Diagnoses, services, and repairs cars and light vehicles using workshop equipment and diagnostic tools. Carries out routine maintenance and fixes mechanical and electrical faults. A skilled trade central to New Zealand's transport system. Most mechanics complete a New Zealand apprenticeship and hold current industry certifications while staying current with evolving vehicle technology. The trade offers steady demand, with experienced mechanics moving into service advisership, diagnostics, or workshop management. The trade keeps pace with electric and hybrid vehicles, so willingness to retrain is part of staying current. Good mechanics are rarely short of work, particularly outside the main centres.

Generated with AI

Total Remuneration Range

Base salary + bonuses, based on 2 submissions

Minimum Wage
$49,816
Living Wage
$62,192
Median
$69,150
90th Percentile
$71,270
Minimum Wage
$23.95/hr
$49,816/year
1.4×
This role pays 1.4 times the minimum wage
+39%
Living Wage
$29.90/hr
$62,192/year
1.1×
This role pays 1.1 times the living wage
+11%
National Wage Percentile
$69,150
median salary for this role
Top 42.4%
This role's median is higher than 57.6% of all NZ wage/salary earners
1,205,630 earners at or above this salary
Source: IRD Wage & Salary Distributions — March 2026

Common questions about Motor Vehicle Mechanic pay

Based on 2 anonymous submissions

What is the median salary for Motor Vehicle Mechanic in New Zealand?

Across 2 anonymous submissions, the median total salary for a Motor Vehicle Mechanic in New Zealand is $69,150 per year. Total remuneration ranges from about $67,030 (10th percentile) to $71,270 (90th percentile).

How does Motor Vehicle Mechanic pay compare with NZ wage benchmarks?

A full-time median of $69,150 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 Motor Vehicle Mechanic earn at each experience level?

Median pay by experience: Mid (3-5 Yrs) $65,000, Senior (6-9 Yrs) $70,000.

Most Common Perks

Based on 2 submissions

Viewing perks for selected submission
  • Free Parking 100%
    • Annual Performance Bonus 100%
      • Remote / Hybrid WFH 0%
        • Flexible Working Hours 0%
          • Health Insurance 0%
            • KiwiSaver Match > 3% 0%

Pay by Experience Level

Median salary progression

Mid (3-5 Yrs)
$65,000
Senior (6-9 Yrs)
$70,000

All Submissions (2)

Click a submission to see its perks
$66,500
Auckland 3 - 5 years (Intermediate) Sep 2026
$71,800
Christchurch / Canterbury 6 - 9 years (Senior) Sep 2026

Salary by Location

Christchurch / Canterbury
$71,800 $71,800 $71,800
Auckland
$66,500 $66,500 $66,500