Ever wondered how your paycheck compares to others in Wellington, or even across the ditch in Australia? Well, new data from Hays recruitment company sheds some light on that.

It seems most companies in both countries are planning to give raises this year, but not as many as last year, and the raises might not be as big. Fields like HR and finance are more likely to see pay bumps. The cost of living is a major factor in how much employers are willing to offer.

Wellington’s job market is holding steady, and folks in HR, healthcare, and engineering are finding it easier to land new gigs. But hold on to your hats because some roles pay way more in Australia. A construction site engineer in Sydney, for instance, could be raking in 50% more than their Kiwi counterpart.

But don’t despair just yet! Some salaries are pretty similar across the Tasman. A cybersecurity whiz can expect to earn $140,000 in Wellington, while in Sydney, they’d pocket a similar A$135,000 (NZ$145,453).

Let’s dive into some specific numbers for Wellington:

In the world of accounting and finance, Wellington salaries can be pretty decent. If you’re a Financial Controller at a big company, you could be looking at a cool $150,000 a year. Commercial Analysts can expect around $120,000, while Corporate Accountants usually make a bit less at $110,000. Newbies starting as Graduate Assistant Accountants can expect around $65,000, but Tax Accountants with some experience can earn a solid $95,000.

Architecture

If architecture is more your thing, starting salaries for Graduate Architects are around $75,000, but if you’ve been in the game for over ten years, you could be making $120,000 as a Senior Architect. Interior Designers usually earn $70,000, and if you’re into urban planning, expect about $100,000 with five or more years under your belt.

Construction

Working in construction? Site Engineers in Wellington typically pocket $82,000.

Contact centers

In contact centers, Customer Service Officers can expect $57,000 a year, while Telesales Consultants make a bit less at $55,000.

Engineering

Engineering is another field with good pay. Civil designers/Engineers and Structural Engineers can both expect to earn around $105,000, and Land Surveyors are in the same ballpark.

Executive

If you’re aiming for the top, CEOs of commercial companies in Wellington with a turnover of up to $50 million can earn a whopping $300,000, while those leading similar-sized non-profits usually make $275,000.

Facilities Management

Facilities Managers in Wellington typically make $102,000.

Human Resources

In the HR world, you can expect to earn $133,000 as an HR Manager in a mid-sized company or $128,000 as a Learning and Development Manager.

Insurance

Insurance Underwriting Assistants can usually expect around $60,000.

Office support 

For office support roles, like Administration Assistants or Receptionists with over a year of experience, the pay is generally around $55,000. Switchboard Operators can expect a little less at $49,000.

Policy and Strategy

If policy and strategy is your jam, Policy Advisors usually earn $82,000, while Programme Managers can expect $115,000.

Technology

Finally, the tech industry in Wellington is booming, with Business Analysts earning around $110,000. Cloud Platform Engineers can expect a cool $150,000, and if you’re a Cyber Security Analyst, you can expect around $130,000.

Remember, these are just typical figures. Your actual salary can vary depending on your experience, skills, and the specific company you work for. 

How Public sector change?

The current Public Sector reductions in the head count will very likely result in some downward pressure on the $ numbers discussed above. But how much is the big question you’ll need to weigh up? Good luck!

So, how does your Wellington salary stack up?