Do you want to move to New Zealand to enhance your career opportunities? New Zealand offers many jobs for foreigners, especially the jobs offering up to $65,000 salary per year. In this guide, we will assist you in learning about the job market, hiring process, eligibility criteria, and benefits of working in New Zealand.
Understanding the New Zealand Job Market
New Zealand’s economy is not mundane, and it has prospects in various industries. Foreigners are able to get jobs in industries like agriculture, hospitality, construction, and others that offer up to $65,000. These are crucial to the development of the country and offer foreigners an opportunity to build a career.
Best Industries Offering Jobs Up to $65,000
- Agriculture: Farm workers and fruit pickers are required.
- Hospitality: Chefs and hotel staff are available.
- Construction: Construction laborer, carpenter jobs.
- Healthcare: Care givers and care support workers sought.
- Transportation: Truckers and delivery men are needed.
Eligibility Criteria for Foreign Workers
Foreign workers who can work in New Zealand usually need to have:
- Valid job offers by a New Zealand employer.
- Corresponding work experience or qualifications.
- Corresponding work visa for the job.
- Good health and character (police clearances may be required).
How to Apply for Jobs in New Zealand
- Search for Jobs: Browse job websites like Seek or visit recruitment agencies.
- Prepare Your CV: Write your resume according to New Zealand standards.
- Apply: Submit applications to employers or agencies.
- Interview: Attend interviews, possibly via video call.
- Receive Job Offer: If successful, you will receive a job offer.
- Apply for Visa: Use the job offer to apply for a work visa.
Top 10 Jobs in New Zealand for Foreigners Paying Up to $65,000
Each of these jobs offers real-life entry points to foreigners with middle-level skills or similar work experience. They are not only demanded but also pragmatic immigration possibilities and decent work terms.
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Aged Care Support Worker
Average Salary: $49,000 – $58,000
Incentives:
- Employer-sponsored work visa under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
- Opportunities for permanent residency under the Green List
- Paid training and upskilling certifications
With New Zealand’s aging population, the demand for support workers is growing. Many providers offer flexible schedules and housing support for overseas workers.
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Farm Worker / Dairy Assistant
Average Salary: $46,000 – $60,000
Incentives:
- Free or subsidized accommodation on-site
- Paid relocation for remote placements
- Seasonal visa options and AEWV pathway
No formal qualifications are needed. Experience in manual labor is a plus, and visa options are accessible even for first-time international workers.
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Chef / Cook
Average Salary: $55,000 – $65,000
Incentives:
- Long-term job contracts
- Sponsorship for Skilled Migrant Category visa
- Paid annual leave and free meals during shifts
With New Zealand’s booming hospitality industry, qualified chefs are consistently in demand, especially in tourist-heavy towns.
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Construction Labourer
Average Salary: $48,000 – $63,000
Incentives:
- Tools and uniform provided by employer
- Opportunities to gain trade certification
- Work hours often lead to overtime pay
No formal education required, but the physical ability to work in outdoor environments is essential. Many migrants use this as a gateway to longer-term residency.
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Truck Driver / Delivery Driver
Average Salary: $54,000 – $65,000
Incentives:
- Employer support for license conversion
- Petrol allowances or company vehicle
- Visa sponsorship with stable employment
If you have driving experience, this can be a fast-track option. There’s huge demand in both inter-city transport and local courier services.
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Warehouse Assistant
Average Salary: $45,000 – $60,000
Incentives:
- Shift-based flexibility
- On-site training and certifications (like forklift licensing)
- Work visa sponsorship through logistics companies
Warehousing is one of the easiest industries to enter with minimal training, and many companies hire in bulk during high seasons.
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Cleaner (Commercial or Residential)
Average Salary: $44,000 – $52,000
Incentives:
- Free uniforms and gear
- Weekly pay cycles
- Transportation support for early/late shifts
Cleaning is essential and stable work. Full-time and part-time options are available across cities and regions.
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Teacher Aide / Learning Assistant
Average Salary: $50,000 – $62,000
Incentives:
- Professional development subsidies
- Permanent school roles with government funding
- Some opportunities lead to teacher registration
If you enjoy working with children and have any background in education, this is a deeply fulfilling job with clear pathways into teaching careers.
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Retail Sales Assistant
Average Salary: $42,000 – $50,000
Incentives:
- Staff discounts and bonuses
- Employer reference support for long-term visa conversion
- Flexible working hours
Great for friendly, outgoing individuals. Many retail roles are in cities, giving access to transportation and community support.
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Hospitality Staff (Barista, Wait Staff, Hotel Staff)
Average Salary: $45,000 – $55,000
Incentives:
- Free meals and discounted hotel stays
- Multicultural working environments
- Immediate placement in tourist areas
Perfect for people who love tourism and meeting new people. Some hotel chains offer free language training and career growth programs.
How These Roles Help with Immigration
- Most roles qualify for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).
- Some are listed on New Zealand’s Green List, offering faster residency options.
- If you gain two years of experience in some of these occupations, you may qualify for Skilled Migrant Residence.
- Industries such as aged care, agriculture, and construction are among the most immigration-friendly sectors.
Benefits of Working in New Zealand
- Competitive Salaries: Earn up to $65,000 annually.
- Work-Life Balance: Enjoy a balanced lifestyle.
- Cultural Experience: Experience New Zealand’s diverse culture.
- Pathway to Residency: Some jobs may lead to permanent residency.​
FAQs
Can I apply for jobs before moving to New Zealand?
Yes, you can apply online and attend interviews remotely.​
Are there age restrictions for work visas?
Generally, there are no strict age limits, but some visas may have age-related criteria.​
Do I need to speak English fluently?
Proficiency in English is important, especially for customer-facing roles.​
Can my family join me in New Zealand?
Depending on your visa type, family members may be eligible to accompany you.​
How long does the visa application process take?
Processing times vary but typically range from a few weeks to a couple of months.
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