Our 2026 Salary Guide gives candidates and employers a clear picture of what local roles are paying across Nelson, Marlborough and Tasman. Based on recent placements, it covers salary ranges, year-on-year trends and temp hourly rates across seven sectors. Select a category below to get started.Read full report here.
Receptionist
| Low | High | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | $55,000 | $58,000 |
| Experienced | $60,000 | $68,000 |
Avg Yearly Salary
$61,500
Salary Inflation YoY
5%
Avg Temp Hourly Rate
$45.60+GST
Office Administrator
| Low | High | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | $55,000 | $60,000 |
| Experienced | $60,000 | $75,000 |
Avg Yearly Salary
$65,000
Salary Inflation YoY
5%
Avg Temp Hourly Rate
$48.20+GST
Sales Administrator
| Low | High | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | $55,000 | $62,000 |
| Experienced | $62,000 | $80,000 |
Avg Yearly Salary
$67,500
Salary Inflation YoY
4%
Avg Temp Hourly Rate
$50.00+GST
Customer Service
| Low | High | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | $50,000 | $55,000 |
| Experienced | $55,000 | $68,000 |
Avg Yearly Salary
$59,000
Salary Inflation YoY
-3%
Avg Temp Hourly Rate
$43.70+GST
Data Analyst
| Low | High | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | $78,000 | $85,000 |
| Experienced | $80,000 | $100,000 |
Avg Yearly Salary
$89,000
Salary Inflation YoY
-3%
Avg Temp Hourly Rate
$66.00+GST
Legal Secretary
| Low | High | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | $62,000 | $68,000 |
| Experienced | $75,000 | $90,000 |
Avg Yearly Salary
$76,000
Salary Inflation YoY
1%
Avg Temp Hourly Rate
$56.40+GST
Office Manager
| Low | High | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | $62,500 | $68,000 |
| Experienced | $70,000 | $90,000 |
Avg Yearly Salary
$76,250
Salary Inflation YoY
2%
Avg Temp Hourly Rate
$56.50+GST
EA/PA
| Low | High | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | $65,000 | $72,000 |
| Experienced | $80,000 | $100,000 |
Avg Yearly Salary
$82,500
Salary Inflation YoY
-2%
Avg Temp Hourly Rate
$61.10+GST
IT Help Desk
| Low | High | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | $60,000 | $70,000 |
| Experienced | $70,000 | $100,000 |
Avg Yearly Salary
$80,000
Salary Inflation YoY
7%
Avg Temp Hourly Rate
$59.30+GST
H&S
| Low | High | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | $62,500 | $78,000 |
| Experienced | $85,000 | $140,000 |
Avg Yearly Salary
$101,250
Salary Inflation YoY
13%
Avg Temp Hourly Rate
$75.10+GST
Insurance/Mortgage Support
| Low | High | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | $65,000 | $70,000 |
| Experienced | $70,000 | $85,000 |
Avg Yearly Salary
$75,000
Salary Inflation YoY
4%
Avg Temp Hourly Rate
$55.60+GST
Sales and Business Development
| Low | High | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | $65,000 | $70,000 |
| Experienced | $75,000 | $140,000 |
Avg Yearly Salary
$102,500
Salary Inflation YoY
24%
Avg Temp Hourly Rate
$76.00+GST
Marketing Coordinator
| Low | High | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | $60,000 | $70,000 |
| Experienced | $85,000 | $120,000 |
Avg Yearly Salary
$90,000
Salary Inflation YoY
13%
Avg Temp Hourly Rate
$66.60+GST
Import/Export Officer
| Low | High | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | $60,000 | $68,000 |
| Experienced | $70,000 | $85,000 |
Avg Yearly Salary
$72,500
Salary Inflation YoY
0%
Avg Temp Hourly Rate
$53.70+GST
Logistics Scheduler
| Low | High | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | $60,000 | $70,000 |
| Experienced | $70,000 | $92,500 |
Avg Yearly Salary
$76,250
Salary Inflation YoY
6%
Avg Temp Hourly Rate
$56.52+GST
Warehouse Manager
| Low | High | |
|---|---|---|
| Experienced | $90,000 | $125,000 |
Avg Yearly Salary
$107,500
Salary Inflation YoY
2%
Avg Temp Hourly Rate
$79.70+GST
Purchasing Officer
| Low | High | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | $58,000 | $65,000 |
| Experienced | $70,000 | $90,000 |
