Top Highest Paying Jobs in New Zealand Without A Degree [2024]

There is no doubt that New Zealand is known worldwide for its perfect work-life balance opportunities. But what comes as a surprise is that not every job requires a degree! Yes, it’s true, you can land a high-paying job in New Zealand without ever having to study too much!

The best-paying jobs in New Zealand without a degree are:

• Farm Manager: NZ$85,000 – NZ$90,000
• Traffic Controller: NZ$60,000 – NZ$71,000
• Property Manager: NZ$70,000 – NZ$90,000
• Babysitter or Nanny: NZ$40,000 – NZ$65,000
• Construction Laborer: NZ$60,000 – NZ$80,000
• Sales Representative: NZ$70,000 – NZ$95,000
• Handy Person: NZ$60,000 – NZ$80,000
• Executive Assistant:  NZ$60,000 – NZ$95,000

While some of the jobs do require hectic work hours and loads of skills, there are still lots of chances for non-degree holders. If, by chance, you don’t have a degree and are thinking about settling in New Zealand, follow along on the ride to learn more about the what and how of the highest-paying jobs in New Zealand without a degree.

Also read: What is a good salary in New Zealand?

Best paying jobs in New Zealand: no degree needed

1. Farm Manager

• Average salary: NZ$85,000 – NZ$90,000
• Education and qualification required: A minimum of 3 years experience in farm management

Unlike the belief that farming (or anything related to it) is a lowly job and doesn’t pay enough to meet basic needs, a farm manager is at the top of the list when it comes to highest paying jobs without a degree. Hmm, seems fishy right?

Well, if you don’t need a degree, then what do you need? A farm manager isn’t supposed to have an educational degree in agriculture or food sciences.

Instead, what is required is having a good knack for how to comply with environmental and animal welfare needs and how to manage the finances, work, time, and people – all together.

Because of the need to interact with multiple people and animals, prioritizing health safety is a must – both your own and everyone around you. A farm manager can work in different areas, such as financial management, operational manager, or an all-in-one.

The entry-level salary for a farm manager can vary depending on the number of service hours. For some, it may be a minimum of 100 hours a fortnight, or it may extend to 24/7 availability. An average salary without the deduction of taxes ranges from NZ$85,000 – NZ$100,000.

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2. Traffic Controller

• Average salary: NZ$60,000 – NZ$71,000
• Education or qualification required: Practical working experience

A traffic controller is one of the most crucial jobs anywhere in the world. Because, without them, we would never be able to get off the busy roads and back home easily.

Becoming a traffic controller means you have to perform an array of duties. You must be skilled in communication and handling people to provide immediate first-aid services. Alternatively, your main job is to direct the smooth flow of traffic and remove any hurdles that might come in between.

This is a hands-on job that will develop your people skills and build your career. The constant stress of this job and the hectic work hours are reimbursed well by most companies offering health and life insurance and even fuel discounts!

The average salary depends on the number of hours of service you’re offering. In most cases, a 9-5 job sums up to NZ$23 – NZ$27 per hour. But beware, this job tests your management skills and attitude about working outdoors, no matter the weather!

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3. Property Manager

• Average salary: NZ$70,000 – NZ$90,000
• Education and qualification required: A minimum of 3-4 years of work experience in property management

A property manager is a common non-degree job in most parts of the world, especially in New Zealand. Property managers work at all levels, from managing properties for a single owner to managing properties for big companies.

The role is to have a general understanding of how properties work, why inspections are necessary, find tenants, correspond with property owners, and have good knowledge about how the different laws and acts regarding residencies and properties work.

This job is like being a superhero, where you are required to identify and solve problems and need a crucial sense of urgency and time management.

Most companies look for whether you can grasp sales opportunities and close the deal as quickly as possible or not.

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Although being a property manager is a full-time job, it has its pros and cons to offer. It is a very flexible job that can be managed off-site for more than half of your work hours. Plus, it mostly depends on social networking, which reduces the need to be in the office at all hours.

When applying for a job in New Zealand, you need to include a cover letter. Check out our guide on how to write a perfect one!

4. Babysitter or Nanny

• Average salary: NZ$40,000 – NZ$65,000
• Education or qualification required: Full-time experience to take care of the kids and the house

There is no doubt that babysitters or nannies aren’t one of the well-paid jobs in the world. In New Zealand, however, babysitters and nannies have a decent paycheck.

The general basis of the job is to look after the kids for the period allotted. It includes everything from picks and drops to prepping meals, helping with showers, and getting ready for bed. Don’t forget; pets are part of the family too! Most people will ask for references before hiring you.

This can work only if you have a genuine interest in children and have experience taking care of children. Don’t bother if you hate those little tiny monsters.

A professional yet caring attitude is what is required from a babysitter. And it goes without saying that you need to have a driver’s license and a basic understanding of first-aid service.

All of this hard work is paid off by a hefty sum depending on the number of hours you work. A part-time nanny earns between NZ$22 – NZ$28 per hour, and a live-in nanny (Au pair) can make as much as NZ$25 – NZ$35 per hour.

That said, if you are an experienced nanny, your salary could be around NZ$30 per hour, which is NZ$62,400 annually before taxes.

