Overview
NZ house officer and registrar salaries are set by collective agreements (MECA) negotiated between DHBs (now Te Whatu Ora) and the NZRDA (New Zealand Resident Doctors Association). Pay is competitive by international standards with a lower cost of living than Australia in many regions.
House Officer / Registrar Salaries (approximate)
| Grade | Base Salary (pa) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| House Surgeon (PGY1) | NZ$79,000–$88,000 | + overtime and allowances |
| House Surgeon (PGY2) | NZ$88,000–$98,000 | + allowances |
| Senior House Surgeon / RMO | NZ$95,000–$115,000 | Varies by experience |
| Registrar | NZ$115,000–$145,000 | Specialty and year dependent |
| Senior Medical Officer (SMO) | NZ$200,000–$350,000+ | Post-fellowship |
With overtime, on-call and weekend allowances, total remuneration significantly exceeds base pay for most house officers.
KiwiSaver
- KiwiSaver is NZ's voluntary workplace superannuation scheme
- Minimum employee contribution: 3% of gross pay (can elect 4%, 6%, 8%, or 10%)
- Employer contribution: 3% mandatory
- Government member tax credit: up to NZ$521/year if you contribute NZ$1,042+
- First Home Withdrawal: can withdraw for first home deposit after 3+ years
- Joining KiwiSaver is strongly recommended — employer match is free money
Locum Work in New Zealand
- NZ has significant rural and provincial locum demand
- Rural GP locum rates: NZ$130–$250+/hour
- Hospital locum rates: NZ$100–$180/hour depending on grade and specialty
- Rural Bonding Scheme: financial incentives for rural service
- Register as a sole trader for locum work; consider a GST registration if earnings exceed NZ$60,000/year
New Zealand Tax Basics
- Tax rates: 10.5% (up to NZ$14,000), 17.5% (NZ$14,001–$48,000), 30% (NZ$48,001–$70,000), 33% (NZ$70,001–$180,000), 39% (above NZ$180,000)
- No capital gains tax in most cases (but bright-line property rules apply)
- Tax return: most PAYE employees do not need to file unless they have other income
- IRD number required for all employment and locum work