Electrician vs Plumber salary
In New Zealand, a plumber earns about 3% more than a electrician — $71,394 vs $69,091 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 | Electrician | Plumber |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $47,328 | $48,882 |
| 25th | $58,209 | $60,167 |
| Median | $69,091 | $71,394 |
| 75th | $82,391 | $85,155 |
| Senior (90th) | $95,692 | $98,858 |
National New Zealand figures in NZD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Skilled Trades comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a electrician or plumber earn more in New Zealand?
- A plumber earns more, at about $124,000 per year vs $120,000 for a electrician — roughly 3% ($4,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in New Zealand?
- A electrician typically earns $82,200–$166,200, while a plumber earns $84,900–$171,700 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in New Zealand?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a electrician averages about $10,000 and a plumber about $10,300.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in New Zealand, a electrician earns about $82,200 while a plumber earns about $84,900 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in New Zealand, a electrician earns about $166,200 while a plumber earns about $171,700 per year.
- Are electrician and plumber 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.