Automotive Engineer salary in New Zealand

Average Yearly Salary of Automotive Engineer in New Zealand is approximately 153,404 NZD (76,426 USD). Data is for 2025 and indicates a pre-tax value. The salary itself depends on multiple factors such as seniority, job performance, certifications, experience or any other bonuses. The value indicated is an average amount based on records we have in database. Real values may vary. The data is for orientational purposes.

What does Automotive Engineer do?

An automotive engineer is a professional who designs, develops, and tests vehicles and their components. They are involved in the entire process of creating automobiles, from conceptualizing ideas to manufacturing and production. Automotive engineers work on various aspects of vehicles, such as engines, transmissions, suspension systems, and electrical systems, with the aim of enhancing performance, safety, and fuel efficiency. They use computer-aided design (CAD) software and other tools to create detailed plans and prototypes, conduct simulations and tests, and analyze data to optimize vehicle performance. Additionally, they collaborate with other engineers and professionals to ensure compliance with regulations and standards.

Skills: Automotive engineering, Vehicle design, Automobile development, Automotive technology, Vehicle testing, Automotive manufacturing
Job industry: Automotive

How much does Automotive Engineer make?

Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately 4 %


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Salary comparison to National average

Is Automotive Engineer a well paid job?

Yes, our data shows that Automotive Engineer is a well paid job. With years and experience the salary might increase even further, resulting in higher satisfaction.

What is considered a high salary for Automotive Engineer?

High salary for Automotive Engineer would be somewhere between 168,744 NZD and 222,436 NZD. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.

How much can you save working as Automotive Engineer in New Zealand?

Living in New Zealand the approximate monthly expenses are: 1,938 USD. This amount covers basic needs such as food, housing, clothing, healthcare and education costs for a single person. No luxury expenses such as traveling, leisure, hobbies are included in the estimation.

Estimated Yearly Salary: 153,404 NZD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 12,784 NZD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,950 NZD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 74 NZD per hour
By working as Automotive Engineer a person can save up to 4,430 USD per month or 53,165 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.

NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.

For more information regarding expenses in New Zealand, see costs of living in New Zealand.

Salary comparison to region and neighbouring coutries

Country's neighbours are: Australia, Fiji, New Caledonia, Tonga, Samoa.
To make it easier for comparison a conversion from local currency to USD has been made (conversion rates may vary).

Estimated Yearly Salary for Automotive Engineer

Last revision of data: 2025-01-04

Salary increase per years of experience

Based on data available the salary increase per years of experience is as following

0 years (beginner) equals base salary

1 to 5 years of experience yields +12% salary increase

6 to 10 years of experience yields +25% salary increase

11 to 15 years of experience yields +16% salary increase

16 to 25 years of experience yields +9% salary increase

more than 25 years of experience yields +10% salary increase

NOTE: Details based on limited set of data. Percentages may vary. The salary increase over years of experience can vary widely based on factors such as job industry, job role, location, company size, and individual performance. To gain even larger increase in salary one is advised to switch jobs and / or employer.

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Data as of 2025

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