Carpenter vs Chef salary
In New Zealand, a chef earns about 23% more than a carpenter — $73,697 vs $59,879 per year.
Showing amounts in USD (USD default; source data is NZD). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Carpenter | Chef |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $40,994 | $47,155 |
| 25th | $50,437 | $60,455 |
| Median | $59,879 | $73,697 |
| 75th | $71,394 | $89,934 |
| Senior (90th) | $82,910 | $106,113 |
National New Zealand figures in NZD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Skilled Trades comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a carpenter or chef earn more in New Zealand?
- A chef earns more, at about $128,000 per year vs $104,000 for a carpenter — roughly 23% ($24,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in New Zealand?
- A carpenter typically earns $71,200–$144,000, while a chef earns $81,900–$184,300 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in New Zealand?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a carpenter averages about $8,700 and a chef about $10,700.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in New Zealand, a carpenter earns about $71,200 while a chef earns about $81,900 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in New Zealand, a carpenter earns about $144,000 while a chef earns about $184,300 per year.
- Are carpenter and chef similar careers?
- Both roles sit in the Skilled Trades category on Pay by Role, which is why we compare them head-to-head. Day-to-day work still differs — review each job page for skills and outlook.