New Zealand’s labour market is hungry for skilled people, from nurses and software engineers to tradespeople and teachers. The government’s Green List and skilled-migrant pathways explicitly target health, engineering, IT, teaching and certain trades, so if you bring the right skills, you’ll be competing for high-value roles and faster visa routes.
Quick Snapshot:
- High demand: healthcare, engineering & construction, ICT, teaching and skilled trades top New Zealand’s shortage lists. Employers are actively recruiting overseas talent.
- Competitive pay: median earnings have risen, and metropolitan regions (Auckland/Wellington) pay a premium, reflecting higher household incomes and cost of living.
- Pathways: occupations on NZ’s Green List or recognised shortage lists often open faster work and resident visa routes, a clear advantage for migrants.
Top Shortage Occupations:
Rank
Occupation (ANZSCO examples)
Why NZ wants them (short)
Typical annual salary (NZD) — market range*
1
Registered Nurses / Enrolled Nurses
Ageing population + health system demand; many vacancies nationwide.
NZ$65,000 – NZ$95,000.
2
