#3 · Engineering & trades

Technicians and trades workers Salary

Stats NZ HLFS June 2025 national median $69,160 ($32.50/hr; weekly × 52). ANZSCO major group 3. Wage/salary earners in main job (not full-time-only). Modeled 2026 take-home, training context, and career comparisons below.

By Sammy S. · Founder · AuthorUpdated for 2026

national median · ANZSCO 3

$69,160

$32.50/hr · weekly × 52

Baseline take-home

$55,090

20.3% effective

KiwiSaver take-home at median

$53,016

23.3% effective

Key takeaways — Technicians & trades

Technicians and trades workers ranks #3 of 8 on this hub with a $69,160 Stats NZ HLFS June 2025 median ($32.50/hr) for wage/salary earners in their main job.
Modeled baseline take-home at that median: $55,090 (20.3% effective employee deduction rate). With KiwiSaver 3%: $53,016.
One rank above: Managers at $89,752 (+$20,592).
Self-employment income and employer KiwiSaver contributions sit outside these HLFS main-job wage/salary medians.

About Technicians and trades workers wages

Stats NZ HLFS June 2025 publishes median weekly and hourly earnings from the main wage and salary job by ANZSCO major group (Sex/Age/Ethnic = Total). For Technicians and trades workers (ANZSCO 3), the national median annual pay is $69,160 (weekly $1,330 × 52) — meaning half of wage/salary earners in this major group earn more and half earn less across New Zealand. These medians are not restricted to full-time employees.

We use Stats NZ–published hourly figures, then apply our 2026 New Zealand paycheck model so you see modeled take-home, not just gross. That bridges labour-market statistics with the same tax rules as our New Zealand calculator — nationwide PAYE and ACC earner levy.

Use the compare tool to pit Technicians & trades against another career group, or open the paycheck calculator to model an offer above or below the published median.

Engineering & trades · rank context

Technicians & trades sits at rank #3 between Managers (#2, $89,752) and Machinery operators & drivers (#4, $67,548).

Training & licensing context

Technicians and trades medians often require apprenticeships, diplomas, or certificates. Sector cycles can swing construction and electrotechnology pay.

Take-home at Stats NZ median by scenario

New Zealand earners, nationwide PAYE + ACC earner levy — gross equals the published Stats NZ median. Baseline assumes KiwiSaver opted out (0%) and no student loan; the KiwiSaver column adds the employee 3% contribution.

Scenario	Take-home	Effective rate	Calculator
KiwiSaver opted out	$55,090	20.3%	Open
KiwiSaver 3%	$53,016	23.3%	Open

Model $69,160 in calculator Stats NZ source

Myths vs facts

Myth: Every Technicians & trades job pays the Stats NZ median.

Fact: The median is a national midpoint for wage/salary earners in the main job. Entry roles, part-time schedules, and lower-COL markets sit below; senior specialists in high-demand cities sit above.

Myth: Take-home at median is what you will net.

Fact: Our columns use a New Zealand vignette at the Stats NZ gross median. KiwiSaver rate, student loan, and ACC settings change your actual paycheck.

Salary planning checklist

Confirm the posting matches ANZSCO major group 3 (Technicians and trades workers)
Compare baseline vs KiwiSaver 3% take-home if you contribute at the default rate
Remember HLFS medians include part-time main-job earners
Use metro paycheck examples (New Zealand) when the employer names a city
Model your exact gross in the New Zealand paycheck calculator