Ranking the Top 10 High-Paying Tech Jobs in New Zealand in 2025

New Zealand's tech scene in 2025 is absolutely buzzing with opportunities! With tech sector revenue reaching $17.95 billion, the industry is creating incredible career paths for tech professionals.

19,000 tech job vacancies are expected, with salaries ranging from NZ$92,000 to NZ$120,000. The work culture here is amazing - we're talking about a 37.5-hour average work week, which leaves plenty of time for surfing or hiking! Major tech hubs like Auckland and Wellington are crushing it, with data center market growth projected at 300% from 2020 to 2030.

The demand is particularly hot in AI, cybersecurity, and data science roles. Companies are especially looking for people with skills in Python, JavaScript, and Java, but they care more about your actual skills than years of experience.

If you're into tech, New Zealand is seriously the place to be right now - the combination of innovation, work-life balance, and competitive pay makes it pretty much perfect for building an awesome career in tech.

Let's break down how we ranked the highest-paying tech jobs in New Zealand for 2025 - the numbers are pretty exciting! According to Hays' latest salary data, tech leadership positions like CIO are topping the charts at NZD 280,000, while Project Directors and Cloud Architects aren't far behind, pulling in up to NZD 240,000 and NZD 230,000 respectively.

The methodology isn't just about the money though - we've looked at the whole picture.

New Zealand's tech sector is expected to contribute over NZD 16 billion to the economy by 2025, with around 19,000 tech job vacancies.

That's massive! The demand is especially hot in AI, cybersecurity, and data science. What's really cool is that the industry isn't just about high salaries - there's this awesome focus on work-life balance, with most people working around 37.5 hours per week.

For my fellow tech enthusiasts, here's what matters most in the rankings:

1. Base pay: We looked at both base pay and total compensation packages to identify the most lucrative roles.
2. Skills in demand: Research shows that only 12% of IT pros have AI experience, which is driving high salaries for these roles.
3. Career growth potential: Who doesn't want to level up? We considered roles with strong career advancement prospects.

The tech scene in New Zealand is seriously taking off, and these rankings show exactly where the best opportunities are hiding.

The role of Chief Information Officer (CIO) has totally transformed in New Zealand's tech scene for 2025. Based on PwC's latest research, CIOs are crushing it with three main priorities: modernizing data infrastructure, implementing GenAI, and creating fresh ways of working.

The numbers are pretty impressive - 91% of ANZ CIOs say their roles are expanding beyond traditional tech duties. CIOs aren't just tech nerds anymore; they're becoming business innovators, focusing on revenue-generating activities and creating awesome customer experiences.

A major shift shows that 67% of ANZ CIOs now see themselves as transformation leaders.

Looking at what makes a successful CIO in 2025, it's all about balancing technical expertise with strategic thinking.

These leaders are handling everything from AI integration (with 89% of CIOs working to incorporate AI) to managing cybersecurity threats. They're building test labs for new ideas and creating teams focused purely on innovation.

With the typical salary range between NZD 180,000 to NZD 250,000 annually, it's definitely worth the grind. Plus, the role is super important for New Zealand's economy - about 16% of the country's GDP relies on tech-driven industries, which is way higher than the global average.

For anyone thinking about a career in tech leadership, becoming a CIO is seriously one of the most impactful moves you can make in 2025.

The role of Chief Technology Officer (CTO) has become absolutely essential in New Zealand's tech scene heading into 2025.

These tech leaders are crushing it when it comes to developing company-wide innovation strategies and making sure technology aligns perfectly with business goals.

The position demands someone who's not just technically brilliant but also gets the business side of things. Based on recent data, CTOs pull in between NZD 261,405 to 343,188 annually, making it one of the highest-paying tech roles in the country.

CTOs come in different flavors - some focus on infrastructure, others on strategic planning, and some specialize in customer relations.

The tech scene is seriously heating up, with CTOs taking charge of everything from AI implementation to cybersecurity strategies.

According to recent appointments like Joseph Davis at AIA NZ, modern CTOs are driving major digital transformation initiatives, focusing on enhancing customer experiences and strengthening security measures.

They're not just tech experts anymore - they're becoming key players in shaping how companies evolve in the digital age.

For anyone in tech who's aiming high, the CTO path is looking pretty sweet right now.

The role typically requires about 15 years of progressive IT experience, but the payoff is worth it. With the projected 15% job growth from 2022 to 2032, and New Zealand's push to become a digital-first nation, CTOs are becoming more valuable than ever.

It's definitely one of those roles where you can make a real impact while earning some serious cash.

The role of Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) has become absolutely critical in New Zealand's tech landscape for 2025. According to recent industry research, 82% of ANZ organizations now prioritize cybersecurity as their top concern, making CISOs more important than ever.

