Pay by Role
New Zealand · Salary comparison

IT Support Specialist vs Software Engineer salary

In New Zealand, a software engineer earns about 91% more than a it support specialist $117,455 vs $61,606 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

Technology
IT Support Specialist
$61,606/yr
Monthly
$5,124
Hourly
$29
Range
$44,967$81,931
10-yr outlook
+6%
Pays more
Technology
Software Engineer
$117,455/yr
Monthly
$9,788
Hourly
$56
Range
$75,194$169,159
10-yr outlook
+17%

Pay range, side by side

PercentileIT Support SpecialistSoftware Engineer
Entry (10th)$44,967$75,194
25th$53,316$96,325
Median$61,606$117,455
75th$71,797$143,307
Senior (90th)$81,931$169,159

National New Zealand figures in NZD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.

More Technology comparisons

Frequently asked questions

Does a it support specialist or software engineer earn more in New Zealand?
A software engineer earns more, at about $204,000 per year vs $107,000 for a it support specialist — roughly 91% ($97,000) more.
What is the salary range for these roles in New Zealand?
A it support specialist typically earns $78,100–$142,300, while a software engineer earns $130,600–$293,800 per year.
How much do these jobs pay per month in New Zealand?
On a monthly basis before tax, a it support specialist averages about $8,900 and a software engineer about $17,000.
How do entry-level salaries compare?
At the 10th percentile in New Zealand, a it support specialist earns about $78,100 while a software engineer earns about $130,600 per year.
How do senior-level salaries compare?
At the 90th percentile in New Zealand, a it support specialist earns about $142,300 while a software engineer earns about $293,800 per year.
Are it support specialist and software engineer similar careers?
Both roles sit in the Technology 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.