Avg Yearly Salary
$74,000
Salary Inflation YoY
2%
Avg Temp Hourly Rate
$54.90+GST
Production Manager
| Low | High | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | $85,000 | $90,000 |
| Experienced | $95,000 | $115,000 |
Avg Yearly Salary
$100,000
Salary Inflation YoY
0%
Avg Temp Hourly Rate
$74.10+GST
Operations Manager
| Low | High | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | $95,000 | $110,000 |
| Experienced | $120,000 | $140,000 |
Avg Yearly Salary
$117,500
Salary Inflation YoY
-6%
Avg Temp Hourly Rate
$87.10+GST
Inventory & Supply Chain Administrator
| Low | High | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | $58,000 | $65,000 |
| Experienced | $70,000 | $80,000 |
Avg Yearly Salary
$69,000
Salary Inflation YoY
2%
Avg Temp Hourly Rate
$51.20+GST
Accounts Assistant
| Low | High | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | $55,000 | $60,000 |
| Experienced | $60,000 | $75,000 |
Avg Yearly Salary
$65,000
Salary Inflation YoY
0%
Avg Temp Hourly Rate
$48.20+GST
Accounts Payable
| Low | High | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | $55,000 | $60,000 |
| Experienced | $65,000 | $80,000 |
Avg Yearly Salary
$67,500
Salary Inflation YoY
4%
Avg Temp Hourly Rate
$50.00+GST
Accounts Receivable/Credit Control
| Low | High | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | $52,000 | $60,000 |
| Experienced | $60,000 | $75,000 |
Avg Yearly Salary
$63,500
Salary Inflation YoY
-2%
Avg Temp Hourly Rate
$57.10+GST
Payroll
| Low | High | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | $58,000 | $65,000 |
| Experienced | $75,000 | $100,000 |
Avg Yearly Salary
$79,000
Salary Inflation YoY
3%
Avg Temp Hourly Rate
$58.60+GST
Assistant Accountant
| Low | High | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | $70,000 | $75,000 |
| Experienced | $80,000 | $92,000 |
Avg Yearly Salary
$81,000
Salary Inflation YoY
5%
Avg Temp Hourly Rate
$60.10+GST
Recently Qualified Accountant
| Low | High | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | $82,500 | $85,000 |
| Experienced | $85,000 | $100,000 |
Avg Yearly Salary
$91,250
Salary Inflation YoY
4%
Avg Temp Hourly Rate
$67.65+GST
Financial Accountant
| Low | High | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | $90,000 | $95,000 |
| Experienced | $95,000 | $125,000 |
Avg Yearly Salary
$107,500
Salary Inflation YoY
2%
Avg Temp Hourly Rate
$79.70+GST
Management Accountant
| Low | High | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | $90,000 | $95,000 |
| Experienced | $95,000 | $125,000 |
Avg Yearly Salary
$107,500
Salary Inflation YoY
2%
Avg Temp Hourly Rate
$79.70+GST
Group Accountant
| Low | High | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | $100,000 | $110,000 |
| Experienced | $110,000 | $135,000 |
Avg Yearly Salary
$117,500
Salary Inflation YoY
2%
Avg Temp Hourly Rate
$87.10+GST
Systems Accountant
| Low | High | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | $95,000 | $100,000 |
| Experienced | $100,000 | $140,000 |
Avg Yearly Salary
$117,500
Salary Inflation YoY
7%
Avg Temp Hourly Rate
$87.10+GST
Commercial/Financial Analyst
| Low | High | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | $85,000 | $95,000 |
| Experienced | $100,000 | $150,000 |
Avg Yearly Salary
$117,500
Salary Inflation YoY
2%
Avg Temp Hourly Rate
$87.10+GST
Finance Business Partner
| Low | High | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | $100,000 | $110,000 |
| Experienced | $110,000 | $150,000 |
Avg Yearly Salary
$125,000
Salary Inflation YoY
0%
Avg Temp Hourly Rate
$92.70+GST
Finance Manager
| Low | High | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | $110,000 | $125,000 |
| Experienced | $120,000 | $160,000 |
Avg Yearly Salary
$135,000
Salary Inflation YoY
2%
Avg Temp Hourly Rate
$100.10+GST
Financial Controller
| Low | High | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | $150,000 | $160,000 |
| Experienced | $170,000 | $200,000 |
Avg Yearly Salary
$175,000
Salary Inflation YoY
8%
Avg Temp Hourly Rate
$129.70+GST
