Minimum wage in New Zealand in 2027

NZ$23.95 per hour¹

per hourGeneral rate from April 1, 2026

Next change

No scheduled increase on record.

Since 2009Full history

Weekly, 40 hoursNZ$958.00

Monthly, 52 weeks ÷ 12NZ$4,151.33

Annual, 2,080 hoursNZ$49,816.00

Overtime, 1.5×NZ$35.93

Year 2027

Rates in force during 2027

Applies to	Rate	Effective	Until
Standard Source: Minimum Wage Act 1983 ss 4, 4A, 4B; Minimum Wage Order 2026 Adult \| $23.95 \| Source agency page snapshot September 27, 2026 Notes Minimum Wage Order 2026; the page says the rates shown are effective from 1 April 2026. Verified September 27, 2026	NZ$23.95April 1, 2026 – current	April 1, 2026	current

2 rates in force

Rates by worker type, industry and employer size

The highest rate that fits the job applies.

Applies to	Rate	Effective
Training / new hires Source: Minimum Wage Act 1983 ss 4, 4A, 4B; Minimum Wage Order 2026 Training \| $19.16 \| Source agency page snapshot September 27, 2026 Notes Minimum Wage Order 2026; the page says the rates shown are effective from 1 April 2026. Verified September 27, 2026	NZ$19.16April 1, 2026	April 1, 2026
Youth · starting-out worker (16-17 year olds in their first 6 months with an employer, or 16-19 year olds in specified situations) Source: Minimum Wage Act 1983 ss 4, 4A, 4B; Minimum Wage Order 2026 Starting-out \| $19.16 \| Source agency page snapshot September 27, 2026 Notes Minimum Wage Order 2026; the page says the rates shown are effective from 1 April 2026. Verified September 27, 2026	NZ$19.16April 1, 2026	April 1, 2026

2009 to 2026

History

Each step is a rate row with its own quoted source.

