That's right, the median pay is over six figures, according to Seek. It's the big organisations such as Fonterra, Fletcher Building and Progressive Enterprises pushing up the salaries in this bracket.
2. Information and Communication Technology
Median pay: $92,000- $95,000
No surprises here. Of course IT experts are still in hot demand, and are being offered the big bucks. This category takes out top spot in the TradeMe Salary Guide, and is in third place on Seek.
3. Engineering
Median pay: $75,000- $93,000
Seek ranks engineering as the second highest-paying industry. Your chances of landing a job in geotechnical, civil and structural engineering are high, especially if you're prepared to move down south and take part in the Christchurch rebuild.
4. Property
Median pay: $71,400 - $75,000
Getting into property is still lucrative, but the category has dropped in ranking since this time last year. The top earners are in commercial sales and leasing where the median pay is $115,000 per year.
5. Banking and Financial Services
Median pay: $65,000 - $71,000
It's the corporate bankers and managers who push this category up with high earnings.
When it comes to brokers and financial advisors, the outlook is good. According to MBIE, many workers in these occupations are likely to retire over the next decade. The advice for those entering the occupation is to start establishing a client list early, as they take time to build up.
6. Marketing and Communications
Median pay: $65,000- $78,000
If you enter this industry for the pay, look straight past becoming a journalist or direct marketer (both on a median wage of $45,000 per year). Brand managers and managers in general push up the median pay in this category.
7. Construction
Median pay: $60,000 - $78,000
The construction industry continues to grow, with good job prospects for engineers, project managers, welders, carpenters and electricians.
8. HR and Recruitment
Median pay: $65,000- $71,000
According to MBIE, the demand for human resource (HR) professionals is expected to grow slightly in the next decade. The chances of getting a job are fair, especially for those with specialist experience. Job opportunities for HR practitioners are best in: professional services, financial services, telecommunications, and supermarkets.
9. Government, Defence and Council
Median pay: $65,000- $67,000
Those who work in defence earn the least in this category, while those in central government earn the most.
10. Science and Technology
Median pay: $55,000 - $65,000
According to MBIE, prospects for science technicians are improving with increased research funding. The best opportunities lie in the applied sciences, and in areas that the Government has prioritised for funding in 2010-2014: biological industries, health, environment, and high-value manufacturing and services.
Sources: TradeMe Salary Guide, Seek Salary Snapshot, The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
- nzherald.co.nz