New Zealand’s Most Wanted: The full list of most in demand jobs for skilled migrants and expats in 2025 revealed

Looking for a job in New Zealand? Here are the top 22 occupations with skill shortages including the full Green List.

If your role is on the skill shortage list, you can fast-track your career or immigration to New Zealand.

As the global economy continues to evolve, New Zealand’s job market is undergoing significant changes, driven by technological advancements and shifting industry demands. This dynamic landscape has created many career opportunities for skilled migrants, expats, and foreigners looking to move to Aotearoa – New Zealand. 

If you’re considering immigrating, finding a job in a high-demand sector can be a game-changer, making it easier to secure a work visa and even fast-track your residency. 

Key Immigration Changes in 2025: Easier Visa Pathways for Migrants

From 10 March 2025, New Zealand is introducing several key changes that will make it easier for skilled workers and foreign professionals to obtain a work visa. The most predominant change is the reduced work experience requirement. The required work experience for skilled migrants will be reduced from three years to two years, making it faster to qualify for visas.

Previously, immigration pathways for skilled workers in New Zealand were based on the Long-Term Skill Shortage List, Regional Skill Shortage List, and the Construction and Infrastructure Skill Shortage List (specific to Canterbury). However, with the reopening of New Zealand’s immigration program post-pandemic, these have been streamlined into the Green List—a simplified system that clearly outlines the occupations in the highest demand. The Green List categorises occupations that are in high demand, with Tier 1 roles offering a direct pathway to residence and Tier 2 roles providing a Work to Residence route. This is great news for expats, foreigners, and immigrants looking to move to NZ!

These policy updates simplify the process for skilled professionals to secure jobs and residency in New Zealand. If your occupation is on the Green List, you can take advantage of these opportunities to build a future in one of the world’s most desirable countries to live and work in. 

In this guide, we’ll explore the top 22 most in-demand jobs in New Zealand for skilled migrants, helping you identify key sectors where you can fast-track your visa application and career. 

Click here if you would like information on job vacancies and visa sponsorship if you’re planning on moving to New Zealand?

Jobs in most demand for New Zealand in 2025 – jobs that offer visa sponsorship

There are currently thousands of job vacancies and hundreds of different areas with skill shortages in New Zealand. Below are some of the occupations most in demand:

1. Registered nurses

New Zealand has had a national shortage of nurses for years, and this has only gotten worse since the COVID 19 pandemic began. Because of this the government is always trying to get more nurses to move into the country to help fill gaps in the pressured hospitals around the country. Nursing jobs in New Zealand can include aged care nursing, paediatric nursing, mental health nursing, surgical nursing, and more.

The average pay for healthcare workers is around 64,000 NZD per year (~£33,500) or up to 135,000 NZD (~£70,500) for experienced senior nurses. To get a working visa in New Zealand as a nurse, you need to be registered with the Nursing Council of New Zealand and you may also need up to 3 years of experience and a Competence Assessment Program.

Example job roles include:

All specializations including aged care (ANZSCO 254412), child and family health (ANZSCO 254412) community health (ANZSCO 254413), critical care and emergency (ANZSCO 254414), developmental disability (ANZSCO 254415), disability and rehabilitation (ANZSCO 254416), medical practice (ANZSCO 254417), medical (ANZSCO 254421), mental health (ANZSCO 254422), paediatric (ANZSCO 254425) (ANZSCO 2, perioperative (ANZSCO 254423), surgical (ANZSCO 254423)

Would you like information on jobs and visas if you’re moving to New Zealand?  Click Here

2. General practitioners

General Practitioners are another job that is in high demand in New Zealand. With a number of general practitioners – or GPs – per 100000 people predicted to drop in the next decade, the government has put this important profession on the long-term skill shortage list. The primary role of GPs is in local healthcare centres across the country.

Qualified doctors in this role will generally earn between 145,000 NZD (~£75,000) and 210,000 NZD (~£109,000) while those working in private clinics can earn even more. In many cases, being registered with the Medical Council of New Zealand may be the only requirement for immigrating as a general practitioner.

Example job roles include:

General Practitioners (ANZSCO 253111)

3. Teachers and educators

Any country with a young population is always in need of more teachers. New Zealand actually needs several thousand teachers so it is easy in many cases to get into the country. This can be anything from a preschool teacher to a primary school or high school teacher, or even as a university lecturer. As a highschool teacher with around five years of experience you can make around 58,000 NZD – 71,000 NZD (~£30,000 – £37,000) but you can make more with more years of experience or if you get a HOD (head of department) role and more if you work in a private school.

