Plans and runs learning programmes for children up to school age in early childhood centres. Supports children's development through play-based learning and strong relationships with families. A registered qualification is required for this role in NZ. The role requires a recognised teaching qualification and registration with the Teaching Council, alongside practical experience in a licensed centre. It is a deeply rewarding career for people who enjoy working with young children and their whānau. The work combines close attention to each child with planning a centre-wide programme. Professional development is a constant, and experienced teachers move into head-teacher and centre management roles.

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Total Remuneration Range

Base salary + bonuses, based on 2 submissions

Minimum Wage
$49,816
Living Wage
$62,192
Median
$59,000
90th Percentile
$61,400
Minimum Wage
$23.95/hr
$49,816/year
1.2×
This role pays 1.2 times the minimum wage
+18%
Living Wage
$29.90/hr
$62,192/year
0.9×
This role pays 0.9 times the living wage
-5%
National Wage Percentile
$59,000
median salary for this role
Top 52.8%
This role's median is higher than 47.2% of all NZ wage/salary earners
1,498,890 earners at or above this salary
Source: IRD Wage & Salary Distributions — March 2026

Common questions about ECE Teacher pay

Based on 2 anonymous submissions

What is the median salary for ECE Teacher in New Zealand?

Across 2 anonymous submissions, the median total salary for a ECE Teacher in New Zealand is $59,000 per year. Total remuneration ranges from about $56,600 (10th percentile) to $61,400 (90th percentile).

How does ECE Teacher pay compare with NZ wage benchmarks?

A full-time median of $59,000 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 ECE Teacher earn at each experience level?

Median pay by experience: Junior (0-2 Yrs) $56,000, Mid (3-5 Yrs) $62,000.

Most Common Perks

Based on 2 submissions

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

Pay by Experience Level

Median salary progression

Junior (0-2 Yrs)
$56,000
Mid (3-5 Yrs)
$62,000

All Submissions (2)

Click a submission to see its perks
$56,000
Auckland 0 - 2 years (Junior) Sep 2026
$62,000
Wellington 3 - 5 years (Intermediate) Sep 2026

Salary by Location

Wellington
$62,000 $62,000 $62,000
Auckland
$56,000 $56,000 $56,000