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5. Construction Laborer

• Average salary: NZ$60,000 – NZ$80,000
• Education or qualification required: A minimum of 3 years of practical experience in the field

You might think construction laborers don’t get paid as much as they work, right? Well, in New Zealand, the pay for a construction laborer is pretty high, and that is without a degree too!

The construction industry is booming due to the expansive industry growth and urbanization. And with this increase comes a need to increase the number of employed personnel in the work field.

To work as a construction laborer in New Zealand, one of the most important things is the construction industry white card. Without an approved white card from the Registered Training Organization (RTO), you can say goodbye to any prospects of this job.

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Work ethic, punctuality, caring for construction equipment and materials, performing site tidy-ups, and adhering to health and safety regulations are valued in this area of work.

Moreover, teamwork and following instructions make the job less stressful and relatively easier to accomplish.

The pay doesn’t depend as much on the skill level or expertise; you can earn as much as the number of work hours you have put in. A full-time construction worker earns an average salary of NZ$25 – NZ$28 per hour.

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6. Sales Representative

• Average salary: NZ$70,000 – NZ$95,000
• Education or qualification required: Practical work experience with proven results

Sales representatives and consultant salespersons are at the heart of most businesses to ensure the flow of income and making profits.

Whether it be a public platform or a nonprofit organization, a sales representative only needs skills, work experience, and proven results to get a job in New Zealand.

The basics of this job include marketing, financing, management, communication skills, cold calling, and knowing when to take a risk. The sales representatives can identify and secure the opportunities that appear in the marketplace. Taking the initiative and having a competitive outlook are highly valued in this field.

Most organizations prefer individuals with previous proven sales experience and results. Possessing specialized up-to-date marketing and sales trends can be an added advantage when seeking a job as a sales representative.

If you are the right person for the job and fill all of the requirements, then your average salary may go up to as much as NZ$95,000 per year.

7. Handy Person

• Average salary: NZ$60,000 – NZ$90,000
• Education or qualification required: Hands-on practical experience

A handy person in general or a repairs and maintenance person is in high demand in all fields of work. The average salary for the services of a handyperson (without a degree) ranges from NZ$28 to NZ$32 per hour.

In general, the more experienced you are and the more skills you have to deal with things, the better you get paid.

The basic skills required for this job include a good understanding of DIY, day-to-day property maintenance, computing skills, and a friendly personality.

Changing light bulbs, unblocking sinks, lifting and delivering materials, repairing broken and damaged equipment, and maintaining all the details of the interior and exterior of buildings is a must.

No formal degree is required for the job as most of it is based on physical fitness, strength, and the ability to get everything right. If you consider yourself the jack of all trades and have a know-and a do-it attitude, then what are you waiting for?

8. Executive Assistant

• Average salary: NZ$60,000 – NZ$95,000
• Education or qualification required: If you want to start with a good salary, then a minimum of 4 years experience in a similar executive support role

An executive assistant is a supporting professional assistant who performs administrative tasks and assists a CEO or General Manager. Although this position is considered to be a highly qualified one, if you have experience and skills, you can totally take on this role.

As the name implies, executive assistants manage various tasks all at once. These include coordinating meetings, taking phone calls, writing correspondence, etc.

The skills needed for this job include problem-solving skills, organizational skills, advanced Microsoft Office skills, time management, attention to detail, and competitive energy to get the work done.

The starting salary depends on the workplace and the level of expertise you have to offer. A good start for an executive assistant is around NZ$55,000 per year and can go up to NZ$90,000 with an increase in time and experience.

Best jobs for foreigners in New Zealand

Some of the jobs where foreigners have the best opportunities and salaries include:

• Civil Engineer
• Chemical Engineer
• Construction Project Manager
• Surveyor
• Electronic Engineering Technician
• Dairy Cattle Farmer
• Dairy Farm Manager
• Mechanical Engineer
• Anaesthetist
• Midwife
• Registered Nurse
• Software Engineer
• Automotive Electrician
• Electrician (general)
• Plumber (general)

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These jobs are also on a Green list, which means you will enjoy an easier immigration process and might get a permanent residency immediately.

However, with its perfect quality of life, reasonable cost of living, good salaries, and a multitude of job opportunities available, New Zealand has the best jobs to offer for foreigners.

Unlike other countries and cultures, Kiwis don’t discriminate and select people based on race, color, culture, or religion.

So, the jobs mentioned above are equally available for foreigners as they are for locals. Whether it be an executive assistant, a farm manager, a traffic controller, or a babysitter, the people of New Zealand welcome foreigners with open arms for various job opportunities.

Instead of focusing on the qualification or degree of an individual, New Zealanders embrace an inclusive and values-driven work culture. For a foreigner, if you have the right skills and experience, there is nothing more to worry about!

The work culture of New Zealand is innovative, expressive, and self-dependent. You will be given sufficient time to settle in as a newbie, and there will be an excellent work-life balance. Everyone, no matter their age or position, is allowed to express their opinions in any situation.

Thus, it doesn’t matter whether, as a foreigner, you come with a degree or not; if you have some skills and experience up your sleeves, you will never feel scared.

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