Polytechnic and university lecturers can make up to 100,000 NZD (~£52,000) or up to 200,000NZD (~£104,000) as a professor. As a high school teacher you will likely need to be registered with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa as well as having a provisional practising certificate and two years of teaching experience. As a university lecturer your requirements may just be a level 9 masters degree or a level 10 doctorate.

Examples of job roles include:

Pre-school teachers (ANZSCO 241111), Primary and secondary School Teachers (ANZSCO 241213), University Lecturers (ANZSCO 242111)

4. ICT, electronics and communications

Electronic professionals are a wide range of jobs that are all in quite high demand in New Zealand. Every local business these days needs websites and other electronics and software to keep everything running in the background. To keep all of these working, requires many people. Web developers, ICT project managers, software developers, ICT security specialists, database admins, and multimedia specialists are among the jobs in high demand.

The average pay for IT professionals in New Zealand is 124,000 NZD (~£64,400) but has a relatively wide range of salaries depending on company, experience, and other specifics. The immigration requirements for these roles are mostly having a bachelor degree in your field but for some jobs like multimedia specialist, you may need 5 years of experience as well.

Example job roles include:

Web Developer (ANZSCO 261212), ICT Project Manager (ANZSCO 135112), Multimedia Specialist (ANZSCO 261211), Developer Programmer (ANZSCO 261312), Software Tester (ANZSCO 261314), Database Administrator (ANZSCO 262111), ICT Security Specialist (ANZSCO 262112)

5. Electricians and plumbers

Electricians and plumbers are both needed all the time to keep a big city moving. They are needed for regular repairs in most buildings as well as for new builds being fitted. Because of this, they are extremely sought after throughout all cities and towns.

This also means that to come into the country as an electrician, all you need is a New Zealand Registration as an electrician or a certificate from the Electrical Workers Registration Board. Or registration with the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board and 12 months of experience. Usually, both are paid hourly, so pay can range from around 33 to 39 NZD (~£17 – £20) per hour depending on experience. In both you can also often get paid while learning additional skills at a lower apprentice rate.

Example job roles include:

Electrician (general) (ANZSCO 341111), Plumber (general) (ANZSCO 334111)

Would you like information on jobs and visas if you’re moving to New Zealand?  Click Here

6. Surveyors

Increases in construction around New Zealand has caused there to be a shortage of surveyors. This is especially the case in the largest city of Auckland. Qualified overseas workers can come into the country to work as either land surveyors or quantity surveyors. At an entry level, there’s a wide range in pay for these jobs from around 45,000 NZD (~£23,400) to around 95,000 NZD (~£49,300).

As a more experienced worker, this goes up to around 100,000 NZD to 150,000 NZD (~£51,900 – £77,900) with quantity surveyors tending to make more than land surveyors for both. Whichever type of surveying you come to do, you will need a bachelor’s degree or other approved qualification but for quantity surveying you may also need 3 years of experience in a relevant job.

Example job roles include:

Surveyor (ANZSCO 232212), Quantity Survey (ANZSCO 233213)

7. Civil engineers

Multiple large construction projects around New Zealand have already been threatened by a shortage of civil engineers and draughtspersons. Structural engineers and civil engineering technicians are also needed. For these jobs the immigration requirements are a bachelor degree or other approved qualification in your specific field.

Civil engineers tend to make 100,000 NZD (~£51,900) a year or up to 160,000 NZD (~£83,000) as a civil engineering manager. As a draughtsperson on the other hand you can make up to 70,000 NZD (~£36,300) or up to 110,000 NZD (~£57,100) with years of experience.

Example job roles include:

Web Developer (ANZSCO 261212), ICT Project Manager (ANZSCO 135112), Multimedia Specialist (ANZSCO 261211), Developer Programmer (ANZSCO 261312), Software Tester (ANZSCO 261314), Database Administrator (ANZSCO 262111), ICT Security Specialist (ANZSCO 262112)

8. Other construction professionals

Lots of other construction jobs like project managers, project builders, bricklayers and stonemasons, carpenters and joiners, glaziers, and air conditioning mechanics are also relatively easy to get into New Zealand for. If you have a bachelor degree or other qualification, then you may have all you need to make the move.

This is a wide range of professions, but the average salary is around 72,000 NZD (~£36,700) for construction jobs. It can however range from a lot less than this, all the way to more than 170,000 NZD (~£88,200) a year.

Example job roles include:

Construction Project Manager (ANZSCO 133111), Project Builder (ANZSCO 133112), Bricklayers (ANZSCO 331111), Stonemason (ANZSCO 331112), Carpenter and Joiner (ANZSCO 331211), Glazier (ANZSCO 333111), Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic (ANZSCO 342111)

9. Specialist doctors, consultants, and surgeons

Highly skilled workers in almost any profession can find work in New Zealand, and this is especially the case for medical professionals. Specialist doctors like anaesthetists, paediatricians, cardiologists and neurologists as well as different types of surgeons can get work visas through the long term skill shortage.

