Doctor's Salary in New Zealand: A Complete Guide to Earnings and Career Growth

Did you know? New Zealand faces shortages in certain medical specialties, particularly General Practitioners (GPs). Other in-demand specialties include rural dentists, psychiatrists, emergency medicine physicians, and obstetricians/gynaecologists.

New Zealand offers competitive salaries for doctors, with annual earnings ranging from NZD 215,000 (INR 1 crore) to NZD 220,000 (INR 1.1 crore) for many roles. Entry-level house officers earn up to NZD 85,000 (INR 43 lakh), while experienced registrars make up to NZD 180,000 (INR 91 lakh).

If you're an Indian student thinking about studying in New Zealand in the medical field, it's essential to consider these salary trends and the career progression they reflect. This blog will help you guide through the doctor’s salary in New Zealand, along with the high-paying jobs in New Zealand's healthcare system.

Average Doctor's Salary in New Zealand: Overview and Key Statistics

Salaries can differ between the public and private sectors. For instance, physicians employed by Te Whatu Ora (Health New Zealand) earn up to NZD 251,000 (INR 1.2C), while those in private practice may earn higher amounts. 

Similarly, general practitioners in private practice can earn up to NZD 355,000 (INR 1.7 C) annually. These figures highlight the financial rewards and career opportunities available to medical professionals in New Zealand.

Let's look at the detailed key statistics for Doctor's Salary in New Zealand below: 

Criteria	Details
Total Doctors in New Zealand	17,000
Education Duration	UG Medical Course: 6 years Postgraduate Training: House Officer: Undertake 2 years of supervised practice in hospitals. Specialization: 4–6 years of registrar training.
Specialization Degrees	Fellowship of the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (FRNZCGP) Fellowship of the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (FACEM) Fellowship of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (FRANZCP) Fellowship of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (FANZCA)
Average Salary of Doctors	NZD 160,000 – NZD 250,000 (INR 81L-1.2C) per year
Entry Requirements	Complete the Health Sciences First Year (HSFY) program or a Bachelor of Health Sciences (BSc in Biomedical Science. High academic performance in key subjects such as biology or biomedical science. For Auckland, a competitive score in the University Clinical Aptitude Test for Australia and New Zealand (UCAT ANZ).
Licensing Requirements for International Candidates	Must be from a medical college listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools, such as South Seas University or James Cook School of Medicine. Pass the New Zealand Registration Examination (NZREX Clinical). Complete 2 years under supervision as a House Officer (PGY1 and PGY2). After completing prevocational training, apply for vocational registration in a chosen specialty.

As you've seen, a doctor's salary in New Zealand can vary based on several factors, including location and experience. One of the most significant determinants is specialization. 

Let's discuss how much doctors earn in different specialties and what drives those variations across the business field.

Doctor Salaries in New Zealand Based on Specializations

The Medical Council of New Zealand reports that specialists with 10+ years of experience earn approximately 35% more than their early-career counterparts, with public sector physicians typically earning less than private practice. 

Their earnings can exceed NZD 300,000 (INR 1.5Cr) for in-demand specialties such as emergency medicine and obstetrics.

Let's look at a clear breakdown of salary expectations for doctors in New Zealand across different fields.

Specialization	Average Annual Salary (NZD)	Average Annual Salary (INR)
General Practice (GP)	260,765	1.3 Cr
Emergency Medicine	200,000	1 Cr
Psychiatry	220,000	1.1 Cr
Anaesthesia	125,000	63.2L
General Surgery	170,000	86L
Internal Medicine	80,000	40.4L

Source: Glassdoor, Payscale, Talent

Note: The currency conversion from NZD to INR is based on the current exchange rates.

Let's see how salary expectations for doctors in New Zealand compare across different states, such as Queensland and New South Wales.

Average Doctor's Salary in New Zealand by State

Northland and rural regions offer enhanced remuneration packages with up to NZD 175,000 (INR 88.5L) base salaries plus retention bonuses to address persistent staffing challenges. 

Metropolitan specialists who complete PG courses in New Zealand earn approximately 15% more than their rural counterparts before incentives. However, this gap narrows when considering total compensation packages to attract physicians to underserved areas.

Below is a quick overview of the Doctor's Salary in New Zealand by state:

State/Major City	Average Annual Salary (NZD)	Average Annual Salary (INR)
Auckland (Auckland)	212,500	1 Cr
Wellington (Wellington)	1,00,000	50.5L
Canterbury (Christchurch)	111,990	50.7L
Waikato (Hamilton)	187,500	94.9L
Bay of Plenty (Rotorua)	230,000	1.1C
Taranaki (New Plymouth)	180,000	91L

Source: Glassdoor

Note: The currency conversion is based on the current exchange rate.

