Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa wage rate thresholds

Median wage rates between 2018 and 2024 for Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa expression of interests (EOI) submitted after 9 October 2023.

Wage rate requirements for visas

Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa EOIs submitted after 9 October must meet a wage threshold to:

  • qualify for skilled employment in New Zealand
  • claim points for income and skilled work experience in New Zealand, if applicable.

Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa

Wage thresholds are based on the median wage. The median wage we use increases in February each year.

Wage rate requirements for visas

All wage rates shown in the tables below are hourly and in New Zealand dollars.

Skilled employment in New Zealand

To assess skilled work for the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa we use:

  • the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupation (ANZSCO) list, and
  • a wage threshold based on the hourly median wage.

You must meet the wage threshold at the beginning of the skilled work experience period you are claiming points for. If the median wage increases during your skilled work experience period your income does not need to increase, as long as you stay in the same job. If you change jobs, you must meet the new wage threshold applicable at that time.

Your current job or job offer must pay at least the wage threshold in effect at the time you submit your EOI and application.

Table 1: ANZSCO skill level and median wage rates for skilled employment in New Zealand
Date range ANZSCO skill levels 1 to 3 (the median wage) ANZSCO skill levels 4 or 5 (150% of the median wage) Role not listed in ANZSCO (150% of the median wage)
From 28 February 2024 $31.61 $47.41 $47.41
27 February 2023 to 27 February 2024 $29.66 $44.49 $44.49
24 October 2022 to 26 February 2023 $27.76 $41.64 $41.64
19 July 2021 to 23 October 2022 $27.00 $40.50 $40.50
24 February 2020 to 18 July 2021 $25.50 $38.25 $38.25
26 November 2018 to 23 February 2020 $25.00 $37.50 $37.50
15 January 2018 to 25 November 2018 $24.29 $36.44 $36.44

Claiming points for income

You must meet the current wage threshold to claim points for your income.

If you are also claiming points for skilled work experience in New Zealand, you must meet the income points threshold throughout the skilled work experience period.

Table 2: Wage rates and points for the income skill category
Date range  At least 1.5 times the median wage (3 points) 2 times the median wage (4 points) 3 times the median wage (6 points)
From 28 February 2024 $47.41 $63.22 $94.83
27 February 2023 to 27 February 2024 $44.49 $59.32 $88.98
24 October 2022 to 26 February 2023 $41.64 $55.52 $83.28
19 July 2021 to 23 October 2022 $40.50 $54.00 $81.00
24 February 2020 to 18 July 2021 $38.25 $51.00 $76.50
26 November 2018 to 23 February 2020 $37.50 $50.00 $75.00
15 January 2018 to 25 November 2018 $36.44 $48.58

$72.87