Commercial Manager
| Low | High | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | $150,000 | $170,000 |
| Experienced | $170,000 | $220,000 |
Avg Yearly Salary
$185,000
Salary Inflation YoY
-2%
Avg Temp Hourly Rate
$137.20+GST
Chief Financial Officer
| Low | High | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | $200,000 | $250,000 |
| Experienced | $250,000 | $400,000 |
Avg Yearly Salary
$265,000
Salary Inflation YoY
6%
Avg Temp Hourly Rate
$196.50+GST
General Manager
| Low | High | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | $120,000 | $150,000 |
| Experienced | $150,000 | $250,000 |
Avg Yearly Salary
$185,000
Salary Inflation YoY
3%
Avg Temp Hourly Rate
$137.20+GST
GM Human Resources
| Low | High | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | $150,000 | $170,000 |
| Experienced | $170,000 | $200,000 |
Avg Yearly Salary
$168,000
Salary Inflation YoY
-2%
Avg Temp Hourly Rate
$124.60+GST
HR Coordinator
| Low | High | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | $65,000 | $70,000 |
| Experienced | $72,000 | $80,000 |
Avg Yearly Salary
$72,500
Salary Inflation YoY
1%
Avg Temp Hourly Rate
$53.70+GST
HR Advisor
| Low | High | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | $80,000 | $90,000 |
| Experienced | $90,000 | $105,000 |
Avg Yearly Salary
$92,500
Salary Inflation YoY
3%
Avg Temp Hourly Rate
$68.60+GST
HR Manager
| Low | High | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | $110,000 | $130,000 |
| Experienced | $130,000 | $160,000 |
Avg Yearly Salary
$135,000
Salary Inflation YoY
2%
Avg Temp Hourly Rate
$100.10+GST
Logistics & Supply Chain
Logistics Manager
| Entry Level | Experienced | Avg Base Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Salary | $85,000 | $115,000 | $48.08/hr |
Avg Yearly Salary
$100,000
Salary Inflation YoY
3%
Avg Temp Hourly Rate
$74.15+GST
High demand for experienced personnel managing export compliance and container logistics.
Logistics Coordinator
| Entry Level | Experienced | Avg Base Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Salary | $70,000 | $82,000 | $36.54/hr |
Avg Yearly Salary
$76,000
Salary Inflation YoY
2%
Avg Temp Hourly Rate
$56.35+GST
Entry-to-intermediate level. Requires inventory management and dispatch coordination tracking.
Inventory / Stock Controller
| Entry Level | Experienced | Avg Base Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Salary | $63,000 | $75,000 | $33.17/hr |
Avg Yearly Salary
$69,000
Salary Inflation YoY
2%
Avg Temp Hourly Rate
$51.16+GST
Critical role for seasonal supply matching; closely tied to cold storage and winery supply chains.
Operations & Warehousing
Operations Manager
| Entry Level | Experienced | Avg Base Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Salary | $85,000 | $125,000 | $50.48/hr |
Avg Yearly Salary
$105,000
Salary Inflation YoY
2%
Avg Temp Hourly Rate
$77.86+GST
Varies significantly based on the scale of the facility (e.g. processing plants vs. standard hubs).
Warehouse Manager
| Entry Level | Experienced | Avg Base Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Salary | $72,000 | $95,000 | $40.14/hr |
Avg Yearly Salary
$83,500
Salary Inflation YoY
2%
Avg Temp Hourly Rate
$61.91+GST
Oversight of safety protocols, shift scheduling, and WMS (Warehouse Management Systems).
Forklift Operator / Storeperson
| Entry Level | Experienced | Avg Base Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Salary | $62,000 | $72,000 | $32.21/hr |
Avg Yearly Salary
$67,000
Salary Inflation YoY
3%
Avg Temp Hourly Rate
$49.68+GST
Certified F-endorsement drivers hold a strong bargaining position due to acute localized shortages. (Approx. $29.80–$34.60/hr)
Skilled Trades
Heavy Diesel Mechanic
| Entry Level | Experienced | Avg Base Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Salary | $80,000 | $105,000 | $44.47/hr |
Avg Yearly Salary
$92,500
Salary Inflation YoY
5%
Avg Temp Hourly Rate
$68.59+GST
Essential for forestry haulage and marine support. Routinely commands high overtime premiums.
