For most employees aged 16 and over.
New Zealand Minimum Wage 2026
Minimum Wage NZ 2026
The adult minimum wage is $23.95 an hour from 1 April 2026. See weekly and fortnightly pay, starting-out and training rates, and calculate your gross earnings.
Government sources checked: 17 September 2026 at 10:07 am NZST · Refreshes every 48 hours
Adult minimum wage$23.95per hour before tax · effective 1 April 2026
Quick answer
New Zealand minimum wage rates from 1 April 2026
The adult rate is $23.95 per hour. The starting-out and training rates are $19.16 per hour. At the adult rate, 40 hours is $958.00 before tax.
Only for workers who meet specific age, employment or training criteria.
For eligible workers aged 20+ doing qualifying industry training.
| Rate | Per hour | 8-hour day | 40-hour week | 80-hour fortnight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | $23.95 | $191.60 | $958.00 | $1,916.00 |
| Starting-out | $19.16 | $153.28 | $766.40 | $1,532.80 |
| Training | $19.16 | $153.28 | $766.40 | $1,532.80 |
At the adult minimum wage, 40 hours a week is $958.00 before tax, or about $49,816.00 over 52 weeks.
Eligibility
Which minimum wage applies to you?
Adult minimum wage
Generally applies if you are 16 or older and you are not legally classed as a starting-out worker or trainee.
If your job includes supervising or training other workers, Employment New Zealand says you must be paid at least the adult minimum wage.
Starting-out wage
Can apply to some 16 and 17 year olds during their first six continuous months with an employer, some 18 and 19 year olds coming off specified benefits, and some 16 to 19 year olds doing qualifying industry training.
Training wage
Can apply to employees aged 20 or over whose employment agreement requires at least 60 credits a year of recognised industry training to become qualified.
Workers under 16
New Zealand does not set a statutory minimum wage for employees under 16. School-age work restrictions and other employment protections may still apply.
Quick calculator
Minimum wage pay calculator NZ
Estimate gross pay before tax. This is a simple wage calculation, not a PAYE or take-home-pay calculator.
Weekly$958.00
Fortnightly$1,916.00
Average monthly$4,151.33
Annual$49,816.00
Practical rights
Minimum wage rules people commonly ask about
Migrant workers
Migrant workers have the same minimum employment rights as New Zealand workers, including minimum wage protections.
Extra time worked
Employers must pay for actual hours worked. If extra time would take your effective hourly pay below the minimum wage, that can be a problem even if you receive a salary.
Before tax
Minimum wage figures are gross amounts. PAYE and other lawful deductions can reduce the amount that reaches your bank account.
Paid below minimum wage?
Keep payslips, rosters, timesheets and your employment agreement. Employment New Zealand lists 0800 20 90 20 for minimum wage concerns.
Related guides
More New Zealand pay and employment tools
PAYE Calculator NZ
Estimate take-home pay after income tax, ACC, KiwiSaver and student loan deductions.
Calculate NZ take-home pay →Holiday Pay Calculator NZ
Estimate holiday pay and understand common annual-holiday calculations.
Check NZ holiday pay →Leave Entitlement Calculator
Check annual leave, sick leave and other common leave entitlements.
Check leave entitlements →Official sources
Where this minimum wage information comes from
Webfit News checks official New Zealand government pages every 48 hours and presents the key information in a simpler format. The government sites remain the authoritative source.
Employment New Zealand — Minimum wage rates and typesPrimary rate source
Open official page ↗Employment New Zealand — 1 April 2026 increaseOfficial cross-check
Open official page ↗New Zealand Legislation — Minimum Wage Order 2026Official cross-check
Open official page ↗MBIE — Minimum wage reviewsOfficial cross-check
Open official page ↗Business.govt.nz — Minimum wage and fair payOfficial cross-check
Open official page ↗Last source check: 17 September 2026 at 10:07 am NZST · 4 of 5 official pages responded during this refresh.
FAQs
Minimum wage NZ: common questions
What is the minimum wage in New Zealand in 2026?
From 1 April 2026, the adult minimum wage in New Zealand is $23.95 per hour before tax. The starting-out and training minimum wage rates are $19.16 per hour.
How much is minimum wage for 40 hours a week in NZ?
At the 2026 adult minimum wage of $23.95 an hour, 40 hours is $958.00 before tax and other lawful deductions.
Who gets the adult minimum wage in NZ?
In general, employees aged 16 or over must receive at least the adult minimum wage unless they meet the legal criteria for the starting-out or training minimum wage. Workers who supervise or train other workers must receive at least the adult minimum wage.
Is there a minimum wage for workers under 16 in New Zealand?
There is no statutory minimum wage for employees under 16. Other employment rights and restrictions can still apply.
Are migrant workers entitled to the NZ minimum wage?
Yes. Migrant workers have the same minimum employment rights as New Zealand workers, including the right to be paid at least the applicable minimum wage.
What can I do if I am paid less than minimum wage?
Employment New Zealand says workers who believe they are being paid below the minimum wage can contact its service on 0800 20 90 20. Keep records such as payslips, timesheets and employment agreements.