Surgeons can make well upwards of 200,000 NZD (~£104,000) per year and can make even more if working in a private hospital or clinic. Most other specialist healthcare professions have similar salaries. In most of these areas you will require registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand to get into the country.

Example job roles include:

Specialist Physician (General Medicine) (ANZSCO 253311), Cardiologist (ANZSCO 253312), Paediatrician (ANZSCO 253321), Specialist Physicians nec (ANZSCO 253399), Emergency Medicine Specialist (ANZSCO 253912), Ophthalmologist (ANZSCO 253914), Medical Practitioners nec (ANZSCO 253999)

10. Midwives

There is currently a shortage of midwives in parts of the country, so this is another profession that can help you make the big move to working and living in New Zealand. As a midwife you can choose to work self-employed, but the pay in a hospital or company can be higher if you have experience.

The average pay for a midwife is around 70,000 NZD to 84,000 NZD (~£36,300 – £43,600) but is less when starting out or up to 140,000 NZD (~£72,700) with experience and extra responsibilities. Your only requirements are registration with the Midwifery Council of New Zealand and at least three years of experience.

Example job roles include:

Midwife (ANZSCO 254111)

Would you like information on jobs and visas if you’re moving to New Zealand?  Click Here

11. Other medical professions

Those were just some of the medical professions that you can come to New Zealand for. The truth is, many of these jobs are under pressure as hospitals and clinics try to look after a growing and ageing population. Psychologists, radiologists, and radiation therapists are needed as well as physicists and physiologists, and even medical laboratory workers. For medical jobs in general, the average salary is around 64,000 NZD (~£33,200) but can be much higher than this in some professions.

For example, diagnostic and interventional radiologists can make upwards of 240,000 NZD (~£125,000) per year with experience, but even with little experience radiologists can make well above 150,000 NZD (~£77,900). Like with other jobs on this list, you will likely only need to have a relevant registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand to get started.

Example job roles include:

Clinical Psychologist (ANZSCO 272311), Diagnostic and Interventional Radiologist (ANZSCO 253917), Medical Radiation Therapist (ANZSCO 251212), Laboratory Scientist (ANZSCO 234611), Physicist (ANZSCO 234914), Physiotherapist (ANZSCO 252511)

12. Engineering professionals

In the field of engineering, there are many jobs that can be done. New Zealand is leading the way in some areas of engineering, so there is plenty of work available to migrants with the right skills. These jobs include chemical engineering, material engineering, electrical engineering, industrial engineering, environmental engineering, and more.

There are different ways to get into the country in these fields but you will most likely just need a bachelor (or higher) degree or another accepted qualification. Once here, salaries can range from around 60,000 NZD (~£31,100) to well above 100,000 NZD (~£51,900) per year with opportunities to make more money depending on your company.

Example job roles include:

Chemical Engineer (ANZSCO 233111), Materials Engineer (ANZSCO 233112), , Geotechnical Engineer (ANZSCO 233212), Electrical Engineer (ANZSCO 233311), Electronics Engineer (ANZSCO 233411), Industrial Engineer (ANZSCO 233511), Mechanical Engineer (ANZSCO 233512), Production or Plant Engineer (ANZSCO 233513), Environmental Engineer (ANZSCO 233915), Engineering Professionals nec (ANZSCO 233999)

13. Electrical and telecommunications engineering

Electrical engineers and telecommunications engineers are becoming more and more crucial as the world becomes more reliant on electronic infrastructure to keep going. These engineers are needed after any big weather event or earthquake that damages any power or communications networks.

Different levels of experience in these roles can make pay vary, but generally, you can make around 65,000 NZD (~£33,700) per year with few years of experience or up to 140,000 NZD (~£72,700) with more experience and higher positions. To get started in either of these  jobs, similarly to other engineering jobs, you will need a bachelor degree or other qualification.

Example job roles include:

Electrical Engineering Technician (ANZSCO 312312), Electronic Engineering Technician (ANZSCO 312412), Telecommunications Engineer (ANZSCO 263311)

14. Accountants and procurement managers

Accountants and procurement managers are another two jobs that are essential to keeping a country’s economy moving. Accountants are needed for managing companies’ finances while procurement managers are needed for managing companies’ supply chains and productions. For an accountant in New Zealand, the average salary is around 82,000 NZD (~£42,600) while for procurement managers the yearly pay is a bit higher at around 90,000 NZD (~£46,700) a year.

