The median wage appears throughout New Zealand immigration policy — in the AEWV Job Check, in residence pathways, in partner work visa eligibility, and in sector agreements. This page explains what the median wage is, how it currently applies, and what it means in practice for workers and employers.
What the Median Wage Is
The median wage is the midpoint of New Zealand's income distribution — half of all workers earn more, half earn less. It is not the same as the average (mean) wage, which is pulled higher by top earners. As a measure of a typical New Zealand income, the median is more representative.
For immigration purposes, the relevant figure is the median hourly wage as set by INZ, which is based on Stats NZ data but set formally by INZ for visa policy purposes. The current immigration median wage is NZ$35.00 per hour, effective from March 2026. This figure is reviewed annually and can change — always confirm the current rate before relying on it for planning.
The threshold applies to the hourly rate, not to total earnings. A part-time role at $40.00/hour clears the median; a full-time role at $34.00/hour does not, regardless of total weekly earnings.
How the Median Wage Applies to the AEWV
The AEWV system changed significantly in 2025. The median wage is no longer a universal requirement for all AEWV roles — the policy now distinguishes between skill levels:
ANZSCO Skill Level 1–3 roles (higher-skilled occupations: managers, professionals, technicians) must be paid at or above the median wage to obtain an AEWV Job Check approval.
ANZSCO Skill Level 4–5 roles (lower-skilled roles: trades assistants, labourers, some service roles) had the median wage requirement removed in March 2025. These roles can now be filled under the AEWV at lower wages, subject to the Job Check process and labour market test requirements.
This was a significant policy change that opened up AEWV access to a wider range of industries struggling to fill lower-skilled positions. However, the trade-off is that Skill Level 4–5 AEWV holders have more restricted pathways to residence.
The Median Wage and Residence
For Skilled Migrant Category applications, the median wage matters for points. Employment at or above the median wage earns more SMC points than employment below it. Wages significantly above the median attract additional bonus points.
For the new Skilled Work Experience Pathway launching in August 2026, earning at least 1.1× the median wage (NZ$38.50/hour based on the current rate) is one of the core eligibility requirements for Skill Level 1–3 workers.
For Green List residence, each occupation on the list has its own wage floor — check the specific requirement for your occupation rather than assuming the standard median wage applies.
The Median Wage and Partner Work Rights
Whether your partner qualifies for an open work visa is tied, in part, to your wage. AEWV holders earning at or above the median wage are eligible to have their partners apply for an open work visa. AEWV holders earning below the median wage have more limited options for partner work rights.
This means the wage threshold isn't just about whether you can get a Job Check approved — it has knock-on effects for your family's situation in New Zealand.
Sector Agreements and Exemptions
Certain industries have negotiated sector agreements with the government that allow hiring at below the median wage under modified conditions. The main examples are:
Care and Support Sector: Workers in aged care and disability support can be hired under the AEWV at below the median wage, reflecting the sector's structural wage constraints.
Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Scheme: Seasonal horticulture and viticulture workers come under a separate scheme with its own wage requirements, not the standard AEWV median wage.
Dairy farming: Some dairy sector roles have modified arrangements.
These sector agreements come with their own conditions, caps on numbers, and employer obligations. They're not a general exemption from wage requirements — they apply to specific occupations and require the employer to meet the sector-specific criteria.
Variable Pay and Allowances
For roles with commission, overtime, or allowances, INZ generally bases the wage assessment on the guaranteed base rate rather than total expected earnings. A role with a base of $30/hour plus commission that brings total earnings to $40/hour may not clear the median wage threshold for Job Check purposes, because the $30 base is what is guaranteed.
Accommodation and meal allowances are sometimes included in wage calculations for roles in remote locations or live-in positions, but the rules are specific. Employers should get advice before including allowances in wage threshold calculations to avoid issues at Job Check.
What "At or Above" Means in Practice
The threshold is applied to the rate in the employment agreement. The rate must be documented — a verbal agreement to pay above the median doesn't satisfy the requirement; the employment agreement must state a wage at or above the threshold.
For salaried roles, the hourly equivalent is calculated by dividing the annual salary by 2,080 (52 weeks × 40 hours). A salary of NZ$72,800 per year equates to $35.00/hour, which is exactly at the current median.
Frequently Asked Questions
My hourly rate is $34.50 — can I still get an AEWV?
For Skill Level 1–3 roles, $34.50/hour is below the median wage threshold and would not pass the Job Check under current policy. You would need either a wage increase to $35.00/hour or above, a sector agreement exemption, or to find your role falls under Skill Level 4–5 rules. For Skill Level 4–5 roles, the median wage threshold no longer applies, so $34.50/hour may be acceptable.
The median wage is going up — will my existing AEWV be cancelled?
No. Your existing AEWV conditions are locked in at grant. The median wage threshold applies at the time of Job Check assessment and visa grant, not retrospectively. However, when your AEWV needs to be renewed or if your employer submits a new Job Check, the current threshold at that time will apply.
I'm on a Green List occupation — do I need to earn the median wage?
Green List occupations have their own wage floors specified in the policy, which in some cases are higher than the standard median wage. Check the specific requirement for your occupation on the INZ Green List rather than assuming the standard threshold applies.
My pay varies week to week because I'm paid hourly and my hours fluctuate — how is the threshold applied?
The threshold is based on the hourly rate specified in your employment agreement, not on your average weekly earnings. If your employment agreement states $35.00/hour or above, you meet the threshold regardless of weekly hour fluctuations.
Unsure whether your role and wage qualify for a work visa? Find a licensed immigration adviser who can assess your situation and advise on the best pathway.