Pay by Role
New Zealand · Salary comparison

Physician Assistant vs Psychologist salary

In New Zealand, a physician assistant earns about 34% more than a psychologist $146,243 vs $109,395 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

Pays more
Healthcare
Physician Assistant
$146,243/yr
Monthly
$12,206
Hourly
$70
Range
$106,746$194,492
10-yr outlook
+27%
Healthcare
Psychologist
$109,395/yr
Monthly
$9,097
Hourly
$52
Range
$74,964$151,540
10-yr outlook
+6%

Pay range, side by side

PercentilePhysician AssistantPsychologist
Entry (10th)$106,746$74,964
25th$126,495$92,179
Median$146,243$109,395
75th$170,368$130,468
Senior (90th)$194,492$151,540

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

More Healthcare comparisons

Frequently asked questions

Does a physician assistant or psychologist earn more in New Zealand?
A physician assistant earns more, at about $254,000 per year vs $190,000 for a psychologist — roughly 34% ($64,000) more.
What is the salary range for these roles in New Zealand?
A physician assistant typically earns $185,400–$337,800, while a psychologist earns $130,200–$263,200 per year.
How much do these jobs pay per month in New Zealand?
On a monthly basis before tax, a physician assistant averages about $21,200 and a psychologist about $15,800.
How do entry-level salaries compare?
At the 10th percentile in New Zealand, a physician assistant earns about $185,400 while a psychologist earns about $130,200 per year.
How do senior-level salaries compare?
At the 90th percentile in New Zealand, a physician assistant earns about $337,800 while a psychologist earns about $263,200 per year.
Are physician assistant and psychologist similar careers?
Both roles sit in the Healthcare 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.