For procurement management, you will need 5 years of relevant experience as well as a CIPS (chartered institute of purchasing and supply) level 6 diploma. To be an accountant the requirements are similar as you need at least 3 years of experience and a letter from Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand to certify that you meet all requirements.

Example job roles include:

Accountant (ANZSCO 221111), Procurement Manager (ANZSCO 133612)

15. Chef or Chef de partie

Especially in tourism hubs like Queenstown and Wanaka, chefs are always needed in hotels and restaurants to give tourists a great culinary experience. You can come to New Zealand as a Chef de Partie or higher position. The hourly rate for a chef de partie is around 23 NZD (~£12) while sous chefs make 25 NZD (~£13) and head chefs can make up to 38 NZD (~£21) an hour.

The requirements for these jobs are a certificate at atleast NZQF level 4, at least 5 years experience including 2 years as a chef de partie or higher, and of course being able to make delicious food is a must!

Example job roles include:

Chefs (Chef de Partie or higher) (ANZSCO 351311)

16. Scientists

There are also many other science jobs that can be a pathway into New Zealand. These are environmental scientists, food technologists, and (other) spatial scientists. Like with many of the other jobs in this list, the salaries can vary a lot depending on your company and role, but an average for science jobs in New Zealand is 84,000 NZD (~£43,600) per year.

To break this down a bit more, all three of these areas can with experience make up to 110,000 NZD (~£57,100), but you can make more if you have a doctorate in your field. You will require a bachelor degree or other accepted qualification as well as at least one, two or three years of experience depending on which field you’re in.

Example job roles include:

Environmental Research Scientist (ANZSCO 234313), Food Technologist (ANZSCO 234212), Other Spatial Scientist (ANZSCO 232214)

17. Automotive specialist

Automotive electricians, diesel motor mechanics, vehicle painters, and panel beaters are always in need throughout the country, so these are also on the skill shortage lists. All four of these jobs are paid hourly with vehicle electricians having the highest pay at 24 – 44 NZD (~£13 – £24) per hour.

Diesel motor mechanics, vehicle painters, and panel beaters all have quite similar pays at around 21 – 38 NZD (~£11 – £21) per hour. For all of these, you will need a NZQF level 4 or higher qualification and for all except for automotive electrician, you will also need at least three years of relevant post qualification experience.

Example job roles include:

Automotive Electrician (ANZSCO 321111), Diesel Motor Mechanic (ANZSCO 321211), Vehicle Painter (ANZSCO 324311), Panelbeater (ANZSCO 324111)

18. Manufacturing specialist

There are a few different manufacturing and fabricating jobs that are in high demand throughout New Zealand. These are composite technicians, metal fabricators, electric line mechanics, plastics technicians, and sheet metal trades workers.

Manufacturing jobs in New Zealand can generally range in salary from around 40,000 NZD to 75,000 NZD. (~£20,800 – £38,900) For all of these jobs, you will likely be required to have an NZQF level 4 or higher qualification to get a working visa.

Example job roles include:

Composite Technician (ANZSCO 399999), Metal Fabricator (ANZSCO 322311), Electric Line Mechanic (ANZSCO 342211), Plastics Technician (ANZSCO 399916), Sheet Metal Trades Worker (ANZSCO 322211)

19. Agriculture and Forestry

Agriculture and forestry are two of New Zealand’s largest sectors. You have likely heard before about how New Zealand has more sheep than humans, but there are also more cows than people. Because of this there is a high demand for dairy, and other farmers. Bee keepers, arborists, market gardeners, winemakers, and vets are also on the skill shortage lists. The median salary for these jobs is 60,000 NZD (~£31,100).

Some dairy farmers can make upwards of 100,000 NZD (~£51,900) per year though, and winemakers can make even more at up to 210,000 NZD (~£109,000). To get a visa as a dairy farmer, you will need an NZQF qualification at level 4 or higher as well as two or three years of experience (depending on the job). For some of these jobs, like winemaker, you may however need a level 7 bachelor degree and 5 years of experience.

Example job roles include:

Apiarists (bee keepers) (ANZSCO 121311), Arborist (ANZSCO 362212), Farmers including dairy, pig and Beef Cattle Farmers (ANZSCO 121313), Market Gardeners (ANZSCO 121221), Winemakers (ANZSCO 234213), Veterinarian (ANZSCO 234711)

 20. Truck drivers

Truck drivers are the backbone of any country, New Zealand included. They are always needed in various roles, like intercity postal delivery, petrol delivery, construction materials delivery, and much more. You will need to get a New Zealand recognised Level 4 or 5 heavy vehicle licence and at least 5 years of experience.