Next, let's explore how salaries for Doctors in New Zealand vary by experience level, from entry-level positions to those of seasoned professionals.

Average Doctor's Salary in New Zealand by Experience Level

Career progression in New Zealand's healthcare system typically involves a 6% annual salary increase during training years. Thus, experience plays an essential role in your salary hike.

Senior consultants with over 15 years of experience earn NZD 124,839 (INR 63.1L) in public hospitals. Those combining public work with private practice can earn over NZD 350,000 (INR 17.8L)  annually.

Here's how a Doctor's salary in New Zealand can differ based on experience: 

Doctor Level	Average Annual Salary (NZD)	Average Annual Salary (INR)
Entry-Level (1-3 years)	64,000-20,500	(INR 32.4L- 10.3L)
Mid-career (4-6 years)	85,000 to 150,000	(INR 43L- 76L)
Senior (10+ years)	200,000 to 500,000	(INR 1 Cr- 2.5 Cr)

        Source: Medrecruit

Note: Public employers offer structured pay and benefits, while private companies provide higher earnings but add additional responsibilities and income variability. 

Let's compare doctor’s salary in New Zealand to those in other key countries, gaining a global perspective on compensation.

Also read 10 Top Reasons to Study in New Zealand

Doctor's Salary in New Zealand vs. Other Countries: A Global Pay Comparison

General practitioners in New Zealand earn NZD 120,000 (INR 60.7L) annually, comparable to Canada but trailing Australia's AUD 150,000. 

The Ministry of Health notes that when adjusted for cost of living, New Zealand's physician compensation ranks mid-tier among OECD nations, offering better work-life balance with average workweeks of 44-50 hours versus 50-60 hours in the US.

To get a better understanding of this global scale comparison, here's a quick snapshot of it:

Country	Average Annual Salary (Local Currency)	Average Annual Salary (INR)
New Zealand	NZD 160,000	81L
Australia	AUD 157,942	86.7L
United States	USD 220,516	1.8 Cr
United Kingdom	GBP 68,997	78.9L
Canada	CAD 246,380	1.5 Cr
India	INR 5.7L	-

    Source: Glassdoor, Indeed

Note: Salaries listed are averages for Doctors. Specialist Doctors may earn significantly higher salaries depending on their area of expertise.

Highest Paying Countries for Doctors in 2025

In the United States, physicians and surgeons have median annual wages equal to or greater than USD 239,200 (INR 2 Cr), reflecting one of the highest compensation levels globally. In the United Kingdom, specialty doctors earn up to £95,400 (INR 1 Cr) annually.

When evaluating top career options in medical internationally, these variations underscore the importance of considering multiple factors, including salary, cost of living, and healthcare infrastructure.

The table below demonstrates the highest paying countries for doctors in 2025:

Country	Average Annual Salary (Local Currency)	Average Annual Salary (INR)
United States	USD 220,516	1.8 Cr
Canada	CAD 246,380	1.5 Cr
Australia	AUD 157,942	86.7L
New Zealand	NZD 160,000	81L
Luxembourg	EUR 151,800	1.4 Cr
Switzerland	CHF 76,500	78.5L

Source: Glassdoor, Indeed

Now, let's discuss the essential factors that affect salary expectations for doctors in New Zealand.

Also read New Zealand Student Visa: How to Apply & What You Need to Know

Key Factors Influencing Doctor Salaries in New Zealand

Various factors, including clinical experience, specialization, and the quality of educational and career support services, influence doctor salaries in New Zealand. 

Universities like the University of Auckland are pivotal in shaping these outcomes through structured internships, comprehensive career services, and strong graduate support.

Here are the specializations, internships, and research opportunities that can affect your medical career:

1. Specialization, Experience, and Location

Salaries vary significantly by medical specialty, with general practitioners earning between NZD 160,000 (INR 81L) and NZD 250,000 (INR 1.2C), and specialist consultants earning up to NZD 300,000 (INR 1.5C) or more annually.

• Experience is a significant factor; entry-level doctors (0–2 years) earn around NZD 130,500 (INR 66L), while those over 20 years earn up to NZD 324,100 (INR 1.6C) per year.
• Geographic location impacts earnings, with doctors in major cities like Auckland and Christchurch often receiving higher salaries due to greater demand and higher living costs.
• The employment setting also matters; doctors in private practice may earn more than those in the public sector, but they must account for business overheads.