NZ$0NZ$10NZ$20NZ$30201020122014201620182020202220242026TodayNZ$12.50NZ$23.95

Show the history as a table

Applies to	Rate	Effective	Until
Standard Source: Minimum Wage Act 1983; annual Minimum Wage Orders 1 April 2025 \| $23.50 \| $18.80 \| $18.80 \| Source agency page snapshot September 27, 2026 Notes Minimum Wage Order for the year (Minimum Wage Act 1983); Employment New Zealand previous rates table. Adult minimum wage. Verified September 27, 2026	NZ$23.50April 1, 2025 – April 1, 2026	April 1, 2025	April 1, 2026
Standard Source: Minimum Wage Act 1983; annual Minimum Wage Orders 1 April 2024 \| $23.15 \| $18.52 \| $18.52 \| Source agency page snapshot September 27, 2026 Notes Minimum Wage Order for the year (Minimum Wage Act 1983); Employment New Zealand previous rates table. Adult minimum wage. Verified September 27, 2026	NZ$23.15April 1, 2024 – April 1, 2025	April 1, 2024	April 1, 2025
Standard Source: Minimum Wage Act 1983; annual Minimum Wage Orders 1 April 2023 \| $22.70 \| $18.16 \| $18.16 \| Source agency page snapshot September 27, 2026 Notes Minimum Wage Order for the year (Minimum Wage Act 1983); Employment New Zealand previous rates table. Adult minimum wage. Verified September 27, 2026	NZ$22.70April 1, 2023 – April 1, 2024	April 1, 2023	April 1, 2024
Standard Source: Minimum Wage Act 1983; annual Minimum Wage Orders 1 April 2022 \| $21.20 \| $16.96 \| $16.96 \| Source agency page snapshot September 27, 2026 Notes Minimum Wage Order for the year (Minimum Wage Act 1983); Employment New Zealand previous rates table. Adult minimum wage. Verified September 27, 2026	NZ$21.20April 1, 2022 – April 1, 2023	April 1, 2022	April 1, 2023
Standard Source: Minimum Wage Act 1983; annual Minimum Wage Orders 1 April 2021 \| $20.00 \| $16.00 \| $16.00 \| Source agency page snapshot September 27, 2026 Notes Minimum Wage Order for the year (Minimum Wage Act 1983); Employment New Zealand previous rates table. Adult minimum wage. Verified September 27, 2026	NZ$20.00April 1, 2021 – April 1, 2022	April 1, 2021	April 1, 2022
Standard Source: Minimum Wage Act 1983; annual Minimum Wage Orders 1 April 2020 \| $18.90 \| $15.12 \| $15.12 \| Source agency page snapshot September 27, 2026 Notes Minimum Wage Order for the year (Minimum Wage Act 1983); Employment New Zealand previous rates table. Adult minimum wage. Verified September 27, 2026	NZ$18.90April 1, 2020 – April 1, 2021	April 1, 2020	April 1, 2021
Standard Source: Minimum Wage Act 1983; annual Minimum Wage Orders 1 April 2019 \| $17.70 \| $14.16 \| $14.16 \| Source agency page snapshot September 27, 2026 Notes Minimum Wage Order for the year (Minimum Wage Act 1983); Employment New Zealand previous rates table. Adult minimum wage. Verified September 27, 2026	NZ$17.70April 1, 2019 – April 1, 2020	April 1, 2019	April 1, 2020
Standard Source: Minimum Wage Act 1983; annual Minimum Wage Orders 1 April 2018 \| $16.50 \| $13.20 \| $13.20 \| Source agency page snapshot September 27, 2026 Notes Minimum Wage Order for the year (Minimum Wage Act 1983); Employment New Zealand previous rates table. Adult minimum wage. Verified September 27, 2026	NZ$16.50April 1, 2018 – April 1, 2019	April 1, 2018	April 1, 2019
