Hiring mechanics in NZ is tough right now. There's a shortage of qualified technicians, and if you're not paying market rates, you'll lose good people to competitors. This guide covers what mechanics actually earn in 2025 so you can hire and retain the staff you need.
We've compiled data from SEEK, Indeed, PayScale, and industry sources to give you accurate, up-to-date salary information for every role in your workshop.
Average Hourly
$30-33
qualified mechanic
Senior/Master
$36-45
per hour
Apprentice Min
$18.80
training wage (Apr 2025)
↓ In this guide
🔧 Qualified Mechanic Wages (2025)
These rates are for trade-qualified automotive technicians with a Level 4 NZ Certificate or equivalent.
By Experience Level
| Experience | Hourly Rate | Annual Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-1 years) | $23 - $26 | $48k - $54k | Newly qualified, needs supervision |
| Early Career (1-4 years) | $26 - $30 | $54k - $62k | Building confidence and speed |
| Mid Career (5-9 years) | $30 - $35 | $62k - $73k | Fully productive, minimal supervision |
| Experienced (10+ years) | $33 - $40 | $69k - $83k | Can handle complex diagnostics |
| Senior/Master Technician | $36 - $45 | $75k - $94k | Leadership, complex work, training others |
💡 The $33-45 Range
According to Automotive Employment NZ, trade-qualified technicians are currently paid $33-$45/hour for new hires. The upper end is for certified master technicians, forepersons, or those with specialist franchise diagnostic skills.
What Affects Pay?
⬆️ Pays More
- • Diagnostic/scanner skills
- • Specific brand experience (European, etc.)
- • WoF inspector certification
- • Hybrid/EV training
- • Air conditioning certification
- • Team leadership experience
- • Hard-to-fill locations
⬇️ Pays Less
- • General servicing only
- • No diagnostic experience
- • High staff turnover areas
- • Smaller independent workshops
- • No additional certifications
- • Entry-level roles
🎓 Apprentice Wages
Minimum Wage Rates (April 2025)
| Category | Hourly Rate | Who Qualifies |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Minimum Wage | $23.50 | All employees 16+ (default) |
| Training/Starting-Out Wage | $18.80 | Apprentices in registered training (80% of adult min) |
⚠️ When You Can Pay Training Wage
You can only pay the training wage ($18.80/hr) if the apprentice is:
- • Aged 16-19 and doing at least 40 credits/year of industry training, OR
- • Aged 20+ and doing at least 60 credits/year of registered training
On-the-job training by your staff doesn't count. It must be a registered programme like MITO.
Typical Apprentice Progression
| Stage | Typical Rate | Annual | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $18.80 - $21 | $39k - $44k | Learning basics, observing, simple tasks |
| Year 2 | $21 - $24 | $44k - $50k | More independence, servicing work |
| Year 3 | $24 - $27 | $50k - $56k | Handling repairs, approaching qualified |
| Year 4 / Qualified | $26 - $30+ | $54k - $62k+ | Completing qualification, productive |
Apprenticeship Boost Scheme
💰 $500/Month Government Subsidy
The Apprenticeship Boost scheme provides employers $500/month per apprentice in their first year of training. Automotive apprenticeships (MITO) are included.
From January 2025: The scheme is now limited to first-year apprentices only (was previously first two years).
⚡ Specialist Roles
| Role | Hourly Rate | Annual Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy Diesel Mechanic | $32 - $40 | $85k - $105k | Trucks, buses, heavy machinery |
| Diesel Mechanic | $30 - $38 | $62k - $79k | Light and medium diesel |
| Auto Electrician | $35 - $50 | $73k - $104k | Especially with A/C + diesel skills |
| European Specialist | $35 - $45 | $73k - $94k | BMW, Mercedes, Audi, VW expertise |
| Workshop Foreman | $38 - $48 | $79k - $100k | Supervisory + technical |
| Service Manager | $70k - $95k salary | $70k - $95k | Usually salaried, not hourly |
⚡ Auto Electricians in High Demand
Auto electricians with both automotive and heavy diesel experience, plus air conditioning certification, are commanding $40-$50/hour in some regions. They're among the hardest-to-fill positions.
📍 Regional Differences
Wages vary across New Zealand. Auckland typically pays the most due to higher living costs, but some regional areas pay premiums for hard-to-fill positions.
| Region | Qualified Rate | vs National Avg | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auckland | $32 - $38 | +5-10% | Highest wages, highest competition |
| Wellington | $30 - $36 | +3-5% | Government fleet work available |
| Christchurch | $29 - $35 | Average | Steady demand, good supply |
| Hamilton / Tauranga | $28 - $34 | Average | Growing regions |
| Regional NZ | $26 - $33 | -5-10% | Lower cost of living, less competition |
| Remote/Rural | $30 - $40+ | Premium | Hard to fill = higher pay |
💼 Total Cost of Employment
Remember, the hourly rate isn't your only cost. Factor in these additional expenses:
| Cost Item | Approximate % | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Base Wage | 100% | The agreed hourly/salary rate |
| KiwiSaver (Employer) | 3% | Minimum employer contribution |
| ACC Levies | ~1.5-2% | Work levy varies by industry risk |
| Annual Leave (4 weeks) | ~8% | Paid time off |
| Sick Leave (10 days) | ~4% | Statutory entitlement |
| Public Holidays (11 days) | ~4% | If they would normally work that day |
| Total On-Costs | ~120-125% | Multiply base wage by 1.20-1.25 |
🧮 Quick Calculator
A mechanic on $35/hour actually costs you approximately $42-44/hour when you include KiwiSaver, ACC, and leave entitlements. Budget accordingly.
🎯 Hiring Tips for Workshop Owners
Pay Market Rates (Or Above)
In a tight market, underpaying means losing good people. Check SEEK and Indeed regularly for current rates in your area.
Consider the Full Package
Beyond wages: tool allowances, training opportunities, work environment, flexible hours. These matter to good technicians.
Train Your Own
Apprentices are an investment. With the $500/month Apprenticeship Boost, it's more affordable than ever. Train them well and they'll stay.
Review Annually
Wages are rising. Review pay annually and adjust. A good mechanic leaving costs more than a pay rise.
👥
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Start Free Trial❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How much do mechanics earn in NZ in 2025? ▼
Qualified mechanics in NZ earn $30-$33/hour on average ($62k-$69k/year). Entry-level starts around $23-$26/hour, while senior/master technicians earn $36-$45/hour. Heavy diesel and auto electricians can earn more.
What is the minimum wage for an apprentice mechanic in NZ? ▼
From April 2025, the training wage is $18.80/hour (80% of adult minimum). This only applies if the apprentice is in a registered training programme like MITO. Otherwise, the full adult minimum wage of $23.50/hour applies.
How much do diesel mechanics earn in NZ? ▼
Diesel mechanics earn $30-$38/hour on average. Heavy diesel mechanics working on trucks and machinery earn more - typically $32-$40/hour or $85,000-$105,000 annually. Experience with specific brands commands higher rates.
What is the Apprenticeship Boost payment? ▼
Apprenticeship Boost is a government subsidy paying employers $500/month per first-year apprentice. Automotive apprenticeships through MITO are eligible. From January 2025, it only covers the first year (previously covered two years).
How much does it really cost to employ a mechanic? ▼
Add approximately 20-25% on top of the base wage for KiwiSaver (3%), ACC levies (~2%), annual leave (8%), sick leave (4%), and public holidays (4%). A $35/hour mechanic costs about $42-44/hour total.