From impressive Auckland high-rises to elegant residential properties scattered throughout the country’s scenic islands, the construction industry is vital to shaping New Zealand’s future. Over the past year (March 2022–March 2023), the construction industry experienced the third-highest growth of any sector in the country, up 9.4% or $1.2 billion dollars, according to the New Zealand Government. For all of this new work to be done, construction businesses need a workforce equipped with the necessary skills to tackle projects. In the first quarter of 2023 (January–March), this increased growth has reflected a 0.9% increase in filled jobs. In real terms, that’s 1,609 new jobs!
This is where your expertise is valuable! Professionals with experience in planning, design, execution, management, or maintenance are highly sought after in the industry, because people with these skills can be indispensable. To help you capitalise on your abilities, we’ve created a comprehensive overview of the most in-demand and highest-earning construction jobs in New Zealand, giving you the information you need to make a positive, informed decision about which career path you aim for in the upcoming years.
Why is There so Much Demand for Construction Jobs?
With New Zealand’s population on the rise, so is the natural consequence of its urbanisation – and as cities expand, so does the need for housing, commercial spaces, and public amenities. This growth creates demand for construction professionals who can take on a variety of jobs: and that’s where demand for construction labour comes from. Businesses are kicking off new projects in transportation, infrastructure, public facilities and more, so there’s no shortage of projects that need experienced planners, managers, and workers. And, as the government invests more into solving the housing crisis, as well as in education, healthcare, and public infrastructure, the demand for construction workers will only keep growing.
But it’s not all just about that new-project glamour. Maintenance and renovation remains equally important: it would be remiss to forget existing structures, like ageing infrastructure and historical buildings. For example, the 2011 Christchurch earthquake necessitated massive rebuilding and recovery efforts that required skilled professionals to repair and reinforce damaged buildings. And with governmental emphasis on sustainable development, plenty of opportunities remain for construction professionals to engage in innovative and eco-friendly projects.
The Most In-Demand Construction Jobs in New Zealand
In this list, we’ve summarised some of the most in-demand and highest paying jobs in construction and collected them all in one place to save you the hassle of having to trawl through job-seeking websites. Using data from seek.co.nz, the service our consultants provide, and actual figures put on the table to our candidates, we’ve ensured you only get the most concrete and trustworthy numbers.
As you look for a role, don’t forget to keep in mind the potential factors that can influence earnings: experience and expertise; job location; project size and complexity, and more. All these are factors that can influence the demand and supply of labour, cost of living, and the skills and qualifications required for different construction jobs. For instance, in the specific geographic context of New Zealand, you may find that salaries in Wellington outstrip the median, while salaries in Auckland may even outperform those in Wellington.
Experienced and skilled workers, for example, can perform more specialised tasks, handle more responsibilities, supervise other workers, and may subsequently possess more bargaining power and opportunities to negotiate their salaries with employers. Ignoring the obvious impact geographical cost of living can have on salaries, local levels of construction activity means that job locations can also affect both project and resource availability or demand for construction labour. Large, complex projects often demand more labour, materials, equipment, and time, leading to increased risks and challenges like safety concerns, environmental effects, or technical issues. These factors can also impact salaries when compared to smaller or simpler projects.
Project Directors: Average Annual Salary of $270,000 to $320,000
Construction Project Directors hold the top position in overseeing construction projects. Their responsibilities involve planning, coordinating, and directing multiple projects while managing resources, budgets, timelines, and personnel. They aim to complete projects on time, within budget, and to the satisfaction of stakeholders. Collaborating with architects, engineers, and other professionals, they ensure projects are completed safely, efficiently, and at the highest quality.
To work as a Project Director, you’ll need to possess strong leadership and people management skills along with first-hand experience in the industry. Additionally, a thorough understanding of NZS3910 and the contractual aspects of construction is crucial. Ideally, Construction Project Directors should hold a relevant tertiary qualification (in construction or engineering, for example) and have obtained a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
As the highest paid role on our list, Project Directors require a broad, deep skillset to match, one which brings together problem solving, industry knowledge, leadership skills, and the ability to manage several layers of an organisation.
Project Managers: Average Annual Salary of $100,000 to $200,000
A pivotal role in the construction industry, Project Managers are amongst the highest earners in New Zealand. Tasked with overseeing each aspect of a construction project from inception to completion, these professionals possess exceptional leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. Their responsibilities involve resource allocation, planning, execution, and project evaluation to ensure timely completion, budget adherence, and an observance of highest quality standards.
