New Zealand's adult minimum wage went up on 1 April 2026. Here are the current rates, what they work out to over a week and a year, and what's left after tax.
The rates from 1 April 2026
| Rate | Per hour | Before 1 April 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Adult minimum wage | $23.95 | $23.50 |
| Starting-out minimum wage | $19.16 | $18.80 |
| Training minimum wage | $19.16 | $18.80 |
All rates are before tax. The starting-out and training rates are set at 80% of the adult rate.
What $23.95 an hour works out to
On a 40-hour week, the adult minimum wage is $958 a week before tax, or $49,816 a year over 52 weeks. That's 45 cents an hour more than before, which comes to $18 a week or $936 a year for someone on 40 hours.
And after tax?
For 2026–27, someone earning $49,816 on tax code ME (so they get the independent earner tax credit) takes home about:
- $804.58 a week with no KiwiSaver
- $771.06 a week with KiwiSaver at the default 3.5%
That's after income tax ($7,625.80 a year), the ACC earners' levy ($871.78) and the $520 tax credit.
Different hours, or a student loan? Put your own numbers in.
Open the take-home pay calculator →Who gets which rate
Most employees aged 16 and over get the adult rate. The starting-out rate can apply to some younger workers early in a job, and the training rate to employees 20 and over who are doing recognised industry training as part of their job. The rules for each have specific conditions, so check Employment New Zealand's guidance before paying or accepting either lower rate.
Common questions
Is the minimum wage before or after tax?
Before. Income tax, ACC, KiwiSaver and any student loan repayments come out of it.
Does the minimum wage apply to salaried staff?
Yes. A salary divided by the hours actually worked has to come out at or above the minimum wage.
When does it change next?
The government reviews it every year, and changes usually take effect on 1 April. Watch MBIE and Employment New Zealand for the announcement.
Sources: Employment New Zealand, Minimum wage is increasing on 1 April 2026; MBIE, Minimum wage set for 2026. Take-home figures use 2026–27 IRD tax rates and the ACC levy. Checked October 2026.