The average annual salary for Truck Driver jobs in New Zealand ranges from $55,000 to $65,000. Experienced or specialist skilled heavy truck drivers can earn a lot more.

Example job roles:

Truck Driver (General) (ANZSCO 733111)

Planning a move to New Zealand? Click here for essential job and visa information!  

21. Jockeys, Skydivers and Other Outdoor Leisure Workers

New Zealand has a quite large outdoor and adventure industry. People who are skilled at skydiving and snow sport instructing are in high demand, as well as horse jockeys and trainers. Outdoor instructors can make around 44,000 to 58,000 NZD (~£22,800 – £30,100) per year but you also get the added benefit of working outdoors in a very fun job.

Pay for horse trainers can vary a lot with experience and skills. Your only requirement is 4 years of experience training horses. For snowsport instructing, you need an approved qualification and 2 years of experience.

Example jobs include:

Jockeys and horse trainers (ANZSCO 452413), Outdoor Adventure – Skydive Tandem Master (ANZSCO 452299) and Snow sport Instructors (ANZSCO 452314)

22. Other skilled work

There are many other jobs in demand currently and several routes to working in New Zealand. We’ve include the full Green List below, but even if your role is not the Green List you may still be able to migrate to New Zealand.

Other routes include the working holiday visa and shorter term working visas. Complete the form below and we will be able to advise you.

The Full Green List of Skill Shortages and Occupations In High Demand In New Zealand 2025

Below is the full list of occupations in high demand on the New Zealand Green list including both Tier 1 and Tier 2 occupation shortage lists.

The Green List is divided into Tier 1 and Tier 2 roles: 

• Tier 1 occupations allow eligible migrants to apply for straight-to-residence visas, providing a fast-track pathway to permanent residency. 

• Tier 2 occupations qualify for the Work to Residence pathway, meaning skilled workers can apply for residency after gaining two years of work experience in New Zealand. 

If your role is listed, and you have the required qualifications, registration and experience, you may be able to get residence immediately or after 2 years of working in New Zealand.

1	Acoustic Engineer	ANZSCO 233999	Tier 1 – Straight to Residence
2	Addiction Practitioner	ANZSCO 272112	Tier 1 – Straight to Residence
3	Aeronautical (Aerospace) Engineer	ANZSCO 233911	Tier 1 – Straight to Residence
4	Aeronautical (Aviation) Engineer	ANZSCO 233911	Tier 1 – Straight to Residence
5	Aeronautical (Avionics) Engineer	ANZSCO 233911	Tier 1 – Straight to Residence
6	Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Avionics)	ANZSCO 323111	Tier 1 – Straight to Residence
7	Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Mechanical)	ANZSCO 323112	Tier 1 – Straight to Residence

Click here for more information on job opportunities and visas for New Zealand

Next steps: Finding a job in New Zealand and applying for a Visa

Making the decision to move to New Zealand and seeing that your skills are in demand is the easy part. The next step is finding a job, getting an employment offer and ensuring you have enough points for a successful visa application.

This can be quite intimidating if you have never migrated to another country before. You need to research the various visa types and eligibility requirements, and determine the most suitable visa for your needs. It is essential to gather all necessary documentation, complete the application forms accurately, and pay the appropriate fees.

Importantly getting a job offer in advance will greatly help your visa application process and ensure you hit the ground running when you arrive in New Zealand.

Fortunately, as there are so many job shortages, there are also many employers and visa agents actively recruiting people from abroad.

As one of the world’s leading international removal companies, PSS help thousands of expats and migrants move to New Zealand everywhere.

We would be happy to put you in contact with employers and visa agents actively seeking to recruit people with your skills and help you through the application process.

Do you need a visa sponsorship and a job offer to move to New Zealand?

If your role is included on the list below you’re halfway there, but you still need a visa and in most cases a job offer before you can move to New Zealand. This can be a challenge.

But don’t panic we are in touch with a number of employers, recruiters and visa agents who are desperate to recruit people from overseas, including the UK, to fill job vacancies. If you are looking for jobs that offer visa sponsorship or a list of companies that can sponsor your visa in New Zealand, then simply complete this form and we’ll put you in touch.

Would you like information on jobs and visas if you are moving to New Zealand including a list of companies that can sponsor your visa in New Zealand?

Complete the form below and they will be able to let you know about current job vacancies in your field.

 

And once you’re ready to move you can contact us for a quote for your house removal to New Zealand or even for shipping your items to New Zealand. 

If you are also looking for information on jobs and visas for Australia or Canada, you can find the list here.