Jobs in high demand in New Zealand in 2025
New Zealand is consolidating its position as one of the most sought after destinations by Brazilians seeking international opportunities. With a hot labor market and favorable immigration policies, 2025 promises to be a transformative year for those planning to build a career in the country of Kiwis.
The scenario is promising: sectors such as technology, health and renewable energy are booming, creating thousands of vacancies for qualified professionals. Simultaneously, traditional areas such as hospitality and civil construction continue to provide valuable opportunities for students and exchange students seeking their first international experience.
Sectors with accelerated growth in 2025
The New Zealand economy shows clear signs of recovery and growth. Recent data indicate that energy, science and technology, hospitality and tourism lead the ranking of sectors with the highest expansion of vacancies.
For Brazilian professionals, this represents a unique window of opportunities. As we explored in our guide on promising careers: jobs in New Zealand, the country especially values the cultural diversity and the capacity for adaptation that characterize Brazilians.
Information Technology: the sector that never stops growing
Software developers, data engineers, and systems analysts top the list of the most in-demand professions. The accelerating post-pandemic digital transformation created an unprecedented demand for IT specialists.
Attractive salaries: Junior professionals can expect starting salaries of between NZ$ 65,000 and NZ$ 80,000 annually, while senior specialists easily exceed NZ$ 120,000.
Advantage for Brazilians: Our solid technical background and ability to work with agile methodologies are highly valued by the New Zealand market.
Engineering: Building New Zealand's Future
Civil, electrical, and mechanical engineers find an extremely favorable scenario. The country invests heavily in infrastructure, from bridges and roads to sustainable energy projects.
A Green List of the New Zealand government includes several engineering specialties, significantly facilitating the visa process for qualified professionals. This means that engineers can apply for permanent residence more quickly.
Health: essential professions always in demand
Doctors, nurses, and dentists continue to be in high demand. While the process for validating foreign diplomas is rigorous, the rewards are commensurate with the effort.
Important tip: The first step is always to check the requirements of the Medical Council of New Zealand or the Nursing Council, depending on your specialty.
Opportunities for students and exchange students
For those starting their international journey, New Zealand offers several entrances to the labor market. As we detailed in our article about What is it like to work in New Zealand students can work up to 20 hours a week during the academic period.
Hospitality and tourism: guaranteed international experience
Waiter, barista, kitchen assistant, and receptionist are accessible positions that provide an excellent opportunity to improve English while building professional experience. The New Zealand hospitality sector is renowned for being welcoming to international workers.
Average salary: Between NZ$ 23 and NZ$ 25 per hour for beginner positions.
Civil construction: opportunity for good income
Masons, construction helpers, and specialized workers are in growing demand. This sector offers above average compensation for jobs that do not require advanced technical qualification.
Advantage: Many companies offer on-the-job training, allowing you to develop specific skills while gaining experience.
Delivery and logistics: flexibility for students
The growth of e-commerce boosted delivery opportunities. Working with electric bike deliveries offers ideal time flexibility for students.
Emerging professions and expanding sectors
Renewable energy and sustainability
New Zealand has ambitious targets for carbon neutrality by 2050. This created explosive demand for professionals in solar, wind, and energy efficiency.
Financial Technology (FinTech)
Auckland is transforming into a financial innovation hub. Experts in blockchain, digital payments, and cybersecurity find unique opportunities.
Care for the elderly
With an aging population, caregivers and geriatric health professionals have increasing demand and guaranteed professional stability.
Strategies to increase your chances of success
Master English
As we emphasized in our analysis of Career in New Zealand after graduation, proficiency in English is essential. Fluent professionals have access to positions of greater responsibility and better salaries.
Prepare a resume in New Zealand format
The CV format in New Zealand has important peculiarities. Our complete guide to How to make a resume to work in New Zealand offers specific templates and tips to impress local employers.
Consider the Working Holiday Visa
For Brazilians between 18 and 30 years old, the Working Holiday Visa offers 12 months of full work permit. Registrations generally open in October, with limited places.
Visas and paths to permanent residence
Green List: fast track for qualified professionals
Occupations included in the Green List have an expedited process for permanent residence. Engineers, IT professionals, and health specialists are among the beneficiaries.
Skilled Migrant Category
For professionals with job offers, this is the most traditional path to permanent residence. Points are awarded based on age, qualification, experience, and job offer.
Trends for 2025 and Beyond
Remote and hybrid work
The pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote work. New Zealand companies are more open to professionals who work partly from home, especially in IT and financial services.
Focus on diversity and inclusion
The New Zealand government actively promotes diversity in the workplace. Companies receive incentives to hire professionals from different cultural backgrounds.
Growth of the creative sector
Cinema, digital games, and design are booming. Wellington, known as “Wellywood”, offers unique opportunities for creative professionals.
Planning your professional journey
To maximize your opportunities in New Zealand, consider starting with a program that combines study and work. As we explained in our article Discover how to work and study in New Zealand with an exchange program, this strategy allows you to develop local skills while building a network of professional contacts.
Networking: the key to success
Participating in professional events, LinkedIn groups, and industry associations can open doors that curriculums alone cannot. New Zealanders value genuine relationships and personal referrals.
Local certifications
Some professions require specific New Zealand certifications. Investing in these qualifications demonstrates commitment and makes hiring easier.
Wages and cost of living in 2025
The minimum wage in New Zealand is NZ$ 23.50 per hour in 2025, reflecting the country's commitment to fair wages. For qualified professionals, salaries are significantly higher:
- Registered nurses: NZ$ 55,000 - NZ$ 75,000
- Software developers: NZ$ 70,000 - NZ$ 130,000
- Engineers: NZ$ 75,000 - NZ$ 140,000
- Teachers: NZ$ 50,000 - NZ$ 85,000
Work-life balance
New Zealand is famous for valuing work-life balance. Most jobs offer 4 weeks of annual vacation in addition to excellent health benefits.
Be Easy
If you dream of building an international career in New Zealand, Be Easy is here to make that dream a reality. Our specialized team offers full support, from choosing the ideal program to preparing for the New Zealand labor market. With the program Study and Work in New Zealand, you combine professional development with international experience. Get in touch with us and discover how we can help you seize the opportunities of 2025 in New Zealand!
