The unemployment rate had risen to 5.1% in the last quarter of 2024. Despite the tight job market, there are still opportunities for in-demand positions that come with attractive compensation.
The latest SEEK NZ data indicates that specialised and high-skill roles saw the biggest increase in job advertisements from September to November 2024 compared to the same months in 2023.
General Practitioner (GP) roles have seen the highest growth in demand, with a 46.4% year-on-year increase in job advertisements and an average salary of $205,329.
According to Seek NZ country manager Rob Clark, the increased demand for GPs may be “driven by the need to support New Zealand’s ageing population and replace retiring healthcare professionals.”
Following the growth in demand for General Practitioners, technologists in the healthcare and medical industry experienced a 43.2% increase in job advertisements, with an average advertised salary of $106,429.
Job advertisements for auditors increased by 42.1%, with an average salary of $84,192. Banking and financial services also saw high demand for analysts, with a 41.9% increase in job advertisements and an average salary of $106,020.
Demand for practice managers in the healthcare industry increased by 37.1%, with an average salary of $87,487. The education sector also experienced a surge in demand for centre managers, with a 37% increase leading to an average salary of $98,272. This growth likely stems from a rising population of 3- to 5-year-olds coupled with improved childcare accessibility.
Veterinarian roles in New Zealand have also seen a 31% increase in demand, with an average salary of $116,515.
“These trends highlight the resilience of these roles, which remain consistently needed regardless of fluctuations in the broader job market, offering stability and opportunities for job seekers in key sectors,” Clark added.