What is the minimum wage in New Zealand right now?
As of 2026, New Zealand's adult minimum wage sits at $23.95 per hour. This rate applies to all employees aged 16 and over, except in specific circumstances where different rates apply.
Source: Employment New Zealand
The starting-out and training minimum wage is $19.16 per hour, which represents 80% of the adult minimum wage. This lower rate applies to specific groups of workers during their initial employment period.
Source: Employment New Zealand
Who gets the starting-out minimum wage?
The starting-out rate applies to workers aged 16-17 years in their first six months with any employer. It also covers 18-19 year olds who have been receiving certain benefits for six months or more.
Employees aged 16-19 doing recognised industry training involving at least 40 credits per year also receive this rate. The key point is that this lower rate has strict time limits and specific eligibility criteria.
Once you complete your initial six-month period or turn 20, you automatically qualify for the adult minimum wage rate.
How minimum wage affects your total pay
If you work a standard 40-hour week at minimum wage, your gross weekly pay would be $958 before tax and other deductions. Over a year, this equals approximately $49,816 gross income.
Remember that KiwiSaver contributions will reduce your take-home pay slightly. Employers must contribute a minimum of 3% of your gross wages to your KiwiSaver account, but this doesn't come out of your wages.
Source: IRD KiwiSaver for Employers
What counts as working time for minimum wage?
All time you spend working must be paid at least minimum wage. This includes training time, team meetings, opening and closing procedures, and any time you're required to be available for work.
Travel time between job sites during work hours also counts, but commuting from home to your regular workplace typically doesn't. If you're unsure whether certain activities should be paid, check with your employer or seek advice.
Can employers pay below minimum wage legally?
Very few circumstances allow payment below minimum wage. Apprentices and trainees in formal training programmes may receive the training minimum wage for specific learning periods.
Volunteers working for genuine charitable organisations aren't covered by minimum wage laws. However, if you're doing regular work that benefits a business, you should be classified as an employee and receive at least minimum wage.
Piecework, commission, or salary arrangements must still result in you earning at least minimum wage for all hours worked.
What to do if you're not getting minimum wage
Start by speaking with your employer – they may not realise there's an issue with your pay calculation. Keep detailed records of your hours worked and pay received to support any discussions.
If informal discussions don't resolve the problem, you can contact Employment New Zealand for advice or assistance. They provide free guidance on employment rights and can help facilitate resolution.
In serious cases, you may be able to raise a personal grievance for unpaid wages. This process can recover money owed to you plus interest and potentially compensation.
Source: Employment New Zealand
How minimum wage increases are decided
The Government reviews minimum wage rates annually, typically announcing changes in early April for implementation on 1 April. They consider factors like inflation, average wage growth, and economic conditions.
Business groups, unions, and other stakeholders provide input during the review process. The goal is balancing fair wages for workers with sustainable costs for employers, particularly small businesses.
Historically, New Zealand's minimum wage has increased regularly, though the size of increases varies depending on economic circumstances.
Industries where minimum wage is common
Retail, hospitality, and customer service roles often start at or near minimum wage, especially for entry-level positions. Many of these jobs offer opportunities for advancement and skills development.
Seasonal work in agriculture, tourism, and events frequently pays minimum wage rates. These positions can be good options for students, working holiday visa holders, or people seeking flexible arrangements.
Care work, cleaning, and security roles may also start at minimum wage, though experienced workers in these fields often earn more.
Your rights beyond minimum wage
Minimum wage is just the starting point for your employment rights. You're also entitled to holiday pay, sick leave, and other benefits regardless of your hourly rate.
After 12 months of continuous employment, you earn four weeks of annual leave. You get 10 days of sick leave per year after six months with the same employer.
Source: Employment New Zealand
Source: Employment New Zealand
Using minimum wage as a stepping stone
While minimum wage provides essential protection, it shouldn't be viewed as a permanent situation. Use entry-level positions to develop skills, gain experience, and explore career paths.
Many employers offer internal training, promotion opportunities, or support for external qualifications. Take advantage of these whenever possible to increase your earning potential.
The Salary Calculator at FindMeAJob can help you research typical pay rates for roles you're interested in pursuing, giving you targets to work towards.
Key takeaways
- Adult minimum wage in NZ is $23.95 per hour as of 2026
- Starting-out/training minimum wage is $19.16 per hour for specific situations
- All working time must be paid at least minimum wage, including training and meetings
- Employers have very limited legal reasons to pay below minimum wage
- Keep detailed records and seek help if you're not receiving proper pay
- Use minimum wage roles as stepping stones to build skills and advance your career
Thinking about negotiating for more than minimum wage? Check out our Salary Negotiation tool for word-for-word scripts tailored to New Zealand workplaces.