Physician vs Registered Nurse salary
In New Zealand, a physician earns about 115% more than a registered nurse — $200,365 vs $93,273 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$200,365/yr
- Monthly
- $16,697
- Hourly
- $96
- Range
- $128,222–$288,514
- 10-yr outlook
- +3%
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Physician | Registered Nurse |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $128,222 | $68,113 |
| 25th | $164,322 | $80,664 |
| Median | $200,365 | $93,273 |
| 75th | $244,468 | $108,646 |
| Senior (90th) | $288,514 | $124,077 |
National New Zealand figures in NZD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Healthcare comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a physician or registered nurse earn more in New Zealand?
- A physician earns more, at about $348,000 per year vs $162,000 for a registered nurse — roughly 115% ($186,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in New Zealand?
- A physician typically earns $222,700–$501,100, while a registered nurse earns $118,300–$215,500 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in New Zealand?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a physician averages about $29,000 and a registered nurse about $13,500.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in New Zealand, a physician earns about $222,700 while a registered nurse earns about $118,300 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in New Zealand, a physician earns about $501,100 while a registered nurse earns about $215,500 per year.
- Are physician and registered nurse 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.