Home > Salary > New Zealand > Principal Researcher
The occupation of a principal researcher involves leading and overseeing research projects within an organization. They are responsible for designing research studies, developing research methodologies, and analyzing data to draw meaningful insights and conclusions. Principal researchers also collaborate with other team members, such as research assistants and analysts, to ensure the successful execution of research projects. They may be required to present research findings to stakeholders, write reports, and make recommendations based on their research.
Estimated Yearly Salary: 255,790 NZD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 21,316 NZD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 4,919 NZD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 123 NZD per hour
Values are pre-tax
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Estimated Monthly Salary: 20,600 NZD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 4,754 NZD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 119 NZD per hour
Last revision of data: 2024-01-02
Estimated Yearly Salary: 127,550 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 10,629 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,453 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 61 USD per hour
Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately
3 %
Data confidence is - relatively high
Data fetched from dabase: 14 submissions.
Results are anonymized. Amounts indicated are pre-tax, meaning no deductionts yet have been made to the basic salary. Salaries where there are less than 3 entries are not displayed.
Want to check how your salary compares? Submit your own salary here
Estimated Yearly Salary: 255,790 NZD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 21,316 NZD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 4,919 NZD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 123 NZD per hour
By working as Principal Researcher a person can save up to 8,691 USD per month or 104,289 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.
Estimated Yearly Salary for Principal Researcher
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Data as of 2025
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Principal Researcher salary in New Zealand
Average Yearly Salary of Principal Researcher in New Zealand is approximately 255,790 NZD (127,550 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 Principal Researcher do?
The occupation of a principal researcher involves leading and overseeing research projects within an organization. They are responsible for designing research studies, developing research methodologies, and analyzing data to draw meaningful insights and conclusions. Principal researchers also collaborate with other team members, such as research assistants and analysts, to ensure the successful execution of research projects. They may be required to present research findings to stakeholders, write reports, and make recommendations based on their research.
Skills: Principal Researcher, Research Project Leader, Data Analysis, Research Methodology, Research Design, Research Findings
Job industry: Research and development
Job industry: Research and development
How much does Principal Researcher make?
Salary details
How much does Principal Researcher make?Estimated Yearly Salary: 255,790 NZD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 21,316 NZD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 4,919 NZD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 123 NZD per hour
Values are pre-tax Last revision of data: 2025-01-04Comparing salary to last year:
Estimated Yearly Salary: 247,204 NZDEstimated Monthly Salary: 20,600 NZD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 4,754 NZD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 119 NZD per hour
Last revision of data: 2024-01-02Principal Researcher estimated salary in USD
For easier comparison here is an estimated salary in USD:Estimated Yearly Salary: 127,550 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 10,629 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,453 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 61 USD per hour
Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately
3 %About these results
Data confidence is - relatively high Data fetched from dabase: 14 submissions.
Results are anonymized. Amounts indicated are pre-tax, meaning no deductionts yet have been made to the basic salary. Salaries where there are less than 3 entries are not displayed.
Want to check how your salary compares? Submit your own salary here
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Salary comparison to National average
New Zealand, a beautiful island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, is known for its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and vibrant Maori culture. With a population of around 5 million people, it is sparsely populated compared to its size. The country covers an area of approximately 268,000 square kilometers and consists of two main islands, the North Island and the South Island, along with numerous smaller islands.
Estimated national average yearly salary is 80,807 NZD (48,460 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Principal Researcher job salary compared to average salary in New Zealand.
Comparison shows that a person working as Principal Researcher in New Zealand earns on average:
3.17 times the average salary (or 317% of average salary).
Estimated national average yearly salary is 80,807 NZD (48,460 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Principal Researcher job salary compared to average salary in New Zealand.
Comparison shows that a person working as Principal Researcher in New Zealand earns on average:
3.17 times the average salary (or 317% of average salary).
Is Principal Researcher a well paid job?
Yes, our data show that Principal Researcher is a very well paid job. With years and experience the salary might increase even further, resulting in higher satisfaction.What is considered a high salary for Principal Researcher?
High salary for Principal Researcher would be somewhere between 281,369 NZD and 370,896 NZD. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.How much can you save working as Principal Researcher 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: 255,790 NZD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 21,316 NZD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 4,919 NZD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 123 NZD per hour
By working as Principal Researcher a person can save up to 8,691 USD per month or 104,289 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 Principal Researcher
Australia is 159,254 USD Last revision of data: 2025-01-04Salary 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 increaseTop 10 highest salaries in New Zealand
(1,008,623 NZD per year, pre-tax.)
2. Cardiologist
(843,890 NZD per year, pre-tax.)
(810,735 NZD per year, pre-tax.)
(786,864 NZD per year, pre-tax.)
5. Neurosurgeon
(786,039 NZD per year, pre-tax.)
(769,764 NZD per year, pre-tax.)
7. Oncologist
(768,008 NZD per year, pre-tax.)
(767,682 NZD per year, pre-tax.)
(767,202 NZD per year, pre-tax.)
(766,991 NZD per year, pre-tax.)
Data as of 2025Random salary:
Warehouse assistant manager (65,689 NZD per year, pre-tax.)
Sign language interpreter (88,079 NZD per year, pre-tax.)
Content writer (71,111 NZD per year, pre-tax.)
Tattoo artist body piercer (59,964 NZD per year, pre-tax.)
Fast food manager (31,416 NZD per year, pre-tax.)
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