Median wage increases explained

Wage thresholds and residence pathways

To support a skilled residence application, your international worker often must meet a wage threshold, depending on the pathway. This is designed to attract and retain skills that grow New Zealand’s economy.

What is the median wage?

Some immigration thresholds are indexed to the median wage published by Stats NZ. From 18 August 2025, the median wage used for immigration settings is $33.56 per hour.

Residence pathways that use median-linked wage thresholds include:

• Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) – median-based pay rates define skilled work and income points.
• Green List Straight to Residence and Work to Residence – many roles have pay thresholds expressed as a percentage of the median; where no specific rate is set, pay must be at least the current median wage. For WtR, there may be different pay needed during the 24 months and at the time of application submission.
• Transport Work to Residence – median wage applies, with a separate bus driver rate; note that only some bus and truck drivers qualify due to 7 April 2024 cut-off rules.
• Parent Resident Visa – the income threshold applies to the sponsor and is tied to the median wage.

If your staff are close to, but not yet meeting, the relevant threshold, adjusting remuneration in time can secure eligibility for the desired residence pathway.

Market Rate for AEWV

From 10 March 2025, Immigration New Zealand uses the New Zealand market rate for AEWV pay settings, with no median-wage requirement. Pay must be at least the market rate for the occupation and not less than the minimum wage. We can help you evidence market rate for your Job Check.

How market rate is assessed?

INZ considers what a New Zealander would be paid for substantially the same role in the same region, taking account of experience and role requirements, and may look at multiple sources.