Top 15 Healthcare Jobs in New Zealand (2025): Salaries, Roles & Careers
Explore the top 15 healthcare jobs in New Zealand for 2025! Learn about salaries, roles, and career paths, with expert tips for locals and overseas applicants to thrive in NZ’s healthcare sector.
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- Introduction
- Healthcare Job Market in NZ (2025)
- Top 15 Healthcare Jobs
- Highest Paying Roles
- In-Demand Entry-Level Roles
- Requirements to Work in NZ Healthcare
- Where to Find Healthcare Jobs
- Tips to Stand Out
- Remote and Flexible Healthcare Work
- Pathways for Overseas Applicants
- Useful Resources
- Final Thoughts
Introduction
New Zealand’s healthcare sector in 2025 is thriving, offering diverse career opportunities for both local residents and international professionals. With an aging population and persistent workforce shortages, healthcare jobs are in high demand, particularly in nursing, general practice, and specialist fields. This guide explores the top 15 healthcare jobs for 2025, detailing salaries, roles, and qualifications, while providing practical tips for New Zealanders and overseas applicants. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or entering the field, our free CV maker can help you craft a standout application. For expert advice on tailoring your CV, check our Perfect CV Guide for New Zealand 2025.
From entry-level roles like healthcare assistants to high-paying specialist positions, this article covers the essentials to navigate NZ’s healthcare job market. We’ve also included insights from online forums to offer a realistic perspective, ensuring you’re well-equipped to secure your dream role. Explore related career paths in our Nursing Jobs in New Zealand 2025 guide or browse more career insights on our Career Blog.
Healthcare Job Market in NZ (2025)
The healthcare job market in New Zealand is dynamic, driven by an aging population and increasing health demands, as noted by Immigration New Zealand. Key trends include a surge in telehealth services and flexible work options, reflecting modern healthcare delivery. Over 40% of doctors and 27% of nurses are internationally qualified, highlighting NZ’s reliance on migrant workers. Shortages are acute, with up to 1 in 5 nurses expected to retire in the next 5 years and a 24% deficit in specialists, particularly in psychiatry and anaesthetics. The government is addressing these gaps through fast-track residency pathways for Green List roles and significant public healthcare spending, which accounts for over 80% of the sector, ensuring modern facilities and high safety standards, according to the Health Quality & Safety Commission. Aged care is also a priority, with increased investment in training and retention programs. For broader career strategies across industries, explore our Ultimate 2025 Job Guide or learn about related opportunities in Hospitality Jobs in New Zealand 2025.
Top 15 Healthcare Jobs
Below are the top 15 healthcare jobs in New Zealand for 2025, with detailed descriptions, salary ranges, and qualifications, sourced from Careers.govt.nz and industry data.
| Job Title | Description | Salary Range (NZD/year, unless noted) | Qualifications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | Assess, treat, and support patients with health conditions. | $63,000–$118,000 | Bachelor of Nursing, Nursing Council registration |
| General Practitioner (GP) | Provide primary care, diagnose illnesses, promote wellbeing. | $96,000–$151,000 | Medical degree, Medical Council registration, GP training |
| Healthcare Assistant | Support patients in hospitals, aged care, or community settings. | $24–$33/hour | No formal qualifications, on-the-job training |
| Physiotherapist | Improve movement, reduce pain, manage disabilities. | $58,000–$119,000 | Bachelor of Physiotherapy, Physiotherapy Board registration |
| Pharmacist | Dispense medications, advise on health and usage. | $96,000–$151,000 | Bachelor of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Council registration |
| Radiographer | Use imaging (X-rays, CT scans) for diagnosis. | $63,000–$118,000 | Bachelor of Medical Imaging, MRTB registration |
| Mental Health Support Worker | Support individuals with mental health in community settings. | $24–$28/hour | Certificate/diploma in mental health support |
| Aged Care Worker | Assist elderly with daily activities in facilities or homes. | $24–$34/hour | No formal qualifications, aged care certificates beneficial |
| Dental Assistant | Assist dentists with patient care and admin tasks. | $49,000–$62,000 | NZ Dental Association Certificate preferred |
| Occupational Therapist | Help people with disabilities perform daily activities. | $58,000–$119,000 | Master of Occupational Therapy, OT Board registration |
| Clinical Psychologist | Diagnose and treat mental health conditions. | $84,000–$140,000 | Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, Psychologists Board registration |
| Sonographer | Use ultrasound for diagnostic imaging. | $115,000–$120,000 | Postgraduate Diploma in Medical Ultrasound, MRTB registration |
| Dietitian/Nutritionist | Advise on diet to promote health, manage diseases. | $74,000–$147,000 | Master of Dietetics, Dietitians Board registration |
| Paramedic | Provide emergency medical care and transport. | $84,000–$92,000 | Bachelor of Paramedic Practice, Paramedics Board registration |
| Medical Laboratory Technician | Perform lab tests for diagnosis and treatment. | $49,000–$67,000 | Diploma in Medical Laboratory Science, MSC registration |
For specific nursing roles, explore our Nursing Jobs in New Zealand 2025 guide. Tailor your CV for these roles using our free CV builder. For other healthcare-related career paths, visit our Career Blog.