2. Internships and Early Career Support

Medical graduates in New Zealand typically secure internships as house officers, which are essential for complete registration and career progression.

• New medical graduates find positions within a few months of completing their final exams, reflecting strong demand and effective university career services.
• Internships are structured and supported by organizations like Te Whatu Ora (Health New Zealand), ensuring consistent training and pay scales for junior doctors.

3. Career Services and Graduate Outcomes

New Zealand medical schools provide dedicated career services, including guidance on internship applications and support for transitioning into the workforce.

• Graduate outcomes are strong, and medical graduates secure employment quickly, with high retention rates in the workforce after initial training.
• Efforts to increase diversity among graduates have led to higher proportions of Māori and Pasifika doctors entering the workforce, reflecting broader healthcare priorities.

Let's move forward and discuss the steps to become a doctor in New Zealand.

Also read Education System in New Zealand: A Guide for International Students

How to Become a Doctor in New Zealand?

Becoming a doctor in New Zealand involves a stringent academic and clinical journey, typically starting with a pre-med year followed by a six-year Bachelor’s degree in Medicine and Surgery. After graduation, candidates must complete two years of supervised clinical work as house officers.

Let's understand this process in detail below:

Step 1: Complete Secondary Education

Start with strong academic performance in science subjects like Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. To enter a medical program in New Zealand, you must meet University Entrance (UE) requirements.

Step 2: Pursue a Medical Degree

Apply to one of the two leading universities offering accredited MB ChB (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) programs:

• University of Otago
• University of Auckland

Each program runs for six years and is highly competitive. For example, Otago offers around 250 seats annually, with thousands of applicants.

Entry Requirements include:

• High academic scores (NCEA Level 3 or equivalent)
• UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test)
• Personal interview

Step 3: Complete Clinical Internship

After your degree, undertake a one-year internship (House Officer year) in hospitals under supervision. This gives you hands-on clinical experience across various medical departments.

Step 4: Register with the Medical Council

Upon completing your internship, register with the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ). Registration is essential to practice legally and ensures compliance with medical standards.

Step 5: Choose to Specialize (Optional)

After working as a general practitioner, you may pursue specialization in fields like:

• Pediatrics
• Surgery
• Psychiatry

Specialization involves further training that can take several years.

Step 6: Maintain Ongoing Development

Doctors must regularly engage in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to stay updated with medical advancements and maintain MCNZ registration.

To become a doctor in New Zealand, complete secondary education in sciences, earn an MB ChB from a university like Otago or Auckland, and finish an internship. Further specialization is optional.

Now, let's look at the trends and future projections for salary expectations for doctors in New Zealand.

Doctor's Salary in New Zealand: Trends and Future Projections

New Zealand projects physician salaries to increase 3.5-4.2% annually through 2028, outpacing the national inflation rate. Specialist shortages drive compensation growth, particularly in radiology, psychiatry, and emergency medicine.

Here are the future projections and trends for salary expectations for doctors in New Zealand:

Role	Annual Salary Range	Projections
General Practitioners (GPs)	NZD 133,000 - NZD 267,000 (INR 67.3L - INR 1.3Cr)	Earnings can reach up to NZD 355,000 (INR 1.8Cr) with more experience or private practice
Specialist Physicians & Surgeons (Public)	NZD 170,000 - NZD 251,000 (INR 86L - INR 1.2Cr)	Public hospital roles
Specialist Physicians & Surgeons (Private)	Higher, depending on specialty and demand	Private sector roles may offer higher pay
Future Salary Outlook	Sustained demand for GPs and specialists, especially in rural areas	Ongoing investments and workforce retention strategies will positively impact salaries
Specialists in High-Need Fields	Faster salary growth expected	Fields like psychiatry, anaesthesia, and general medicine may see higher growth.

As you consider a medical career in New Zealand, here's how upGrad can simplify the process and provide expert guidance.

How Can upGrad Assist Doctors Prepare for Careers in New Zealand?

upGrad provides personalized support to guide professionals at every stage of their journey to becoming a practicing doctor in New Zealand. From selecting the right educational programs to landing job opportunities, here's how upGrad empowers you:

• Educational Program Guidance: We help you choose courses tailored to your career goals, ensuring you're fully prepared for New Zealand's medical landscape.
• Career Counseling & Job Placement: Gain access to top recruitment agencies to find roles that align with your skills and ambitions.
• Relocation & Integration Support: Receive expert advice on adapting to New Zealand, covering work-life balance, cultural adjustment, and building your professional network.

Do you want to learn more about the path to practicing medicine in New Zealand? Book your one-on-one session with upGrad experts today for a smooth and confident transition.