Home > Salary > New Zealand > Principal Scientist
The occupation of a principal scientist is a highly specialized and senior-level position within the scientific field. Principal scientists are responsible for leading and managing research projects, developing innovative scientific strategies, and providing technical expertise to solve complex problems. They are often involved in designing experiments, analyzing data, and interpreting results. Principal scientists also play a crucial role in mentoring junior scientists, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and presenting findings to stakeholders.
Estimated Yearly Salary: 241,061 NZD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 20,088 NZD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 4,636 NZD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 116 NZD per hour
Values are pre-tax
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Estimated Monthly Salary: 19,456 NZD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 4,490 NZD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 112 NZD per hour
Last revision of data: 2024-01-06
Estimated Yearly Salary: 120,907 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 10,076 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,325 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 58 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: 241,061 NZD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 20,088 NZD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 4,636 NZD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 116 NZD per hour
By working as Principal Scientist a person can save up to 8,137 USD per month or 97,646 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 Scientist
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Data as of 2025
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Principal Scientist salary in New Zealand
Average Yearly Salary of Principal Scientist in New Zealand is approximately 241,061 NZD (120,907 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 Scientist do?
The occupation of a principal scientist is a highly specialized and senior-level position within the scientific field. Principal scientists are responsible for leading and managing research projects, developing innovative scientific strategies, and providing technical expertise to solve complex problems. They are often involved in designing experiments, analyzing data, and interpreting results. Principal scientists also play a crucial role in mentoring junior scientists, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and presenting findings to stakeholders.
Skills: Principal Scientist, Research Projects, Scientific Strategies, Technical Expertise, Data Analysis, Problem Solving
Job industry: Research and development
Job industry: Research and development
How much does Principal Scientist make?
Salary details
How much does Principal Scientist make?Estimated Yearly Salary: 241,061 NZD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 20,088 NZD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 4,636 NZD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 116 NZD per hour
Values are pre-tax Last revision of data: 2025-01-04Comparing salary to last year:
Estimated Yearly Salary: 233,470 NZDEstimated Monthly Salary: 19,456 NZD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 4,490 NZD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 112 NZD per hour
Last revision of data: 2024-01-06Principal Scientist estimated salary in USD
For easier comparison here is an estimated salary in USD:Estimated Yearly Salary: 120,907 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 10,076 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,325 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 58 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
Compare salary to other countries
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Country:
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 Scientist job salary compared to average salary in New Zealand.
Comparison shows that a person working as Principal Scientist in New Zealand earns on average:
2.98 times the average salary (or 298% 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 Scientist job salary compared to average salary in New Zealand.
Comparison shows that a person working as Principal Scientist in New Zealand earns on average:
2.98 times the average salary (or 298% of average salary).
Is Principal Scientist a well paid job?
Yes, our data show that Principal Scientist 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 Scientist?
High salary for Principal Scientist would be somewhere between 265,167 NZD and 349,538 NZD. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.How much can you save working as Principal Scientist 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: 241,061 NZD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 20,088 NZD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 4,636 NZD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 116 NZD per hour
By working as Principal Scientist a person can save up to 8,137 USD per month or 97,646 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 Scientist
Australia is 150,583 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:
Bonding agent (54,979 NZD per year, pre-tax.)
Regional marketing director (154,238 NZD per year, pre-tax.)
Military tactical operations leader (125,667 NZD per year, pre-tax.)
Sales clerk retail store (32,323 NZD per year, pre-tax.)
Nursing informatics specialist (156,352 NZD per year, pre-tax.)
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