Highest Paying Roles
The highest-paying healthcare roles in New Zealand for 2025 offer substantial earning potential, particularly for specialists and experienced professionals. Specialist doctors, such as surgeons, anesthetists, and psychiatrists, can earn over $200,000 annually, with top earners in high-demand fields like neurosurgery exceeding $300,000, as reported by Glassdoor. General Practitioners (GPs) in private practice, especially in rural areas, can command salaries up to $355,000, driven by incentives for underserved regions, according to Reddit discussions. Senior physiotherapists or consultants, with advanced certifications or leadership roles, also earn high salaries, reaching up to $119,000, reflecting their expertise in rehabilitation and patient care. Additionally, clinical psychologists in senior positions can earn up to $140,000, particularly in private practice or specialized mental health services. Salaries for these roles often vary by location, with rural positions offering premiums to attract talent, while urban roles may provide more opportunities for private practice. For more insights into lucrative career paths across industries, explore our High-Paying Jobs in New Zealand 2025 guide or discover opportunities in Top Finance Careers in New Zealand 2025.
In-Demand Entry-Level Roles
Entry-level roles are crucial for newcomers to New Zealand’s healthcare sector, with high demand fueled by workforce shortages and an aging population. Healthcare assistants, earning $24–$33/hour, play a vital role in hospitals and aged care facilities, assisting with patient care and daily tasks, with opportunities to advance to nursing roles through further training. Support workers, including those in mental health and aged care, earn $24–$28/hour, with potential for higher pay upon gaining qualifications like a Certificate in Health and Wellbeing. Administrative roles in hospitals and clinics, starting at minimum wage to $25/hour, offer a gateway into healthcare, handling tasks like patient scheduling and record-keeping. Dental assistants, starting at $24–$27/hour, support dentists with clinical and administrative duties, requiring minimal qualifications and offering stable career paths, as noted by Careers.govt.nz. These roles are accessible with on-the-job training or short courses, making them ideal for career starters. For more entry-level opportunities, check our Top Admin Jobs in New Zealand 2025 guide or explore part-time options in Top 20 Part-Time Jobs in New Zealand 2025.
Requirements to Work in NZ Healthcare
All healthcare professionals must register with relevant councils, such as the Nursing Council of NZ or Medical Council, and hold an Annual Practising Certificate. Non-native English speakers may need to pass IELTS or OET tests, with requirements varying by role, as outlined by Immigration New Zealand. Work visas, like the Accredited Employer Work Visa, are common, with Green List roles eligible for fast-tracked residency. For visa tips and application strategies, see our Perfect CV Guide for New Zealand 2025 or visit our home page for more career resources.
Where to Find Healthcare Jobs
Explore opportunities through DHB and Te Whatu Ora job boards, Seek.co.nz, Kiwi Health Jobs, Indeed, and LinkedIn. Direct hospital websites and recruitment agencies like Geneva, Medacs, and Accent Health also offer listings. Track applications with a spreadsheet and tailor your CV using our free CV builder. For more job search strategies across industries, see our Ultimate 2025 Job Guide or explore opportunities in Government Jobs in New Zealand 2025.
Tips to Stand Out
To excel in NZ’s healthcare job market, tailor your CV to local standards, emphasizing compassion, cultural competence, and teamwork. Newcomers can gain local volunteer experience to understand the system and build networks. Highlight these traits in interviews using the STAR method, as advised in our Job Interview Preparation Guide for New Zealand 2025. For additional career advice, explore our Career Blog.
💡 Pro Tip:
Showcase your understanding of NZ’s healthcare system and Māori cultural values to impress recruiters!
Remote and Flexible Healthcare Work
Telehealth roles for GPs and specialists are growing, alongside locum positions for doctors and nurses, offering flexibility. Remote psychological counseling is also viable via telehealth platforms. For more remote opportunities, explore our Top 15 Remote and Online Jobs in New Zealand 2025 guide or discover part-time roles in Top 20 Part-Time Jobs in New Zealand 2025.
Pathways for Overseas Applicants
Internationally trained nurses and doctors can join bridging programs at institutions like the University of Auckland to meet NZ standards. Accredited employers may sponsor work visas, with Green List roles offering fast-tracked residency, as per Immigration New Zealand. Overseas qualifications require assessment by NZ professional councils, and non-native speakers must pass English tests like IELTS. Clearly state visa eligibility in your CV, and explore more tips in our Perfect CV Guide for New Zealand 2025.
Useful Resources
Key resources include the Nursing Council of New Zealand, Allied Health Professionals NZ, Immigration New Zealand, and Kiwi Health Jobs for public healthcare roles. These platforms provide guidance on registration, visas, and job listings. For additional career resources, visit our home page or explore our Career Blog.
Final Thoughts
A career in New Zealand’s healthcare sector offers rewarding opportunities to make a difference in communities. From nursing to specialist roles, the 2025 job market is ripe with potential for locals and international applicants. Act quickly, tailor your applications, and leverage networking to secure your role. Insights from Reddit highlight challenges like visa sponsorship for entry-level roles, but skilled positions and rural jobs offer strong prospects. Build a winning CV with our Perfect CV Guide for New Zealand 2025, prepare for interviews with our Job Interview Preparation Guide for New Zealand 2025, and explore related careers in our Nursing Jobs in New Zealand 2025 guide.
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