Linguist salary in New Zealand

Average Yearly Salary of Linguist in New Zealand is approximately 145,519 NZD (72,820 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 Linguist do?

A linguist is a professional who studies language and its structure, including its sounds, grammar, and vocabulary. They analyze how languages evolve over time, the cultural and social aspects of language, and how languages are acquired and processed by individuals. Linguists use various methods such as observation, data collection, and analysis to understand the complexities of language and communication. Linguists work in various fields and industries, including academia, research institutions, translation and interpretation services, publishing, and technology companies. They may specialize in areas such as phonetics, syntax, semantics, psycholinguistics, sociolinguistics, or computational linguistics. Linguists often collaborate with other professionals, such as anthropologists, psychologists, and computer scientists, to explore the interdisciplinary nature of language.

Skills: Linguist, Language expert, Language researcher, Sociolinguistics, Computational linguistics, Language acquisition.
Job industry: Education

How much does Linguist make?

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


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Salary comparison to National average

Is Linguist a well paid job?

Yes, our data shows that Linguist 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 Linguist?

High salary for Linguist would be somewhere between 160,071 NZD and 211,003 NZD. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.

How much can you save working as Linguist 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: 145,519 NZD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 12,127 NZD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,798 NZD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 70 NZD per hour
By working as Linguist a person can save up to 4,130 USD per month or 49,559 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 Linguist

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.

Top 10 highest salaries in New Zealand

Data as of 2025

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