Human resources salaries in New Zealand

Key takeaways:

• Human resources roles are in steady demand across industries, reflecting the importance of skilled HR professionals in shaping workplace culture and organisational success.
• Entry-level HR salaries start in the range of $65k–$70k per year.
• Senior HR roles pay between $90k–$135k, with top-paying positions like HR business partners, HR managers, and HR consultants.
• Location and specialised skills impact pay, with urban centres such as Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch offering higher salaries.

Human resources professionals in New Zealand play a key role in shaping workplace culture and keeping organisations running smoothly. There’s been steady demand for HR talent across industries, showing how important people management is to business success. This ongoing demand translates into strong career opportunities across HR and recruitment roles. 

Whether you’re just starting out or moving into senior positions, a career in HR offers variety, challenge, and the opportunity to influence business success and employee experience. This guide highlights the highest paying HR jobs in New Zealand, covering salary ranges from entry‑level positions to senior leadership and explaining what each role involves.  

Here’s what this guide will cover:

• Human resources jobs and average salaries in New Zealand
• Human resources salary overview
• Highest paying human resources roles in New Zealand
• Explore more about human resources salaries in New Zealand

Human resources jobs and average salaries in New Zealand 

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

Human resources salary overview 

Entry-level positions, such as human resources administrators earn an average of $68k per year. As you gain experience and take on more responsibility, mid-level roles like human resources advisers coordinators earn $70k–$80k.

Senior positions, including human resources managers, HR business partners, and senior HR consultants, can earn between $90k–$135k annually. Knowing how HR salaries vary across roles will help you make informed career decisions.

Highest paying human resources roles in New Zealand 

HR salaries across New Zealand differ based on seniority, skills, and experience. Positions with leadership responsibilities and strategic influence generally offer higher salaries than entry-level positions. HR professionals with expertise in areas like employment law or talent acquisition, or organisational development often earn more. 

Location and industry have a big impact on pay as well. Urban centres with high demand for skilled people often offer more competitive salaries. HR professionals in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch generally earn the highest salaries, while places like Queenstown & Wanaka can also provide attractive salaries for certain roles. 

Here are some of the highest-paying human resources roles:  

• Human Resources Business Partner
• Human Resources Manager
• Human Resources Consultant
• Human Resources Adviser
• Recruitment Consultant 

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

Human resources business partners’ salary 

Human resources business partners in New Zealand make $120k–$135k in a year. They work with organisations to manage staff, culture, and workplace processes. They advise on hiring, training, employee wellbeing, compliance, and performance management.

Most human resources business partners hold a bachelor’s degree in commerce, management, or human resources, and may pursue a master’s to advance their skills. They need experience in HR roles, strong knowledge of employment legislation, leadership and people skills. 

Human resources managers’ salary 

Human resources managers earn $115k–$135k per year. They manage recruitment, performance, and learning and development across the organisation. Human resources managers ensure compliance with employment legislation and handle disciplinary matters, remuneration reviews, and employee benefits.

They also oversee employee relations, workplace policies, and staff support initiatives. Many have a bachelor’s degree in human resources, business, or management. Employers also look for HR experience, employment legislation knowledge, and people leadership skills. 

Human resources consultants’ salary 

Human resources consultants make $90k–$110k annually. They work with organisations to provide advice on HR strategy, policies, and people management practices. Human resources consultants also assist with compliance, employee relations, and improving workplace processes.

They support businesses with recruitment planning, performance management, and organisational change initiatives. Most hold a bachelor’s degree in human resources, business, or management. Strong consulting skills, knowledge of employment legislation, analytical thinking, and effective communication are essential for this role. 

Human resources advisers’ salary 

Yearly salary for human resources advisers is $80k–$95k. They support day-to-day people operations, including recruitment coordination, training activities, and employee administration. Human resources advisers also manage employee relations, oversee payroll and benefits processes, and assist in resolving grievances and disciplinary matters.

They provide guidance to managers on employment law, workplace policies, and staff development. This role requires tertiary qualifications in human resources, business, or management. Candidates need well-developed communication skills and attention to detail.

Recruitment consultants’ salary 

Recruitment consultants earn $70k–85k per year. Their work includes reviewing CVs, interviewing candidates, and carrying out background checks. They advertise roles, search CV databases, and use networking or headhunting to reach the right people. Recruitment consultants explain job responsibilities, salary, and benefits to candidates.

They also help negotiate pay and employment terms between candidates and employers. The role requires a strong understanding of client companies, their industry, and workplace culture. Many recruitment consultants build their careers through hands-on experience, training, and developing specialist knowledge over time.

Explore more about human resources salaries in New Zealand 

Compare your options with confidence. SEEK’s Explore Careers highlights New Zealand salaries, recent growth trends, key requirements, and satisfaction insights for this career. 

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.