Professor vs Teacher salary
In New Zealand, a professor earns about 71% more than a teacher — $108,243 vs $63,334 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 | Professor | Teacher |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $69,264 | $46,234 |
| 25th | $88,782 | $54,813 |
| Median | $108,243 | $63,334 |
| 75th | $132,080 | $73,813 |
| Senior (90th) | $155,859 | $84,234 |
National New Zealand figures in NZD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Education comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a professor or teacher earn more in New Zealand?
- A professor earns more, at about $188,000 per year vs $110,000 for a teacher — roughly 71% ($78,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in New Zealand?
- A professor typically earns $120,300–$270,700, while a teacher earns $80,300–$146,300 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in New Zealand?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a professor averages about $15,700 and a teacher about $9,200.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in New Zealand, a professor earns about $120,300 while a teacher earns about $80,300 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in New Zealand, a professor earns about $270,700 while a teacher earns about $146,300 per year.
- Are professor and teacher similar careers?
- Both roles sit in the Education 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.