Standard Source: Minimum Wage Act 1983; annual Minimum Wage Orders 1 April 2017 \| $15.75 \| $12.60 \| $12.60 \| Source agency page snapshot September 27, 2026 Notes Minimum Wage Order for the year (Minimum Wage Act 1983); Employment New Zealand previous rates table. Adult minimum wage. Verified September 27, 2026	NZ$15.75April 1, 2017 – April 1, 2018	April 1, 2017	April 1, 2018
Standard Source: Minimum Wage Act 1983; annual Minimum Wage Orders 1 April 2016 \| $15.25 \| $12.20 \| $12.20 \| Source agency page snapshot September 27, 2026 Notes Minimum Wage Order for the year (Minimum Wage Act 1983); Employment New Zealand previous rates table. Adult minimum wage. Verified September 27, 2026	NZ$15.25April 1, 2016 – April 1, 2017	April 1, 2016	April 1, 2017
Standard Source: Minimum Wage Act 1983; annual Minimum Wage Orders 1 April 2015 \| $14.75 \| $11.80 \| $11.80 \| Source agency page snapshot September 27, 2026 Notes Minimum Wage Order for the year (Minimum Wage Act 1983); Employment New Zealand previous rates table. Adult minimum wage. Verified September 27, 2026	NZ$14.75April 1, 2015 – April 1, 2016	April 1, 2015	April 1, 2016
Standard Source: Minimum Wage Act 1983; annual Minimum Wage Orders 1 April 2014 \| $14.25 \| $11.40 \| $11.40 \| Source agency page snapshot September 27, 2026 Notes Minimum Wage Order for the year (Minimum Wage Act 1983); Employment New Zealand previous rates table. Adult minimum wage. Verified September 27, 2026	NZ$14.25April 1, 2014 – April 1, 2015	April 1, 2014	April 1, 2015
Standard Source: Minimum Wage Act 1983; annual Minimum Wage Orders 1 April 2013 \| $13.75 \| $11.00 \| $11.00 \| Source agency page snapshot September 27, 2026 Notes Minimum Wage Order for the year (Minimum Wage Act 1983); Employment New Zealand previous rates table. Adult minimum wage. Verified September 27, 2026	NZ$13.75April 1, 2013 – April 1, 2014	April 1, 2013	April 1, 2014
Standard Source: Minimum Wage Act 1983; annual Minimum Wage Orders 1 April 2012 \| $13.50 \| $10.80 \| $10.80 \| Source agency page snapshot September 27, 2026 Notes Minimum Wage Order for the year (Minimum Wage Act 1983); Employment New Zealand previous rates table. Adult minimum wage. Verified September 27, 2026	NZ$13.50April 1, 2012 – April 1, 2013	April 1, 2012	April 1, 2013
Standard Source: Minimum Wage Act 1983; annual Minimum Wage Orders 1 April 2011 \| $13.00 \| $10.40 \| $10.40 \| Source agency page snapshot September 27, 2026 Notes Minimum Wage Order for the year (Minimum Wage Act 1983); Employment New Zealand previous rates table. Adult minimum wage. Verified September 27, 2026	NZ$13.00April 1, 2011 – April 1, 2012	April 1, 2011	April 1, 2012
Standard Source: Minimum Wage Act 1983; annual Minimum Wage Orders 1 April 2010 \| $12.75 \| $10.20 \| $10.20 \| Source agency page snapshot September 27, 2026 Notes Minimum Wage Order for the year (Minimum Wage Act 1983); Employment New Zealand previous rates table. Adult minimum wage. Verified September 27, 2026	NZ$12.75April 1, 2010 – April 1, 2011	April 1, 2010	April 1, 2011
Standard Source: Minimum Wage Act 1983; annual Minimum Wage Orders 1 April 2009 \| $12.50 \| $10.00 \| $10.00 \| Source agency page snapshot September 27, 2026 Notes Minimum Wage Order for the year (Minimum Wage Act 1983); Employment New Zealand previous rates table. Adult minimum wage. Verified September 27, 2026	NZ$12.50April 1, 2009 – April 1, 2010	April 1, 2009	April 1, 2010

