National average wage rises
New Zealand’s job market ended 2018 on a positive note for job seekers with the largest increase in the national average wage since 2015, rising 1.1 per cent year-on-year to $61,082, according to an analysis of over 74,000 vacancies listed on Trade Me Jobs.
“Auckland City continues to be the highest paying area in New Zealand at $72,299, overall Wellington is the highest paying region in the country with an average wage of $65,131 (up 0.4 per cent on 2017), followed closely by Auckland at $64,634 (up 0.8 per cent) and Taranaki at $58,687 (up 2.9 per cent),” said Trade Me Jobs' Anna Miles.
Rise in job vacancies
Miles said the last three months of 2018 saw a mild increase in listings which means job seekers have more choice and employers will be working harder to get the best people.
“The number of jobs advertised on Trade Me Jobs was up 1.7 per cent on the year prior and most regions ended 2018 on a high.
“The North Island saw some phenomenal growth in the last quarter of the year. Job listings in Taranaki led the pack after a 30 per cent increase on 2017, along with Hawke’s Bay which was up 22.8 per cent while vacancies in Gisborne rose 20.3 per cent.” This continues recent trends where the regions continue to outperform the main centres.
The only regions to see reductions in the number of job listings year-on-year were Auckland, down 2.2 per cent, Canterbury, down 7.5 per cent, and Marlborough, down 10.9 per cent. She added that Wellington did buck the main centre trend - up 3.7 per cent.
Good news for job hunters
“January and February are the biggest months for job hunters as thousands of Kiwis head back to work and decide to kick off the New Year with a new role.”
Miles said those looking for their next step will be pleased to know it’s a good time to be looking.
“With the average number of job applications down across the country, an increase in wages and more job listings, it’s a job hunter’s market.”
IT still the most lucrative career
“IT roles continue to dominate the highest paying roles on Trade Me Jobs, taking out the top five spots,” said Ms Miles.
IT architects topped the list with an average pay of $153,222 followed by IT management roles earning an average wage of $142,029.
“Skilled IT candidates are in high demand across the country and employers are offering more to secure talent with a 3.1 per cent increase in average pay to $110,657. If you’re in the IT industry and thinking about your next step, now is a good time to dust off your CV,” she added.
