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If you are considering a career as a truck driver in New Zealand or planning to move there to work as a driver, it is important to understand how much you earn. The average truck driver salary in New Zealand can be competitive and offer job stability.
Truck driving is a vital job in the country, supporting industries like agriculture, construction, retail, and freight transport. Salaries for truck drivers in New Zealand vary based on experience, licence class, such as class 2,4, or 5, type of jobs and even the company you work for.
This Blog Includes:
- How Much Does a Truck Driver Earn in New Zealand?
- Truck Driver Salary in New Zealand By Experience Level
- Truck Driver Salary in New Zealand By Education Level
- Truck Driver Salary in New Zealand By Organisation
- Truck Driver Salary in New Zealand By Cities
- Truck Driver Salary in New Zealand By Positions
- FAQs
How Much Does a Truck Driver Earn in New Zealand?
Truck drivers in New Zealand earn a diverse range of salaries. On average, a truck driver salary in New Zealand is around 35,300 NZD annually, or approximately 2,941 NZD per month. However, this figure is just a snapshot of the broader salary spectrum. At the lower end, some truck drivers earn as little as 15,700 NZD yearly (1,308 NZD monthly), while the most experienced or specialised drivers can command salaries up to 55,200 NZD per year (4,600 NZD monthly). It’s important to note that these figures can vary based on factors such as the type of truck driven, the length of experience, and the specific region of the country.
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Truck Driver Salary in New Zealand By Experience Level
Truck driver salaries in New Zealand increase with experience. Here is a general breakdown of the average truck driver salary in New Zealand based on their working experience:
| Experience Level | Average Salary Per Year |
| 0-2 Years | NZD 19,200 |
| 2-5 Years | NZD 25,300 |
| 5-10 Years | NZD 32,200 |
| 10-15 Years | NZD 35,400 |
| 15-20 Years | NZD 39,700 |
| 20+ Years | NZD 44,900 |
Truck Driver Salary in New Zealand By Education Level
The average salary for a truck driver varies based on the level of education. Here is a breakdown of truck driver salaries in New Zealand based on the licence class and education/training level:
| Education Level | Average Salary Per Year |
| High School | NZD 26,100 |
| Certificate or Diploma | NZD 38,000 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | NZD 48,600 |
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Truck Driver Salary in New Zealand By Organisation
Here is the latest look at the truck driver pay in New Zealand by employer/organisation as of mid-2025. Data is drawn from platforms like Glassdoor and Indeed, job postings and employer insight. Here is the general breakdown of the average truck driver salary in New Zealand based on organisation:
| Organisation | Average Salary Per Year |
| Fulton Hogan | NZD 56,000 |
| Fliway Group | NZD 67,500 |
| Downer | NZD 54,000 |
| Mainfreight | NZD 76,000 |
| Bidfood | NZD 67,000 |
| Hilton Haulage | NZD 60,000 |
| Fonterra | NZD 75,000 |
| ITM | NZD 56,000 |
| Weatherell Transport | NZD 67,000 |
| PAK’nSAVE | NZD 59,000 |
| NZ Defence Force | NZD 67,000 |
| PlaceMakers | NZD 70,500 |
| Evo Cycles | NZD 56,000 |
| Big Chill Distribution | NZD 70,000 |
| Let’s Work LTD. | NZD 56,000 |
| Mitre 10 | NZD 81,000 |
| Fulton Hogan | NZD 70,000 |
| Vector | NZD 65,000 |
Truck Driver Salary in New Zealand By Cities
Truck driver salaries in New Zealand can vary depending on the employer, contract type, and location. Major logistics companies and Bourne hire agencies offer hourly rates between NZD 2,000 to NZD 35,000 per year. Here is the general breakdown of the average truck driver salary in New Zealand based on cities:
| Cities | Average Salary Per Year |
| Auckland | NZD 35,300 |
| Rotorua | NZD 26,400 |
| Wellington | NZD 30,200 |
| Hamilton | NZD 27,400 |
| Christchurch | NZD 30,200 |
Truck Driver Salary in New Zealand By Positions
Here is a breakdown of truck driver salaries in New Zealand, taken by position, based on recent job listings and industry data for 2025:
| Positions | Average Salary Per Year |
| Truck Driver | NZD 54,844 |
| Driver | NZD 51,875 |
| Courier Driver | NZD 46,800 |
| Class 2 Truck Driver | NZD 70,000 |
| Reserve Combat Driver | NZD 65,000 |
| Heavy Truck Driver | NZD 70,000 |
| Fuel Delivery/Truck Driver | NZD 67,000 |
| Civil Truck Driver | NZD 55,000 |
| Truck Driver Operator | NZD 50,000 |
| Hydro Excavation Truck Driver | NZD 70,000 |
The truck driver salary in New Zealand provides a steady income, with pay varying based on experience, qualifications, and location. For skilled drivers, this career offers both financial stability and long-term job security.
Here is a list of the highest-paying jobs in New Zealand in 2025
FAQs
Yes, truck drivers can be eligible for the residency pathway, provided they fulfil certain requirements. Specifically, truck drivers must possess a New Zealand class 4 or 5 license and have a minimum of two years of experience driving trucks that fall under these license categories.
This is an exciting time for New Zealand’s trucking industry, which has long faced serious driver shortages.
In any cumulative work day (legally defined as no more than 24 hours), drivers can work a maximum of 13 hours and must then take a break of at least 10 hours (as well as the standard half-hour breaks required every 5 1⁄2 hours).
You will need to go to a driver licensing agent to: • pay the application fee • complete the application requirements • sit and pass the theory test. Identification for driver licensing (Factsheet 20) lists what identification you’ll need to take with you. You’ll need to get a class 2 learner’s licence first.
This was all about the average truck driver’s salary in New Zealand. If you are interested in knowing more about such articles, follow the Leverage Edu and Jobs Abroad pages.
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