Earlier rules by employer size, worker type and condition (35)

Applies to	Rate	Effective	Until
Training / new hires Source: Minimum Wage Act 1983; annual Minimum Wage Orders 1 April 2025 \| $23.50 \| $18.80 \| $18.80 \| Source agency page snapshot September 27, 2026 Notes Minimum Wage Order for the year (Minimum Wage Act 1983); Employment New Zealand previous rates table. Training minimum wage (20 and over in recognised industry training). Verified September 27, 2026	NZ$18.80April 1, 2025 – April 1, 2026	April 1, 2025	April 1, 2026
Youth · starting-out worker (16-17 year olds in their first 6 months with an employer, or 16-19 year olds in specified situations) Source: Minimum Wage Act 1983; annual Minimum Wage Orders 1 April 2025 \| $23.50 \| $18.80 \| $18.80 \| Source agency page snapshot September 27, 2026 Notes Minimum Wage Order for the year (Minimum Wage Act 1983); Employment New Zealand previous rates table. Starting-out wage (introduced 1 May 2013, 80% of the adult rate). Verified September 27, 2026	NZ$18.80April 1, 2025 – April 1, 2026	April 1, 2025	April 1, 2026
Training / new hires Source: Minimum Wage Act 1983; annual Minimum Wage Orders 1 April 2024 \| $23.15 \| $18.52 \| $18.52 \| Source agency page snapshot September 27, 2026 Notes Minimum Wage Order for the year (Minimum Wage Act 1983); Employment New Zealand previous rates table. Training minimum wage (20 and over in recognised industry training). Verified September 27, 2026	NZ$18.52April 1, 2024 – April 1, 2025	April 1, 2024	April 1, 2025
Youth · starting-out worker (16-17 year olds in their first 6 months with an employer, or 16-19 year olds in specified situations) Source: Minimum Wage Act 1983; annual Minimum Wage Orders 1 April 2024 \| $23.15 \| $18.52 \| $18.52 \| Source agency page snapshot September 27, 2026 Notes Minimum Wage Order for the year (Minimum Wage Act 1983); Employment New Zealand previous rates table. Starting-out wage (introduced 1 May 2013, 80% of the adult rate). Verified September 27, 2026	NZ$18.52April 1, 2024 – April 1, 2025	April 1, 2024	April 1, 2025
Training / new hires Source: Minimum Wage Act 1983; annual Minimum Wage Orders 1 April 2023 \| $22.70 \| $18.16 \| $18.16 \| Source agency page snapshot September 27, 2026 Notes Minimum Wage Order for the year (Minimum Wage Act 1983); Employment New Zealand previous rates table. Training minimum wage (20 and over in recognised industry training). Verified September 27, 2026	NZ$18.16April 1, 2023 – April 1, 2024	April 1, 2023	April 1, 2024
Youth · starting-out worker (16-17 year olds in their first 6 months with an employer, or 16-19 year olds in specified situations) Source: Minimum Wage Act 1983; annual Minimum Wage Orders 1 April 2023 \| $22.70 \| $18.16 \| $18.16 \| Source agency page snapshot September 27, 2026 Notes Minimum Wage Order for the year (Minimum Wage Act 1983); Employment New Zealand previous rates table. Starting-out wage (introduced 1 May 2013, 80% of the adult rate). Verified September 27, 2026	NZ$18.16April 1, 2023 – April 1, 2024	April 1, 2023	April 1, 2024
Training / new hires Source: Minimum Wage Act 1983; annual Minimum Wage Orders 1 April 2022 \| $21.20 \| $16.96 \| $16.96 \| Source agency page snapshot September 27, 2026 Notes Minimum Wage Order for the year (Minimum Wage Act 1983); Employment New Zealand previous rates table. Training minimum wage (20 and over in recognised industry training). Verified September 27, 2026	NZ$16.96April 1, 2022 – April 1, 2023	April 1, 2022	April 1, 2023
Youth · starting-out worker (16-17 year olds in their first 6 months with an employer, or 16-19 year olds in specified situations) Source: Minimum Wage Act 1983; annual Minimum Wage Orders 1 April 2022 \| $21.20 \| $16.96 \| $16.96 \| Source agency page snapshot September 27, 2026 Notes Minimum Wage Order for the year (Minimum Wage Act 1983); Employment New Zealand previous rates table. Starting-out wage (introduced 1 May 2013, 80% of the adult rate). Verified September 27, 2026	NZ$16.96April 1, 2022 – April 1, 2023	April 1, 2022	April 1, 2023
Training / new hires Source: Minimum Wage Act 1983; annual Minimum Wage Orders 1 April 2021 \| $20.00 \| $16.00 \| $16.00 \| Source agency page snapshot September 27, 2026 Notes Minimum Wage Order for the year (Minimum Wage Act 1983); Employment New Zealand previous rates table. Training minimum wage (20 and over in recognised industry training). Verified September 27, 2026	NZ$16.00April 1, 2021 – April 1, 2022	April 1, 2021	April 1, 2022