Industrial Electrician
| Entry Level | Experienced | Avg Base Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Salary | $85,000 | $110,000 | $46.88/hr |
Avg Yearly Salary
$97,500
Salary Inflation YoY
6%
Avg Temp Hourly Rate
$72.30+GST
Highly localized demand to support automated processing facilities in Richmond, Nelson, and Blenheim.
Fitter & Welder / Fabricator
| Entry Level | Experienced | Avg Base Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Salary | $75,000 | $95,000 | $40.87/hr |
Avg Yearly Salary
$85,000
Salary Inflation YoY
4%
Avg Temp Hourly Rate
$63.03+GST
Steady baseline demand across structural marine and vineyard equipment fabrication.
Engineering & Technical Project Management
Senior Engineering Project Manager
| Entry Level | Experienced | Avg Base Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Salary | $120,000 | $145,000 | $63.70/hr |
Avg Yearly Salary
$132,500
Salary Inflation YoY
4%
Avg Temp Hourly Rate
$98.25+GST
Requires extensive capital expenditure (CapEx) experience, contract management (NZS 3910), and multi-million dollar budget oversight.
Engineering Project Manager
| Entry Level | Experienced | Avg Base Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Salary | $95,000 | $120,000 | $51.68/hr |
Avg Yearly Salary
$107,500
Salary Inflation YoY
3%
Avg Temp Hourly Rate
$79.71+GST
Mid-to-senior tier. Focuses on execution, cross-functional team leadership, 3D prototyping/design verification, and operational commissioning.
Sustainability / ESG Project Engineer
| Entry Level | Experienced | Avg Base Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Salary | $90,000 | $115,000 | $49.28/hr |
Avg Yearly Salary
$102,500
Salary Inflation YoY
5%
Avg Temp Hourly Rate
$76.00+GST
Emerging high-demand role. Driven by strict climate compliance, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tracking, and supply chain decarbonization.
Industrial Leadership & Production Supervisory
Production Supervisor / Shift Team Leader
| Entry Level | Experienced | Avg Base Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Salary | $75,000 | $92,000 | $40.14/hr |
Avg Yearly Salary
$83,500
Salary Inflation YoY
3%
Avg Temp Hourly Rate
$61.91+GST
Manages floor teams, shift handovers, and throughput KPIs. High demand in aquaculture processing and automated lines.
Sawmill Supervisor / Yard Manager
| Entry Level | Experienced | Avg Base Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Salary | $78,000 | $95,000 | $41.59/hr |
Avg Yearly Salary
$86,500
Salary Inflation YoY
3%
Avg Temp Hourly Rate
$64.14+GST
Highly relevant to the Nelson forestry sector. Requires deep knowledge of timber grading, machinery safety, and log yard logistics.
Site / Operations Coordinator
| Entry Level | Experienced | Avg Base Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Salary | $70,000 | $85,000 | $37.26/hr |
Avg Yearly Salary
$77,500
Salary Inflation YoY
2%
Avg Temp Hourly Rate
$57.47+GST
The operational link between trades and admin. Coordinates daily dispatch, equipment hire, and client health & safety paperwork.
Maintenance, Quality & Technical Leadership
Maintenance Supervisor / Planner
| Entry Level | Experienced | Avg Base Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Salary | $85,000 | $105,000 | $45.67/hr |
Avg Yearly Salary
$95,000
Salary Inflation YoY
3%
Avg Temp Hourly Rate
$70.44+GST
Coordinates preventative maintenance (PM) schedules for heavy machinery or processing plants. Manages internal trades and vendor contracts.
Quality Assurance (QA) Supervisor
| Entry Level | Experienced | Avg Base Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Salary | $75,000 | $90,000 | $39.66/hr |
Avg Yearly Salary
$82,500
Salary Inflation YoY
3%
Avg Temp Hourly Rate
$61.17+GST
Non-negotiable for food and export sectors. Oversees HACCP plans, MPI compliance, and audit readiness.
HSE (Health, Safety & Environment) Advisor
| Entry Level | Experienced | Avg Base Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Salary | $80,000 | $98,000 | $42.79/hr |
Avg Yearly Salary
$89,000
Salary Inflation YoY
4%
Avg Temp Hourly Rate
$65.99+GST
Mid-tier risk management specialist. High demand due to the physically demanding environments of forestry, marine fabrication, and factories.
Salary data sourced from Search Recruitment's 2026 Annual Salary Guide, based on recent local placements across Nelson, Marlborough and Tasman. Figures are a guide only and reflect base salary, excluding bonuses or additional package components.