Doctor's Salary in New Zealand: Complete Guide

In New Zealand, the pay for doctors is fair. The doctors' salary in New Zealand ranges from NZ$92,000 to NZ$100,000 or ₹46 lakh-50 lakh annually. Salaries may vary substantially depending on qualifications, experience, and position. It is critical for international medical students who want to pursue a study abroad option to understand the pay dynamics inside the New Zealand medical sector.

New Zealand Healthcare System: Overview

The New Zealand medical system adheres to the universal public model. So, if you are a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand, you are entitled to medical treatment at little or no cost. You are also eligible if you are an employee with a New Zealand work visa that is valid for at least two years. It is one of the world's top 20 healthcare systems. The world-class healthcare system makes it a top choice for those wishing to pursue medical education and study abroad.

What is Average Doctor's Salary in New Zealand

An average doctor's salary in New Zealand falls between NZ$92,000 to NZ$1 lakh per year.

Additional Benefits and Incentives for Doctors in New Zealand

A flexible work environment is one of the most popular non-mandatory benefits in New Zealand. KiwiSaver, a mandatory benefit, is a voluntary savings plan provided to all new employees aged 18 to 65. Its goal is to assist employees prepare for retirement. The standard employee contribution rate is 3%. 

Employers must provide accident insurance to all employees in the workplace for both work and non-work-related accidents. Coverage ranges between 0.71 and 1% of the employer's monthly payroll.

Average Doctor’s Salary in New Zealand: Region-wise Division 

Let’s find out the region-wise average salary of a Doctor in New Zealand.

What is Average Doctor's Salary in Auckland

The average Doctor's Salary in Auckland ranges from NZ$92,000 to NZ$1 lakh/year.

What is Average Doctor’s Salary in Christchurch

The average Doctor's Salary in Christchurch ranges from NZ$70,000 - NZ$2 lakh/yr. 

What is Average Doctor's Salary in Wellington

The average Doctor's Salary in Wellington ranges from NZ$93,000 - NZ$1 lakh/yr. 

What is Average Doctor’s Salary in Hamilton

A Doctor in Hamilton normally earns roughly NZ$222,300 per year.

What is Average Doctor's Salary in Tauranga

The average salary of a Doctor in Tauranga City, Bay of Plenty region, is NZ$172,709 per year.

What is Average Doctor’s Salary in Lower Hutt

The average salary of a Doctor in Tauranga City, Bay of Plenty region, is NZ$172,709 per year.

What is Average Doctor’s Salary in Dunedin

The average doctor salary in Dunedin is NZ$176,454 per year.

What is Average Doctor’s Salary in Palmerston North

The average annual salary for doctors in Palmerston North is NZ$207,057 per year.

What is Average Doctor’s Salary in Napier

The average annual salary for doctors in Napier is NZ$210,063 per year.

What is Average Doctor’s Salary in Hibiscus Coast

The average annual salary of a Doctor in the Hibiscus Coast of Auckland region is NZ$172,709.

What is Average Doctor’s Salary in Porirua

Physicians in Porirua City, Wellington, earn around NZ$172,709 per year. 

What is Average Doctor’s Salary in New Plymouth

The annual compensation for physicians in New Plymouth is approximately NZ$172,709. 

What is Average Doctor’s Salary in Rotorua

Physician salary in Rotorua, Bay of Plenty, is approximately NZ$172,709 per year. 

What is Average Doctor’s Salary in Whangārei

Physician salaries in Whangarei average around NZ$172,709 per year. 

What is Average Doctor’s Salary in Nelson

Physician salaries in Nelson average NZ$172,709 per year. 

Average Doctor’s Salary in New Zealand: Department-Wise

Now, let’s look at the department-wise annual salaries of the doctors in New Zealand.

What is Average Salary of General Practitioners Doctor in New Zealand

General Practitioner Doctors in New Zealand make an average annual salary of NZ$217,856.

What is Average Salary of Gastroenterologists in New Zealand

Gastroenterologists in New Zealand make an average annual salary of NZ$316,677.

What is Average Salary of Oncologists in New Zealand

In New Zealand, oncologists make an average of NZ$30,000 per month.

What is Average Salary of Cardiologists in New Zealand

The annual salary for cardiologists in New Zealand is NZ$77,000.

What is Average Salary of Dermatologists in New Zealand

Dermatologists in New Zealand earn between NZD$250,000 and NZD$300,000 per year.

What is Average Salary of Neurologists in New Zealand

The annual compensation for a neurologist in New Zealand is between NZ$200,000 and NZ$400,000. 

What is Average Salary of Endocrinologists in New Zealand

Endocrinologists in New Zealand earn approximately NZ$369,023 per year.

What is Average Salary of Pediatricians in New Zealand

Pediatrician Salaries in New Zealand are NZ$96K to NZ$105K per year.

What is Average Salary of Psychiatrists in New Zealand

In New Zealand, a psychiatrist's annual income is approximately NZ$195,803. 

What is Average Salary of Radiologists in New Zealand

Radiologists in New Zealand earn an average annual income of NZ$194,959.

What is Average Salary of Surgeons in New Zealand

Surgeons in New Zealand earn an average annual pay of NZ$230,605.

Requirements & Qualifications to be a Doctor in New Zealand

The requirements and qualifications for Doctors in New Zealand are as follows:

Supervised Practice:

• Except for New Zealand and Australian graduates with completed internships in either country, all new registrants must undergo supervised practice in New Zealand to familiarize themselves with the healthcare system.
• During this period, they work under a provisional general scope of practice and are assessed by senior consultants.
• Completion of specific requirements is necessary to transition to a general scope of practice.

NZREX or New Zealand Registration Examination:

• For those who don't meet the requirements for provisional general scope, the NZREX exam is an alternative.
• Eligibility criteria include holding a medical degree listed in the Avicenna International Medical Education Directory and meeting English language proficiency standards (e.g., IELTS or OET).
• Passing USMLE steps one and two (clinical knowledge) is also required. Additional qualifications may apply, such as passing the AMC MCQ exam or the PLAB Part one within the last five years.

Provisional Vocational Registration:

• Doctors meeting admission requirements for medical specialties can apply for provisional vocational registration.
• The Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) and relevant Australasian colleges assess qualifications, training, and experience. Supervision or assessment may be necessary before granting registration.

General Practice Registration:

• In New Zealand, general practice falls under a branch of medicine, allowing GPs to apply for vocational registration.

Application Process:

• All registration applications (excluding vocational) are processed only when the doctor has a confirmed job offer under supervision.
• Prospective employers review and submit applications to the MCNZ along with supporting documentation.

Licensing & Certification for MBBS Doctors in New Zealand

The licensing and certification requirements for MBBS Doctors in New Zealand are:

• English language proficiency is a prerequisite for registration or sitting the NZREX Clinical exam.
• MBBS doctors not listed on the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) register need to provide:
• Certificate of medical registration with AHPRA.
• Certificate or license indicating current full or General Medical Registration in a comparable health system within the last 48 months.
• Provide evidence of completion of specialist training, if applicable.
• A recognized primary medical qualification from a university listed on the World Directory of Medical Schools is necessary for registration for the NZREX Clinical exam.
• Certificates of professional status (COPS) are required for doctors to confirm good standing when applying for registration, restoration, or returning to practice in New Zealand after practicing outside the country.

Conclusion 

Doctors in New Zealand get paid fairly within a universal public health service that ensures fair access to medical treatment. Medical study in New Zealand offers access to world-class education at top universities. upGrad too offers several aligned courses. Taking medical courses with upGrad can be a valuable experience for budding doctors all over the world.