Youth · starting-out worker (16-17 year olds in their first 6 months with an employer, or 16-19 year olds in specified situations) Source: Minimum Wage Act 1983; annual Minimum Wage Orders 1 April 2021 \| $20.00 \| $16.00 \| $16.00 \| Source agency page snapshot September 27, 2026 Notes Minimum Wage Order for the year (Minimum Wage Act 1983); Employment New Zealand previous rates table. Starting-out wage (introduced 1 May 2013, 80% of the adult rate). Verified September 27, 2026	NZ$16.00April 1, 2021 – April 1, 2022	April 1, 2021	April 1, 2022
Training / new hires Source: Minimum Wage Act 1983; annual Minimum Wage Orders 1 April 2020 \| $18.90 \| $15.12 \| $15.12 \| Source agency page snapshot September 27, 2026 Notes Minimum Wage Order for the year (Minimum Wage Act 1983); Employment New Zealand previous rates table. Training minimum wage (20 and over in recognised industry training). Verified September 27, 2026	NZ$15.12April 1, 2020 – April 1, 2021	April 1, 2020	April 1, 2021
Youth · starting-out worker (16-17 year olds in their first 6 months with an employer, or 16-19 year olds in specified situations) Source: Minimum Wage Act 1983; annual Minimum Wage Orders 1 April 2020 \| $18.90 \| $15.12 \| $15.12 \| Source agency page snapshot September 27, 2026 Notes Minimum Wage Order for the year (Minimum Wage Act 1983); Employment New Zealand previous rates table. Starting-out wage (introduced 1 May 2013, 80% of the adult rate). Verified September 27, 2026	NZ$15.12April 1, 2020 – April 1, 2021	April 1, 2020	April 1, 2021
Training / new hires Source: Minimum Wage Act 1983; annual Minimum Wage Orders 1 April 2019 \| $17.70 \| $14.16 \| $14.16 \| Source agency page snapshot September 27, 2026 Notes Minimum Wage Order for the year (Minimum Wage Act 1983); Employment New Zealand previous rates table. Training minimum wage (20 and over in recognised industry training). Verified September 27, 2026	NZ$14.16April 1, 2019 – April 1, 2020	April 1, 2019	April 1, 2020
Youth · starting-out worker (16-17 year olds in their first 6 months with an employer, or 16-19 year olds in specified situations) Source: Minimum Wage Act 1983; annual Minimum Wage Orders 1 April 2019 \| $17.70 \| $14.16 \| $14.16 \| Source agency page snapshot September 27, 2026 Notes Minimum Wage Order for the year (Minimum Wage Act 1983); Employment New Zealand previous rates table. Starting-out wage (introduced 1 May 2013, 80% of the adult rate). Verified September 27, 2026	NZ$14.16April 1, 2019 – April 1, 2020	April 1, 2019	April 1, 2020
Training / new hires Source: Minimum Wage Act 1983; annual Minimum Wage Orders 1 April 2018 \| $16.50 \| $13.20 \| $13.20 \| Source agency page snapshot September 27, 2026 Notes Minimum Wage Order for the year (Minimum Wage Act 1983); Employment New Zealand previous rates table. Training minimum wage (20 and over in recognised industry training). Verified September 27, 2026	NZ$13.20April 1, 2018 – April 1, 2019	April 1, 2018	April 1, 2019
Youth · starting-out worker (16-17 year olds in their first 6 months with an employer, or 16-19 year olds in specified situations) Source: Minimum Wage Act 1983; annual Minimum Wage Orders 1 April 2018 \| $16.50 \| $13.20 \| $13.20 \| Source agency page snapshot September 27, 2026 Notes Minimum Wage Order for the year (Minimum Wage Act 1983); Employment New Zealand previous rates table. Starting-out wage (introduced 1 May 2013, 80% of the adult rate). Verified September 27, 2026	NZ$13.20April 1, 2018 – April 1, 2019	April 1, 2018	April 1, 2019
Training / new hires Source: Minimum Wage Act 1983; annual Minimum Wage Orders 1 April 2017 \| $15.75 \| $12.60 \| $12.60 \| Source agency page snapshot September 27, 2026 Notes Minimum Wage Order for the year (Minimum Wage Act 1983); Employment New Zealand previous rates table. Training minimum wage (20 and over in recognised industry training). Verified September 27, 2026	NZ$12.60April 1, 2017 – April 1, 2018	April 1, 2017	April 1, 2018
