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 1,871 job listings

Salary Guide

Social Worker Salary in New Zealand

Based on 1,871 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

Auckland325 job openings

Wellington220 job openings

Christchurch115 job openings

Hamilton92 job openings

Whanganui50 job openings

Rotorua47 job openings

Tauranga41 job openings

Hastings40 job openings

Porirua40 job openings

Lower Hutt35 job openings

Tokoroa34 job openings

Dunedin29 job openings

Palmerston North22 job openings

New Plymouth20 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

1,871 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 1,871 active job listings.

The cities with the most Social Worker job opportunities in New Zealand are Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Hamilton, Whanganui. Auckland leads with 325 job openings.

Explore 1,871 Social Worker job listings in New Zealand on BeBee, or check our salary calculator for a personalized estimate.