Registered Nurses (RNs) in New Zealand play a critical role in the healthcare system by delivering high-quality, patient-centered care across hospitals, primary clinics, and community settings. Operating under the standards of the Nursing Council of New Zealand, they assess patient needs, administer clinical treatments, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to manage diverse health conditions. Their clinical expertise and commitment to culturally safe practice are essential to improving health outcomes and safeguarding community well-being nationwide. Day to day, the work spans assessment, treatment, education, and often the emotional support that no care plan fully captures. Registration with the Nursing Council and a commitment to ongoing professional development underpin the role. Nursing offers exceptional variety across hospital, community, and specialty settings. The role also carries professional autonomy and responsibility that grows with every year of practice.

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Total Remuneration Range

Base salary + bonuses, based on 4 submissions

Minimum Wage
$49,816
Living Wage
$62,192
Median
$71,500
90th Percentile
$79,000
Minimum Wage
$23.95/hr
$49,816/year
1.4×
This role pays 1.4 times the minimum wage
+44%
Living Wage
$29.90/hr
$62,192/year
1.1×
This role pays 1.1 times the living wage
+15%
National Wage Percentile
$71,500
median salary for this role
Top 40.6%
This role's median is higher than 59.4% of all NZ wage/salary earners
1,154,060 earners at or above this salary
Source: IRD Wage & Salary Distributions — March 2026

Common questions about Registered Nurse pay

Based on 4 anonymous submissions

What is the median salary for Registered Nurse in New Zealand?

Across 4 anonymous submissions, the median total salary for a Registered Nurse in New Zealand is $71,500 per year. Total remuneration ranges from about $70,300 (10th percentile) to $79,000 (90th percentile).

How does Registered Nurse pay compare with NZ wage benchmarks?

A full-time median of $71,500 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 Registered Nurse earn at each experience level?

Median pay by experience: Junior (0-2 Yrs) $71,000, Mid (3-5 Yrs) $82,000.

Most Common Perks

Based on 4 submissions

Viewing perks for selected submission
  • Flexible Working Hours 75%
    • Health Insurance 25%
      • Extra Annual Leave (5+ Weeks) 25%
        • Remote / Hybrid WFH 0%
          • KiwiSaver Match > 3% 0%
            • Free Parking 0%

Pay by Experience Level

Median salary progression

Junior (0-2 Yrs)
$71,000
Mid (3-5 Yrs)
$82,000

All Submissions (4)

Click a submission to see its perks
$70,000
Auckland 0 - 2 years (Junior) Aug 2026
$72,000
Auckland 0 - 2 years (Junior) Sep 2026
$82,000
Christchurch / Canterbury 3 - 5 years (Intermediate) Sep 2026
$71,000
Wellington 0 - 2 years (Junior) Sep 2026

Salary by Location

Christchurch / Canterbury
$82,000 $82,000 $82,000
Auckland
$70,200 $71,000 $71,800
Wellington
$71,000 $71,000 $71,000