Drives heavy trucks fitted with a HIAB crane and operates the crane to load and unload cargo. Plans lifts, secures loads, and follows strict safety and weight regulations. Essential to logistics and construction across New Zealand. Operators need a Class 5 licence, a HIAB certificate, and a strong understanding of lifting and load-securing regulations. Experience with telehandlers or rigging is often valued, with work available in construction, forestry, and freight. Work often takes operators across sites and regions, so flexibility and a clean driving record matter. The combination of Class 5 and HIAB skills makes this a relatively scarce and dependable role.

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Total Remuneration Range

Base salary + bonuses, based on 1 submissions

Minimum Wage
$49,816
Living Wage
$62,192
Median
$84,800
90th Percentile
$84,800
Minimum Wage
$23.95/hr
$49,816/year
1.7×
This role pays 1.7 times the minimum wage
+70%
Living Wage
$29.90/hr
$62,192/year
1.4×
This role pays 1.4 times the living wage
+36%
National Wage Percentile
$84,800
median salary for this role
Top 30.4%
This role's median is higher than 69.6% of all NZ wage/salary earners
863,020 earners at or above this salary
Source: IRD Wage & Salary Distributions — March 2026

Common questions about Class 5 HIAB Operator pay

Based on 1 anonymous submissions

What is the median salary for Class 5 HIAB Operator in New Zealand?

Across 1 anonymous submissions, the median total salary for a Class 5 HIAB Operator in New Zealand is $84,800 per year. Total remuneration ranges from about $84,800 (10th percentile) to $84,800 (90th percentile).

How does Class 5 HIAB Operator pay compare with NZ wage benchmarks?

A full-time median of $84,800 per year compares with the NZ minimum wage of $49,816 per year and the living wage of $62,192 per year.

What does a Class 5 HIAB Operator earn at each experience level?

Median pay by experience: Senior (6-9 Yrs) $82,000.

Most Common Perks

Based on 1 submissions

Viewing perks for selected submission
  • Health Insurance 100%
    • KiwiSaver Match > 3% 100%
      • Annual Performance Bonus 100%
        • Remote / Hybrid WFH 0%
          • Flexible Working Hours 0%
            • Extra Annual Leave (5+ Weeks) 0%

Pay by Experience Level

Median salary progression

Senior (6-9 Yrs)
$82,000

All Submissions (1)

Click a submission to see its perks
$84,800
Hamilton 6 - 9 years (Senior) Sep 2026

Salary by Location

Hamilton
$84,800 $84,800 $84,800