How much does a Social Worker earn in New Zealand?

The estimated salary for Social Worker in New Zealand ranges from NZD 74,622 to NZD 81,206 NZD per year, depending on experience and location. Based on 1,898 job listings

Salary Guide

Social Worker Salary in New Zealand

Based on 1,898 job listings - 2026

Average salary

$74,622 - $81,206

Median salary

$74,622 - $81,206

Lower rangeUpper range

Salary distribution by percentile

10th percentile$54K

25th percentile$68K

Median$75K

75th percentile$81K

90th percentile$93K

50% of professionals earn between $68,000 - $81,206 NZD

The median salary is $74,622

Top cities

Auckland328 job openings

Wellington221 job openings

Christchurch117 job openings

Hamilton92 job openings

Whanganui50 job openings

Rotorua49 job openings

Tauranga41 job openings

Hastings40 job openings

Porirua40 job openings

Lower Hutt36 job openings

Tokoroa33 job openings

Dunedin30 job openings

New Plymouth23 job openings

Palmerston North22 job openings

Related professions

Paramedic

NZD 48,500 - 81,500-17%

Firefighter

NZD 49,000 - 86,500-13%

Police Officer

NZD 62,600 - 90,000-2%

Urban Planner

NZD 69,300 - 99,700+8%

Diplomat

NZD 91,400 - 131,600+43%

Warehouse Manager

NZD 55,800 - 80,300-13%

Executive Assistant

NZD 39,125 - 69,000-31%

Carpenter

NZD 49,000 - 87,000-13%

Translator

NZD 49,000 - 88,500-12%

Medical Lab Technician

NZD 13,333 - 14,167-82%

Social Worker

1,898 job openings

View job listings

The average salary for a Social Worker in New Zealand is NZD 74,622 - NZD 81,206 per year in 2026. The median salary is NZD 77,914 per year, based on 1,898 active job listings.

The cities with the most Social Worker job opportunities in New Zealand are Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Hamilton, Whanganui. Auckland leads with 328 job openings.

Explore 1,898 Social Worker job listings in New Zealand on BeBee, or check our salary calculator for a personalized estimate.