Pay Packets Up 5%

Pay Packets Up 5%

Salaries grew by over $3,000 in 2011, data released by SEEK New Zealand today has shown. The average national Kiwi pay packet increased 5% to $73,530 per annum across jobs advertised on www.seek.co.nz.

Janet Faulding, General Manager SEEK New Zealand, welcomes this positive news for New Zealanders;

“A 5% increase in salary adds up to an additional $250 in the average Kiwi pay packet every month. I’m sure that makes a significant difference in many households.”

This combined with the recently reported 10% increase in job ads shows the New Zealand employment market continued its positive growth trajectory in 2011.

In Auckland, the average salary rose by $5,000 from January to November 2011, an increase of more than 6%, closing out the year with an average annual salary of $75,533. In the nation’s capital the average salary package increased by $2,825 to reach $78,952.

Interestingly, New Zealand’s highest pay packets are not confined to the main centres with both the West Coast and Taranaki recording annual salaries above the national average. Ms Faulding explains;

“The Mining, Resources and Energy sector currently boosts New Zealand’s highest average annual salary and we saw a marked increase in available roles in this industry in 2011. There is a concentration of roles in this sector both on the West Coast and in Taranaki and this is having a positive impact on salaries in these regions.”

Average NZ salary packages by region (based on jobs advertised on seek.co.nz)
Location Average November 2011 salary package % growth from January
West Coast $100,307 27.2%
Wellington $78,952 3.7%
Auckland $75,533 1.8%
Taranaki $75,533 6.5%
National average $73,530 5%
Northland $69,890 9.0%
Southland $68,587 -0.7%
Waikato $66,902 0.4%
Canterbury $66,593 4.9%
Gisborne $65,244 4.6%
Bay of Plenty $64,001 2.3%
Manawatu $62,489 -4.8%
Otago $62,242 4.4%
Hawkes Bay $61,036 2.2%
Tasman $57,906 -0.1%
Marlborough $52,214 -13.1%
Roles in Mining, Resources and Energy also experienced the biggest salary increase in 2011, growing by 17.7% in the eleven months to November, closing the year on an average salary of $118,629. The second fastest growing classification was Advertising, Arts and Media, enjoying a 15.7% increase across the year, now with an average annual salary of $70,429.

The top salaries in the country in November 2011 spanned both white and blue collar industries. After Mining, Resources and Energy, the top five earning classifications were Consulting and Strategy ($89,121), Information and Communication Technology ($88,066), Engineering ($86,259) and Construction ($86,052).

Average NZ salary packages by classification (based on jobs advertised on seek.co.nz)
Classification Average November 2011 salary package % growth from January
Mining, Resources & Energy $118,629 17.7%
Consulting & Strategy $89,121 -3.8%
Information & Communication Technology $88,066 4%
Engineering $86,259 -2.5%
Construction $86,052 -7.5%
Banking & Financial Services $80,054 -4.2%
Marketing & Communications $78,800 5.7%
Legal $78,205 -8%
Real Estate & Property $76,932 9.8%
Accounting $76,640 5.7%
Human Resources & Recruitment $75,593 1%
Government & Defence $73,525 -2%
Healthcare & Medical $72,928 4.3%
Insurance & Superannuation $72,793 8.8%
Advertising, Arts & Media $70,429 15.7%
Sales $69,857 4.1%
Science & Technology $69,140 8.6%
Manufacturing, Transport & Logistics $63,907 0.0%
Education & Training $62,758 -0.1%
Design & Architecture $62,755 -0.6%
Sport & Recreation $62,586 -2.9%
Trades & Services $56,953 -3.3%
Farming, Animals & Conservation $56,133 -18.9%
Community Services & Development $55,965 2.1%
Retail & Consumer Products $50,312 7.9%
Hospitality & Tourism $48,872 0.9%
Call Centre & Customer Service $47,223 6.0%
Administration & Office Support $45,884 2.6%

“We know that the New Year is typically a time of increased activity for jobseekers on www.seek.co.nz as those looking to land a new job in the New Year start applying themselves to the job hunt. For employers looking to attract or retain good staff, now is an ideal time to review salary packages to ensure your employees feel valued. If budgets don’t stretch to cover pay increases, offering non-monetary perks such as flexible working options or training and development opportunities can be another way of demonstrating your appreciation for your employees,” Ms Faulding concludes.

-ENDS-

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