Youth · starting-out worker (16-17 year olds in their first 6 months with an employer, or 16-19 year olds in specified situations) Source: Minimum Wage Act 1983; annual Minimum Wage Orders 1 April 2017 \| $15.75 \| $12.60 \| $12.60 \| Source agency page snapshot September 27, 2026 Notes Minimum Wage Order for the year (Minimum Wage Act 1983); Employment New Zealand previous rates table. Starting-out wage (introduced 1 May 2013, 80% of the adult rate). Verified September 27, 2026	NZ$12.60April 1, 2017 – April 1, 2018	April 1, 2017	April 1, 2018
Training / new hires Source: Minimum Wage Act 1983; annual Minimum Wage Orders 1 April 2016 \| $15.25 \| $12.20 \| $12.20 \| Source agency page snapshot September 27, 2026 Notes Minimum Wage Order for the year (Minimum Wage Act 1983); Employment New Zealand previous rates table. Training minimum wage (20 and over in recognised industry training). Verified September 27, 2026	NZ$12.20April 1, 2016 – April 1, 2017	April 1, 2016	April 1, 2017
Youth · starting-out worker (16-17 year olds in their first 6 months with an employer, or 16-19 year olds in specified situations) Source: Minimum Wage Act 1983; annual Minimum Wage Orders 1 April 2016 \| $15.25 \| $12.20 \| $12.20 \| Source agency page snapshot September 27, 2026 Notes Minimum Wage Order for the year (Minimum Wage Act 1983); Employment New Zealand previous rates table. Starting-out wage (introduced 1 May 2013, 80% of the adult rate). Verified September 27, 2026	NZ$12.20April 1, 2016 – April 1, 2017	April 1, 2016	April 1, 2017
Training / new hires Source: Minimum Wage Act 1983; annual Minimum Wage Orders 1 April 2015 \| $14.75 \| $11.80 \| $11.80 \| Source agency page snapshot September 27, 2026 Notes Minimum Wage Order for the year (Minimum Wage Act 1983); Employment New Zealand previous rates table. Training minimum wage (20 and over in recognised industry training). Verified September 27, 2026	NZ$11.80April 1, 2015 – April 1, 2016	April 1, 2015	April 1, 2016
Youth · starting-out worker (16-17 year olds in their first 6 months with an employer, or 16-19 year olds in specified situations) Source: Minimum Wage Act 1983; annual Minimum Wage Orders 1 April 2015 \| $14.75 \| $11.80 \| $11.80 \| Source agency page snapshot September 27, 2026 Notes Minimum Wage Order for the year (Minimum Wage Act 1983); Employment New Zealand previous rates table. Starting-out wage (introduced 1 May 2013, 80% of the adult rate). Verified September 27, 2026	NZ$11.80April 1, 2015 – April 1, 2016	April 1, 2015	April 1, 2016
Training / new hires Source: Minimum Wage Act 1983; annual Minimum Wage Orders 1 April 2014 \| $14.25 \| $11.40 \| $11.40 \| Source agency page snapshot September 27, 2026 Notes Minimum Wage Order for the year (Minimum Wage Act 1983); Employment New Zealand previous rates table. Training minimum wage (20 and over in recognised industry training). Verified September 27, 2026	NZ$11.40April 1, 2014 – April 1, 2015	April 1, 2014	April 1, 2015
Youth · starting-out worker (16-17 year olds in their first 6 months with an employer, or 16-19 year olds in specified situations) Source: Minimum Wage Act 1983; annual Minimum Wage Orders 1 April 2014 \| $14.25 \| $11.40 \| $11.40 \| Source agency page snapshot September 27, 2026 Notes Minimum Wage Order for the year (Minimum Wage Act 1983); Employment New Zealand previous rates table. Starting-out wage (introduced 1 May 2013, 80% of the adult rate). Verified September 27, 2026	NZ$11.40April 1, 2014 – April 1, 2015	April 1, 2014	April 1, 2015
Youth · starting-out worker (16-17 year olds in their first 6 months with an employer, or 16-19 year olds in specified situations) Source: Minimum Wage Act 1983; annual Minimum Wage Orders 1 May 2013 \| n/c \| $11.00 \| n/c \| Source agency page snapshot September 27, 2026 Notes Minimum Wage Order for the year (Minimum Wage Act 1983); Employment New Zealand previous rates table. Starting-out wage (introduced 1 May 2013, 80% of the adult rate). Verified September 27, 2026	NZ$11.00May 1, 2013 – April 1, 2014	May 1, 2013	April 1, 2014
Training / new hires Source: Minimum Wage Act 1983; annual Minimum Wage Orders 1 April 2013 \| $13.75 \| $11.00 \| $11.00 \| Source agency page snapshot September 27, 2026 Notes Minimum Wage Order for the year (Minimum Wage Act 1983); Employment New Zealand previous rates table. Training minimum wage (20 and over in recognised industry training). Verified September 27, 2026	NZ$11.00April 1, 2013 – April 1, 2014	April 1, 2013	April 1, 2014
