Travel AssistIf you’ve been paying attention to migration conversations lately, you’ve probably noticed one phrase popping up again and again: New Zealand Green List jobs. And no, it’s not hype. It’s one of the clearest signals New Zealand has ever sent to skilled workers around the world saying, “We need you, and we’re ready to fast-track you.”
The Green List isn’t just a list of occupations. It’s a shortcut. A priority lane. A way for New Zealand to say, “If you have these skills, we don’t want you waiting years to settle here.” For migrants, that changes everything, from visa speed to salary power to how quickly permanent residence becomes real.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the full list of New Zealand Green List jobs and salary expectations, sector by sector, with honest context about demand, pay, and where the real opportunities sit.
1. New Zealand Green List Jobs in Healthcare
The Green List is based on healthcare. In case you are employed here, New Zealand is making an energetic effort to draw you in, at least beyond the metropolitan areas.
Doctors (GPs & Specialists)
On top of New Zealand Green List jobs, doctors are found.
GPs: NZD $170,000 – $230,000 per year
Specialists: NZD $220,000 – $400,000+ per year
Rural and regional areas charge higher and even provide signing bonuses and tend to assist with relocation. A GP in a small town will be earning more (and living better) than one in Auckland.
Nurses (Registered and Specialist)
The need for nurses is never ending and specialist nurses can be very useful.
Registered nurses: NZD $75,000 – $95,000
Specialist nurses: NZD $95,000 – $120,000
Nurses in the field of mental health, aged care, and ICU are required almost everywhere.
Midwives
The midwives are very important in the healthcare system of New Zealand.
Salary range: NZD $75,000 – $110,000
There is a heavy workload and high job security.
Radiologists
There are a shortage of radiologists who are very expensive.
Salary range: NZD $250,000 – $450,000
The highest paying are the private practice and regional hospitals.
Physiotherapists
Physios is a meeting point of healthcare and lifestyle.
Salary range: NZD $65,000 – $100,000
Faster growth is available in sports clinics and rehabilitation centers.
Regional Demand Differences
The further you move from Auckland and Wellington, the higher your chances, and often, the better your compensation.
2. New Zealand Green List Jobs in Engineering
Engineering roles dominate the Green List because New Zealand simply cannot build fast enough without migrant talent.
Civil Engineers
Salary: NZD $90,000 – $140,000
The infrastructure projects ensure that demand is high.
Mechanical Engineers
Salary: NZD $85,000 – $130,000
The twin motivators of demand are manufacturing and energy projects.
Electrical Engineers
Salary: NZD $90,000 – $145,000
Growth is led by renewables and infrastructure upgrades.
Structural Engineers
Salary: NZD $100,000 – $160,000
This role is critical because it is earthquake-resistant.
Infrastructure Engineers
Salary: NZD $100,000 – $170,000
The priorities are transport and water systems.
Salary Anticipations and Development.
The increase in salary is steady and it is particularly high after registration as an engineer locally.
3. Green List New Zealand Construction and Trades Jobs.
Even with a slowing economy construction does not end.
Quantity Surveyors
Salary: NZD $90,000 – $140,000
Project Managers in Construction.
Salary: NZD $110,000 – $180,000
Surveyors
Salary: NZD $85,000 – $135,000
Building Inspectors
Salary: NZD $80,000 – $120,000
Pay Inequality Between Areas.
Smaller cities and reconstruction areas tend to pay more since of scarcity.
4. New Zealand Green List Jobs in Information Technology
Tech roles are among the fastest-moving New Zealand Green List jobs.
Software Engineers
Salary: NZD $90,000 – $150,000
DevOps Engineers
Salary: NZD $110,000 – $180,000
Cybersecurity Specialists
Salary: NZD $120,000 – $200,000
Data Engineers
Salary: NZD $100,000 – $160,000
Cloud Architects
Salary: NZD $130,000 – $210,000
Salary Bands and Demand Outlook
Cybersecurity and cloud roles show the fastest salary growth.
5. New Zealand Green List Jobs in Science and Research
Science roles may look quiet, but they matter deeply to New Zealand’s future.
Environmental Scientists
Salary: NZD $75,000 – $120,000
Medical Laboratory Scientists
Salary: NZD $70,000 – $110,000
Research Scientists
Salary: NZD $80,000 – $140,000
Why New Zealand Invests in Research Talent
Climate, healthcare, and agriculture research directly affect national survival.
6. New Zealand Green List Jobs in Education
Teaching stays on the Green List because shortages are persistent.
Secondary School Teachers (Priority Subjects)
Salary: NZD $70,000 – $100,000
Early Childhood Teachers
Salary: NZD $65,000 – $90,000
Why Teaching Remains on the Green List
Population growth and teacher burnout keep demand high.
Salary Progression Explained
Pay increases steadily with experience and certifications.
7. New Zealand Green List Jobs in Agriculture and Environment
This is where New Zealand’s heart truly lies.
Veterinarians
Salary: NZD $90,000 – $150,000
Agricultural Scientists
Salary: NZD $80,000 – $130,000
Environmental Planners
Salary: NZD $85,000 – $140,000
Sustainability-Related Roles
Salary: NZD $90,000 – $160,000
Rural Pay Incentives
Housing support, bonuses, and faster residency are common.
Salary Expectations for New Zealand Green List Jobs
Across sectors, most New Zealand Green List jobs pay NZD $70,000 to $200,000+, depending on skill level.
Why Pay Varies by Region
Remote areas pay more to attract talent.
How Salary Affects Residency Eligibility
Meeting salary thresholds can unlock faster residence pathways.
Cost of Living vs Earning Power
You often keep more money in smaller cities than in Auckland.
Conclusion
New Zealand Green List jobs are not just about earning a salary, they’re about being wanted, valued, and supported in a country that is actively building its future around skilled migrants, so if y
our profession appears on this list, isn’t it time you asked yourself whether New Zealand is already opening the door for you?
Travel Assist