Their main job? Protecting company data from increasingly sophisticated cyber threats while managing hefty security budgets and leading specialized teams.

What's really interesting is how the CISO role has evolved.

Forrester's latest analysis shows that CISOs now come in six different types, from post-breach specialists to transformation experts, depending on what organizations need.

They're not just tech experts anymore - they need serious business skills too. With 78% of organizations reporting at least one security breach this year, CISOs have to be ready for anything.

The salary situation is pretty sweet too.

CISOs in New Zealand are pulling in between NZD 250,000 to NZD 350,000 yearly, which is seriously competitive. The Institute of Directors NZ points out that cyber-crime generated $6 Trillion globally in 2021, making it more profitable than the global drug trade - that's why organizations are willing to pay top dollar for skilled CISOs who can keep their data safe.

The role isn't just about the money though; it's about leading the charge against cyber threats and protecting crucial business assets. If you're into both tech and leadership, this could be your perfect career path.

The field is growing super fast, and there's tons of room for innovation and growth.

In New Zealand's tech sector for 2025, Project Directors are taking center stage as key players in driving technological innovation and success.

Their role goes beyond basic project oversight - they're the masterminds coordinating complex tech initiatives, handling everything from initial planning to final delivery.

The average compensation package of NZD 150,000 to 180,000 reflects the high-level responsibilities of these positions, making it an attractive career path for ambitious tech professionals.

Project Directors make critical decisions daily, managing costs, resources, and multiple projects while addressing potential risks head-on.

What makes this role particularly exciting in 2025 is the focus on digital transformation and innovation.

New Zealand's tech sector is contributing over NZ$16 billion to the economy, creating numerous opportunities for Project Directors to lead groundbreaking initiatives.

The position requires a mix of technical knowledge and leadership skills, with successful directors typically bringing 7+ years of experience to the table. Key responsibilities include strategic planning, budget management, team leadership, and stakeholder communication.

The role's demand is particularly strong in Auckland and Wellington, where major tech companies are expanding their operations.

Project Directors often work in hybrid environments, leading both in-office and remote teams. The position typically requires a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, though many employers value practical experience and professional certifications just as highly.

With the tech industry's rapid growth, Project Directors who can adapt to emerging technologies and maintain strong team dynamics are finding themselves at the forefront of New Zealand's digital revolution.

Cloud Architects are shaping the future of tech in New Zealand right now, and I'm excited to share what makes this role so incredible in 2025. These professionals are the masterminds behind designing secure and scalable cloud infrastructures that power everything from IoT devices to enterprise-level systems.

What's really cool is that they're not just technical experts - they're problem solvers who transform business operations through cloud innovation. The role combines hands-on tech work with strategic thinking, making it perfect for anyone who loves both coding and big-picture planning.

Working as a Cloud Architect in New Zealand is seriously rewarding, with salaries ranging from NZD 120,000 to 185,000.

The best part? Companies across New Zealand are actively hiring - from tech giants like Microsoft to innovative startups.

The job market is especially hot in Auckland and Wellington, where businesses are racing to upgrade their cloud infrastructure. Cloud Architects get to work on everything from cloud migration projects to designing real-time IoT solutions using cutting-edge tech like MQTT and advanced analytics.

What makes this career path even better is its growth potential.

Cloud technologies are becoming essential for businesses of all sizes, creating endless opportunities for career advancement.

The role requires staying up-to-date with the latest cloud platforms and security practices, but that's what makes it so interesting - you're always learning something new.

Plus, many positions offer flexible work arrangements and the chance to collaborate with international teams, which is pretty amazing for maintaining a good work-life balance while building a global career network.

Data Architects are crushing it in New Zealand's tech scene right now! Based on current market data, these tech pros are pulling in between NZD 100,723 and NZD 178,754 annually, with some positions hitting up to NZD 200,000 in major companies.

The role has gotten super competitive in 2025, especially since SEEK's latest report shows consistent demand across cities like Wellington and Auckland, where salaries typically range from NZD 150,000 to 170,000.

What makes this role extra sweet is that according to Hays, Data Architects are among the highest-paid IT professionals in New Zealand, alongside Cloud Architects and Security Specialists.

Data Architects are the masterminds behind how companies handle their data. They create the blueprints for data management, team up with analysts to build practical solutions, keep everything secure and compliant, and make sure the databases run smoothly for real-time analytics. With most companies going all-in on data-driven strategies, having a solid data architecture is basically non-negotiable now.

The job market's absolutely booming for Data Architects in 2025.

Companies are scrambling to find talent that can handle both the technical side and business strategy. Whether you're just starting or thinking about switching careers, becoming a Data Architect is definitely worth considering - the combination of high pay, job security, and the chance to work with cutting-edge tech makes it an amazing career choice right now.