Youth · new entrant (16-17 year olds for their first 200 hours or 3 months of employment) Source: Minimum Wage Act 1983; annual Minimum Wage Orders 1 April 2013 \| $13.75 \| $11.00 \| $11.00 \| Source agency page snapshot September 27, 2026 Notes Minimum Wage Order for the year (Minimum Wage Act 1983); Employment New Zealand previous rates table. New-entrant rate; abolished when the starting-out wage began on 1 May 2013. Verified September 27, 2026	NZ$11.00April 1, 2013 – May 1, 2013	April 1, 2013	May 1, 2013
Training / new hires Source: Minimum Wage Act 1983; annual Minimum Wage Orders 1 April 2012 \| $13.50 \| $10.80 \| $10.80 \| Source agency page snapshot September 27, 2026 Notes Minimum Wage Order for the year (Minimum Wage Act 1983); Employment New Zealand previous rates table. Training minimum wage (20 and over in recognised industry training). Verified September 27, 2026	NZ$10.80April 1, 2012 – April 1, 2013	April 1, 2012	April 1, 2013
Youth · new entrant (16-17 year olds for their first 200 hours or 3 months of employment) Source: Minimum Wage Act 1983; annual Minimum Wage Orders 1 April 2012 \| $13.50 \| $10.80 \| $10.80 \| Source agency page snapshot September 27, 2026 Notes Minimum Wage Order for the year (Minimum Wage Act 1983); Employment New Zealand previous rates table. New-entrant rate; abolished when the starting-out wage began on 1 May 2013. Verified September 27, 2026	NZ$10.80April 1, 2012 – April 1, 2013	April 1, 2012	April 1, 2013
Training / new hires Source: Minimum Wage Act 1983; annual Minimum Wage Orders 1 April 2011 \| $13.00 \| $10.40 \| $10.40 \| Source agency page snapshot September 27, 2026 Notes Minimum Wage Order for the year (Minimum Wage Act 1983); Employment New Zealand previous rates table. Training minimum wage (20 and over in recognised industry training). Verified September 27, 2026	NZ$10.40April 1, 2011 – April 1, 2012	April 1, 2011	April 1, 2012
Youth · new entrant (16-17 year olds for their first 200 hours or 3 months of employment) Source: Minimum Wage Act 1983; annual Minimum Wage Orders 1 April 2011 \| $13.00 \| $10.40 \| $10.40 \| Source agency page snapshot September 27, 2026 Notes Minimum Wage Order for the year (Minimum Wage Act 1983); Employment New Zealand previous rates table. New-entrant rate; abolished when the starting-out wage began on 1 May 2013. Verified September 27, 2026	NZ$10.40April 1, 2011 – April 1, 2012	April 1, 2011	April 1, 2012
Training / new hires Source: Minimum Wage Act 1983; annual Minimum Wage Orders 1 April 2010 \| $12.75 \| $10.20 \| $10.20 \| Source agency page snapshot September 27, 2026 Notes Minimum Wage Order for the year (Minimum Wage Act 1983); Employment New Zealand previous rates table. Training minimum wage (20 and over in recognised industry training). Verified September 27, 2026	NZ$10.20April 1, 2010 – April 1, 2011	April 1, 2010	April 1, 2011
Youth · new entrant (16-17 year olds for their first 200 hours or 3 months of employment) Source: Minimum Wage Act 1983; annual Minimum Wage Orders 1 April 2010 \| $12.75 \| $10.20 \| $10.20 \| Source agency page snapshot September 27, 2026 Notes Minimum Wage Order for the year (Minimum Wage Act 1983); Employment New Zealand previous rates table. New-entrant rate; abolished when the starting-out wage began on 1 May 2013. Verified September 27, 2026	NZ$10.20April 1, 2010 – April 1, 2011	April 1, 2010	April 1, 2011
Training / new hires Source: Minimum Wage Act 1983; annual Minimum Wage Orders 1 April 2009 \| $12.50 \| $10.00 \| $10.00 \| Source agency page snapshot September 27, 2026 Notes Minimum Wage Order for the year (Minimum Wage Act 1983); Employment New Zealand previous rates table. Training minimum wage (20 and over in recognised industry training). Verified September 27, 2026	NZ$10.00April 1, 2009 – April 1, 2010	April 1, 2009	April 1, 2010
Youth · new entrant (16-17 year olds for their first 200 hours or 3 months of employment) Source: Minimum Wage Act 1983; annual Minimum Wage Orders 1 April 2009 \| $12.50 \| $10.00 \| $10.00 \| Source agency page snapshot September 27, 2026 Notes Minimum Wage Order for the year (Minimum Wage Act 1983); Employment New Zealand previous rates table. New-entrant rate; abolished when the starting-out wage began on 1 May 2013. Verified September 27, 2026	NZ$10.00April 1, 2009 – April 1, 2010	April 1, 2009	April 1, 2010

