Average incomes rising, figures show

Average income grew in the year between the June 2004 quarter and the June 2005 quarter, with men still out-earning women.

The average weekly gross income from all sources was $586 in the June 2005 quarter, 5.8 per cent higher than the same time last year.

Males took home an average weekly income of $738, against just $442 for women.

Average weekly income from wages and salaries rose 7.6 per cent to $592, as hourly earnings and numbers of hours worked both increased.

Average hourly earnings were $19.30, up 5.8 per cent from the June 2004 quarter.

The highest earners were in the 45 to 49 year age bracket, who reported an average weekly income of $817.

Males in this age group reported an average income of $1082 a week, compared with $563 for females of the same age.

Aucklanders had the highest average weekly income, of $629, followed by Wellingtonians with $613 and Cantabrians with $609.

The average weekly household income in the June quarter was $1260, up 4.7 per cent on the same time last year.

- NZPA