Being a Cyber Security Architect in New Zealand is honestly one of the most exciting career paths right now. According to recent market data, the cybersecurity sector is growing at an impressive 7.64% rate, with the market expected to reach US$760.80 million by 2029.

These architects design and implement security systems that protect organizations from increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. It's not just about technical skills - they need to be great communicators too, as they're constantly working with different teams to make sure everyone's on the same security page.

The coolest part? They get to work with cutting-edge tech like AI-driven threat detection and zero-trust security models.

The money is seriously good too.

Current job listings show Security Architects at major organizations earning between NZD 138,000 to NZD 195,000 annually, with some positions offering even more.

What's really interesting is that there's a massive talent gap - we need about 3,500 new cybersecurity professionals in New Zealand, which means tons of opportunities for anyone wanting to break into the field.

Industry reports show that companies are heavily investing in cybersecurity, with 88% of ANZ CIOs increasing their security budgets.

Plus, with hybrid work options becoming standard and the chance to work on projects that actually matter, it's a pretty sweet deal for anyone interested in tech and security.

Development Manager positions in New Zealand's tech scene are seriously taking off in 2025. According to recent job listings, these roles are offering competitive salaries between NZD 130,000 to 170,000, with opportunities at major companies like SkyCity and Auckland Airport.

The job involves leading development teams, mentoring talent, and shaping scalable software solutions. Many positions now offer flexible work arrangements - I've noticed quite a few Development Manager roles advertising hybrid work options, letting you split time between office and home.

The responsibilities are pretty intense but exciting.

You get to tackle unique technical challenges while working with global teams. Companies like Amazon are specifically looking for people who can handle end-to-end development, from collaborating with stakeholders on requirements to managing ongoing operations.

The role demands strong technical knowledge in areas like distributed systems and relational databases, plus the ability to lead teams effectively. Most positions require at least 5 years of experience, but the career growth potential is massive - you can progress to roles like Technical Director or VP of Engineering.

The work environment is super dynamic, with chances to work on cutting-edge projects that actually make a difference.

You're not just coding - you're shaping how companies operate and grow. The best part? These roles often come with sweet perks like health insurance, stock options, and professional development opportunities.

If you're into both tech and leadership, this role seriously needs to be on your radar for 2025.

In 2025, ERP/CRM Solutions Specialists are making waves in New Zealand's tech scene. These specialists manage crucial enterprise systems that keep businesses running smoothly, with their expertise becoming increasingly valuable as more companies embrace digital transformation.

The role combines technical skills with strategic thinking, as specialists handle everything from system implementation to user training. Recent data shows that over 85% of Kiwi businesses are now using or implementing these solutions, making this career path seriously attractive for tech professionals.

The money's pretty good too.

ERP specialists can earn between NZD 120,000 to 140,000 annually, with experienced consultants pulling in even more.

The job market's looking really promising, especially since companies are upgrading their legacy systems and moving to cloud-based solutions. Key skills that'll get you noticed include:

• Knowledge of major platforms like SAP, Oracle, and Microsoft Dynamics is essential for this role.
• Experience with cloud implementations and AI integration can significantly enhance your value in the field.
• Possessing strong problem-solving abilities and communication skills is critical for success.

What makes this role super interesting is how it's evolving.

According to industry experts, ERP/CRM specialists are now working with cutting-edge tech like AI and machine learning, making the job more exciting than ever.

The field is expected to grow by 20% in the next five years, which means tons of opportunities for anyone looking to jump into tech. Plus, with more companies moving their operations online, the demand for these skills isn't going anywhere but up.

If you're into both tech and business strategy, this could be your perfect career match.

The tech scene in New Zealand is absolutely buzzing right now! Latest projections show an incredible surge in tech jobs, with over 19,000 digital roles opening up in 2025.

As someone starting out in tech, I'm excited about the average salaries ranging from NZ$92,000 to NZ$120,000, with some specialized roles hitting NZ$185,000. Major tech hubs like Auckland and Wellington are leading the charge, with Auckland alone adding 3,500 new jobs and pumping NZ$13.6 billion into the economy.

What's really got everyone talking is the public cloud adoption projection - it's set to add another NZ$21 billion to the economy and create around 134,000 new jobs by 2026! The demand is off the charts for software developers, data scientists, and cybersecurity specialists.

Plus, with the Green List fast-tracking residency for tech roles and companies embracing remote work, there's never been a better time to jump into tech. The government's backing innovation big time, and there's this awesome focus on work-life balance - we're talking 37.5-hour work weeks! Whether you're into AI, blockchain, or cloud computing, New Zealand's tech industry is seriously taking off, and it's ready for fresh talent to make their mark.