Highest paying medical jobs in New Zealand: Doctors salary & more
Key takeaways:
- Doctors and specialist medical roles earn the highest salaries in New Zealand, with general practitioners, anaesthetists, and radiologists earning $215k-$245k per year.
- Nurses earn $85k–$90k per year, with higher pay for senior or specialised roles.
- Psychologists earn $105k–$110k, while clinical psychologists earn 105k–$115k per year.
- Salaries vary by specialisation, responsibilities, and workload.
- Roles involving complex patient care, on-call duties, or emergency coverage tend to offer higher pay.
The medical sector in New Zealand offers a wide range of rewarding career opportunities. Each of these come with different responsibilities, training requirements, and earning potential. The medical field plays a critical role in supporting the health and wellbeing of communities across the country.
In this article, we explore some of the highest-paid medical jobs in New Zealand, including typical salary ranges, regional variations, and the qualifications required to practise. Whether you’re already in healthcare or considering a medical career, understanding the salaries for these roles can help you make informed decisions about your next steps.
Here’s what we will cover:
Medical jobs in New Zealand and average salaries
An overview of doctors’ salaries in New Zealand
Highest paying medical jobs in New Zealand
Highest paying psychology jobs in New Zealand
Explore more about medical salaries in New Zealand
Medical jobs in New Zealand and average salaries
In the table below, let’s explore some medical jobs and their average salaries across different positions and specialisations:
JOB TITLE | AVERAGE SALARY (NZD) |
An overview of doctors’ salaries in New Zealand
In New Zealand doctors earn an average salary of $223k per year.
Their salaries are influenced by on-call and emergency duties, complexity of patient care, and length of required training. Location and staffing shortages can also affect pay levels. The averages in some regions include:
- Waikato: $250,000
- Manawatu: $225,014
- Auckland: $220,602
- Canterbury: $160,000
Highest paying medical jobs in New Zealand
Some of the highest paid medical jobs are:
- General Practitioners
- Radiologists
- Anaesthetists
- Doctors
In New Zealand, medical field salaries reflect responsibility, specialisation, and workload. Specialists in high-demand areas such as Anaesthetics and Radiology often earn more. Let’s take a closer look at these roles, starting with their typical pay and a quick summary of what each role involves.
General practitioners’ salary
General Practitioners in New Zealand earn $230k–$245k in a year. They diagnose medical conditions, provide basic treatments, and advise patients on lifestyle and preventive care.
Becoming a general practitioner requires a medical degree (MBChB), followed by two years of supervised hospital experience. After that, candidates complete the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners’ three-year vocational training programme and register with the Medical Council of New Zealand.
Anaesthetists’ salary
In New Zealand, anaesthetists make $220k–$230k per year. An anaesthetist is a specialist doctor who administers anaesthesia and sedation and manages pain for patients undergoing surgery or other procedures. They plan and deliver local, regional or general anaesthesia usually within hospital operating theatres and intensive care settings.
Becoming an anaesthetist requires a medical degree (MBChB), two years working as a junior doctor, and about five years of specialist anaesthesia training that leads to FANZCA fellowship. They must also be registered as doctors and hold a current practising certificate from the Medical Council of New Zealand.
Radiologists’ salary
Radiologists in New Zealand earn $215k–$235k annually. They operate and interpret diagnostic imaging technologies including x-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs, and CT scans. They advise medical professionals on treatment strategies and may perform related procedures such as biopsies.
To practice as a radiologist, individuals need a medical degree (MBChB), two years of supervised hospital experience, and five years of specialist training as a registrar. Candidates must then pass Fellowship exams with the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists.
Doctors’ salary
In New Zealand, doctors earn $220k–$225k annually. They may work as general practitioners or specialists and support both immediate and long-term health management. Doctors require a recognised medical degree (MBChB or equivalent) and registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand. They must also complete supervised hospital experience before registration.
Nurses' salary in New Zealand
Nurses in New Zealand typically earn $85k–$90k annually. Nurses work alongside doctors and healthcare teams to monitor patient recovery, administer medications, and support patients and their families. The role requires strong clinical skills and compassion, from recording vital signs to providing emotional guidance during difficult times.
To practice as a Nurse in New Zealand, a Bachelor of Nursing degree and registration with the Nursing Council of New Zealand are required. With experience and specialisation, salaries can increase significantly. Some of the highest paying nursing jobs include theatre nurses, nurse managers and nurse practitioner, with salaries ranging from $100k–$155k.
Highest paying psychology jobs in New Zealand
Psychologists’ salary
Psychologists in New Zealand make $105k–$110k in a year. Psychologists help individuals, couples, or groups overcome mental health issues, emotional challenges, and addictions through psychotherapy and evidence-based interventions.
They work in settings like schools, hospitals, businesses, or private practice, conducting assessments, diagnosing disorders, and developing treatment plans. To practice as a psychologist, professionals need a master's degree in psychology, completion of a 1,500-hour internship, and registration with the New Zealand Psychologists Board.
Clinical psychologists’ Salary
The yearly salary range for clinical psychologists in New Zealand is $105k–$115k. They diagnose and treat mental health conditions including anxiety, depression, and substance abuse disorders. They create tailored therapeutic programs for patients and may serve as expert witnesses in criminal trials and legal matters. Their work spans prisons, healthcare facilities, universities, and private clinics.
Becoming a clinical psychologist requires a master's degree in psychology followed by a Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology. Candidates must complete 1,500 hours of supervised practice and register with the New Zealand Psychologists Board.
Explore more about medical 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.