Project management is an occupation with a skill shortage and a strong future growth outlook. The nation’s focus on infrastructure and utility development allows Project Managers to shine, increasing demand in a skillset that can handle overseeing large-scale and multi-disciplinary projects. Experienced project managers are in high demand, particularly in areas with significant construction activity like Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, ensuring a consistent need for their skills.
You may have noticed the variance in this salary band is a massive $100,000; this is because Project Managers’ salaries are highly dependent on specialisation and location. Recruiting for roles within Wellington has led our team to note that:
- Residential Project Manager salaries average between $100,000–$150,000;
- Commercial Project Manager salaries average between $150,000–$200,000, and;
- Infrastructure Project Manager salaries average between $130,000–$180,000.
Construction and Operations Managers: Average Annual Salary of $200,000 to $240,000
Construction and Operations Managers collaborate with construction companies or governmental organisations on various projects, such as residential buildings, commercial structures, and large-scale infrastructure. They oversee a project from beginning to end, managing labour, finances, resources, and timelines effectively.
Construction Managers need to interpret architectural drawings and specifications, requiring them to possess an attention to detail and the ability to visualise what blueprints will look like as a finished construction. They coordinate labour resources and handle procurement and delivery of materials and equipment using strong communication and multitasking skills. They also negotiate with building owners, property developers, and subcontractors to keep the project moving smoothly.
When it comes to salaries, Construction Managers typically earn an average annual salary of $165,000 to $185,000, depending on experience and project complexity. As a high-paying role, Construction Managers are invaluable in keeping projects running smoothly. They serve as the backbone of the construction industry in New Zealand.
Site Manager: Average Annual Salary of $105,000 to $160,000
In the world of construction, Site Managers are the ones who keep everything running smoothly on-site. They have an extensive understanding of building construction, from earthwork to interior completion, and they’re responsible for supervising work on-site, arranging council inspections, and managing site safety. In this kind of role, you’ll need to have excellent technical and planning skills, alongside commercial construction experience. You’ll also need to be committed to site health and safety guidelines, making sure that everyone on-site is safe and protected.
In terms of salary, Site Managers typically earn an average annual salary of around $115,000, but this is especially contingent on their experience, location, and the scope of the project in question. As the ones who problem-solve and manage individual workers and contractors, making sure to resolve any issues that may arise at the worksite, project size may thus result in more or less compensation.
Quantity Surveyors or Estimators: Average Annual Salary of $100,000 to $170,000
Professionals who manage costs and budgets of construction projects, Quantity Surveyors or Estimators are also known as cost consultants or commercial managers. They work with architects, engineers, contractors, and clients to ensure timely deliverance and budget adherence for projects.
Quantity Surveyors have a variety of tasks, such as contract negotiation, progress monitoring, change evaluation, and dispute resolution. They also advise on risk management, procurement strategies, sustainability issues, and legal matters. Quantity Estimators, on the other hand, predict the cost of a project before it starts, performing detailed cost analysis and identifying potential cost overruns – performing similar tasks as a Surveyor, but focusing more on preemptive cost control, ensuring that projects start with a solid, cost-effective foundation.
The skillset of a Quantity Surveyor or Estimator is particularly helpful in natural disaster resolution, having to assess damages and plan repairs. As construction projects increase in complexity and scale, so does demand for expertise and oversight from quantity surveyors. With the ageing of the nation’s workforce and a lack of qualified graduates creating a gap in the supply of Quantity Surveyors and Estimators, this is a perfect opportunity for you to come up to bat. As a role highly dependant on experience, our team notes that:
- A less experienced Quantity Surveyor averages between $100,000–$120,000;
- A more experienced Quantity Surveyor averages between $130,000–$160,000.
Commercial Managers: Average Annual Salary of $180,000 to $250,000
Evolving from Quantity Surveyors, Commercial Managers rise to handle a wider range of tasks – overseeing risk and procurement as well as contract, people, and financial management. Maintaining economic efficiency, these experts mitigate risks and optimise expenditure for maximum project value. Essentially the top commercial role, they bridge the gap between the technical and the financial.