NZ$23.95 / hour

Calculators

Estimates before tax at this rate. Nothing you type leaves this page.

What this wage pays

Hours per week

Gross pay before tax · NZ$23.95
Weekly	NZ$958.00
Monthly52 weeks ÷ 12	NZ$4,151.33
Annual52 weeks	NZ$49,816.00
Overtime rate1.5× where overtime applies	NZ$35.93

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3 questions

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum wage in New Zealand in 2027?

NZ$23.95 per hour since April 1, 2026. For a 40-hour week that is about NZ$958.00 a week or NZ$49,816.00 a year before tax.

Is the minimum wage in New Zealand increasing?

No increase is scheduled on record as of October 1, 2026. Inflation-indexed jurisdictions announce the next figure a few months before it takes effect.

What is the minimum wage for young or new workers in New Zealand?

Training / new hires: NZ$19.16 per hour; Youth (starting-out worker (16-17 year olds in their first 6 months with an employer, or 16-19 year olds in specified situations)): NZ$19.16 per hour.

1 level of law

How this rate is resolved

The highest minimum that covers the work location applies.

Employers must pay the highest minimum that covers the work location. WageTable checks each level in turn:

New Zealand

New Zealand sets 3 rules of its own.

Notes on this jurisdiction's rules and sources

Minimum wages set by an annual Minimum Wage Order under the Minimum Wage Act 1983, usually effective 1 April. Three hourly rates (NZD) - adult (16 and over), starting-out (16-19 year olds in specified situations, 80% of adult, from 1 May 2013) and training (20 and over doing 60+ industry training credits a year, 80% of adult). Before May 2013 the reduced youth rate was the new-entrant rate (16-17 year olds for their first 200 hours or 3 months). The official pages also show day/week/fortnight equivalents of the hourly rate; only the hourly rate is published. Workers under 16 have no minimum wage; disabled workers may be exempted by permit.

New Zealand

Enforcement

Enforced by Employment New Zealand (Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment).