Astronomer Salary in New Zealand: Based on Experience, Location & Roles

Are you fascinated by the stars and considering a career as an astronomer in New Zealand? This rewarding profession combines scientific discovery with competitive salaries, influenced by factors like experience, education, location, and employer. An Astronomer salary in New Zealand is not only competitive but also reflects the growing demand for skilled professionals in New Zealand.

This complete, detailed article explores everything you need to know about astronomer pay scales in the country. We will break down the astronomer salary in New Zealand in an easy way that is quick to understand.

How Much Does an Astronomer Earn in New Zealand?

The average yearly astronomer salary in New Zealand is around NZD 209,700, which means a monthly salary of approximately NZD 17,475. Entry-level positions or junior roles can expect a starting salary of about NZD 111,700 per year or NZD 9,308 per month. On the higher end, experienced astronomers or those in senior roles can expect to earn NZD 318,000 yearly, translating to around NZD 26,500 each month. 

Becoming an astronomer in New Zealand is not just fascinating but also one of the most rewarding careers. The salary for astronomers in New Zealand can vary based on experience, location, and the type of organisation you work with. This makes astronomy in New Zealand a rewarding career path, both intellectually and financially. 

Here is a list of the highest-paying jobs in New Zealand in 2025

Astronomer Salary in New Zealand Based On Experience

The average salary for an astronomer in New Zealand may vary significantly based on the level of working experience. Here is a breakdown of astronomer and astronomy-related salaries in New Zealand, broken down by experience level based on available data and typical career stages: 

Experience Level	Average Salary Per Year
0-2 Years	NZD 127,600
2-5 Years	NZD 156,200
5-10 Years	NZD 222,300
10-15 Years	NZD 257,500
15-20 Years	NZD 285,300
20+ Years	NZD 300,500

Astronomer Salary in New Zealand Based On Education Level 

The salary structure for an astronomer in New Zealand may vary by the level of education qualification. Here is an overview of astronomer salaries in New Zealand based on education level. According to SalaryExplore estimated salary range for professionals in astronomy by their education level: 

Education	Average Salary Per Year
Bachelor’s Degree	NZD 142,300
Master’s Degree	NZD 280,400

Astronomer Salary in New Zealand Based On Companies

Astronomy-related roles in New Zealand vary significantly from explorers from academic institutions like the University of Canterbury to space tech firms such as Rocket Lab. Salaries range from modest structured academic scales to competitive industry packages, depending on the organisation and level of technical expertise. Here is an overview of Astronomers’ salaries in New Zealand based on different companies:

Companies	Average Salary Per Year
University of Canterbury	NZD 85,000
Crown Research Institutes	NZD 106,000
Astro‑Tourism & Stargazing Operations	NZD 75,000
Commercial Space & Data Science Companies	NZD 130,000
NZ Universities	NZD 92,000
Global tech firms	NZD 100,000
Astro-tourism	NZD 120,000

Here are the Top 8 New Zealand Skilled Jobs In Demand 

Astronomer Salary in New Zealand Based On Cities 

Astronomer salaries in New Zealand can vary significantly depending on the city, with higher wages often found in major research hubs. Cities like Christchurch and Auckland typically offer the most competitive salaries due to academic institutions and space-related companies. Here is an estimated astronomer’s salary in New Zealand based on cities: 

Cities	Average Salary Per Year
Auckland	NZD 241,800
Christchurch	NZD 233,600
Rotorua	NZD 190,400
Wellington	NZD 225,500
Hamilton	NZD 191,100

Astronomer Salary in New Zealand Based On Positions 

Astronomy-related salaries in New Zealand vary widely by specific roles, from entry-level postdoctoral positions to senior academic, research, and industry roles. Here is the average salary for different astronomer-related positions: 

Position	Average Salary Per Year
Biomedical Laboratory Officer	NZD 74,600
Atmospheric and Space Scientist	NZD 172,200
Geomatics Scientist	NZD 167,100
Lab Analyst	NZD 85,100
Lab Technician	NZD 58,400
Laboratory Manager	NZD 139,100
Radiation Protection Specialist	NZD 116,400
Statistician	NZD 141,000
Life Scientist	NZD 158,900
Intelligence Analyst	NZD 125,400
Geographic Information Systems Technician	NZD 71,700
Forensic Scientist	NZD 163,800
Conservation Scientist	NZD 166,600

Know about How to Work Part-Time in New Zealand 2025

A career as an astronomer in New Zealand offers both intellectual fulfillment and competitive financial rewards. Astronomers earn a competitive salary that grows with experience, education, and research involvement. In 2025, the average astronomer salary in New Zealand is NZD 173,335. Earnings vary depending on factors such as professional experience, academic qualifications, geographic location, and employer type (e.g., universities, research institutions, or observatories).

FAQs 

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