standards. The role combines technical knowledge with problem-solving and project management skills. Mining engineers often work in remote locations or on large-scale resource projects. 

Electrical engineers’ salary 

The electrical engineer salary in New Zealand ranges from $105k to $125k per year. Electrical engineers design, build, and maintain electrical systems, making sure they are safe and reliable. They plan electricity distribution, oversee installations, and perform tests to keep systems fault-free. The role combines technical expertise with problem-solving skills.  

Civil engineers’ salary 

Civil engineers in New Zealand earn an average of between $95k and $115k per year. They collaborate with contractors and other professionals to plan, design, and construct infrastructure, including roads, bridges, water systems, and public facilities.

Civil engineers often specialise in areas like structural, transport, municipal, geotechnical, or environmental engineering. The role requires technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and the ability to manage budgets and project resources to deliver safe and efficient infrastructure. 

Mechanical engineers’ Salary 

Mechanical engineers in New Zealand earn between $95k and 115k per year.  They design, build, and repair mechanical tools and equipment, which can range from large industrial machinery to healthcare devices.

The role involves analysing problems, creating and testing prototypes, and refining designs to meet project requirements. Mechanical engineers need practical, hands-on skills as well as technical knowledge of design software and safety standards, and they may work in offices, factories, or workshops. 

Explore more about engineering salaries in New Zealand 

Look beyond one headline salary number. SEEK’s Explore Careers breaks down New Zealand pay ranges, role requirements, job opportunities, and current hiring momentum. 

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.