As procurement specialists, they ensure profitability through strategically securing resources, negotiating contracts, and managing logistics. As people managers (often directing entire teams of quantity surveyors), they foster team collaboration and growth, contributing to project success. Ensuring compliance and fairness, they also navigate contract management with a meticulous eye for detail that can make or break a project.
Sitting amongst the top bracket of high-earning jobs we’ve listed in this article, a Commercial Manager’s unique blend of financial acuity, risk management, negotiation skills, and leadership are highly sought after. If you’re a Quantity Surveyor aspiring for career progression, the Commercial Manager role offers an exciting peak to strive for.
Civil Engineers: Average Annual Salary of $100,000 to $150,000
Civil engineers design, manage, and build various infrastructures, analysing sites for project feasibility and using specialised software to develop designs. Specialising within the role is possible as well – you could become a Structural Engineer, focusing more on the safety of load bearing structures where you’ll do a lot of maths calculating loads and stresses in the context of their appropriate materials.
As New Zealand commits to its infrastructure, Civil Engineers remain essential. Civil Engineers not only will have to assess conditions and propose solutions for old and existing infrastructure, they also will have to design and implement sustainable and efficient systems for the infrastructure of the future – renewable energy projects, better transport networks and urban planning, and disaster resilience. You’ll be the one coming up with green technologies and methods that reduce the nation’s carbon imprint – reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving water quality, and minimising waste generation.
Architects: Average Annual Salary of $100,000 to $145,000
Architects plan the design and alteration of building projects, employing creative flair to create building plans both practically and aesthetically pleasing. Envisioning and drawing designs both by hand and computer-aided design (CAD) applications, Architects design around constraining factors such as project budgets, local council legislation, town planning, and environmental impacts – all while making sure the project comes together as planned. And that’s not to mention conferring with builders about project feasibility, applying for planning permission, and writing and presenting reports, applications, proposals, and contracts. Sounds like a lot of work!
Architects must be adaptable, adjusting plans based on local government feedback and resolving issues during construction. Advising clients and working with professionals like Engineers, Surveyors, Builders, and Lawyers, Architects typically earn an average annual salary of $105,000 to $125,000, depending on experience and project complexity.
Carpenters or Builders: Average Annual Salary of $65,000 to $90,000
Working with wood and other materials to build, install, and repair structures and fixtures for residential constructions, commercial constructions, and industrial clients, Carpenters interpret blueprints and employ various tools to cut, shape, and join wood and other materials according to specifications – ranging anywhere from erecting a multi-story wooden plyscraper outdoors to hammering together a bedroom wardrobe indoors. Builders are the next step following Carpenters – qualified for larger construction projects as well as managing teams or businesses.
From building and renovating homes and businesses to installing wooden elements such as frames, floors, roofs, doors, windows, cabinets, and furniture, wood has been and still is one of the most fundamental materials pervasive in our everyday lives – a fact that will always ensure demand for Carpenters and Builders. Not to mention more esoteric cases of demand, such as the need for restoring and preserving heritage buildings, which require Carpenters and Builders with mastery in traditional techniques and materials to repair and maintain wooden features.
Tips for Securing the Highest Paid Construction Jobs in New Zealand
When searching for your ideal high-paying construction job, consider obtaining relevant certifications and qualifications to show your competence and professionalism, gaining hands-on experience to further build your portfolio. Specific courses or training programs that cover topics such as health and safety, building codes, project management, or technical skills can be brilliant on your resume.
Developing strong interpersonal and communication skills is crucial for interactions with clients and fellow construction workers, as well as networking and establishing connections to access more opportunities. If you’d like to do even more homework, a crucial trick up your sleeve to guarantee you the competitive advantage would be to stay ahead of industry trends and advancements by reading industry publications or attending workshops and webinars.
Good Luck Finding your Ideal Construction Job!
We hope we’ve clearly explained how vital the construction industry is to New Zealand’s economy in how it provides infrastructure and employment opportunities, as well as which jobs will pay the highest salaries to workers. Facing challenges such as project complexity and changing regulations, the construction industry needs a skilled workforce to deliver high-quality results more than ever before. Not only is demand high, so is pay – and the chance to make a positive impact for New Zealand!
If you’d like to play a significant role in shaping New Zealand’s infrastructure, economy, and future, then we can offer the construction specialist recruitment services you need to succeed. Archway is committed to connecting great employers to quality candidates. Check out our latest jobs, submit a vacancy, or learn more about our deep specialisation in the construction sector for more information.
