Minimum wage NZ calculator

From 1 April 2026 the adult minimum wage is $23.95 an hour before tax. The starting-out and training minimum wage is $19.16.

Pick the rate that applies to you and the hours you work to see the least you should be paid each week, fortnight and year.

How it's calculated

Your hourly minimum is multiplied by the hours you work in a week.
A fortnight is two weeks, and a year is 52 weeks. All amounts are before tax and other deductions.

An example

At the adult minimum wage, a 40-hour week pays at least $958 before tax, or $1,916 a fortnight.

Frequently asked questions

Who can be paid the starting-out wage?

Workers aged 16 or 17 in their first 6 months with their employer, 16 to 19 year olds whose agreement requires at least 40 industry training credits a year, and some 18 and 19 year olds coming off a benefit.

Who can be paid the training wage?

Employees aged 20 or over whose employment agreement requires at least 60 credits a year of an industry training programme. It usually applies to apprentices.

Is there a minimum wage for under 16s?

No. There's no minimum wage for employees under 16. Everyone 16 or over who isn't a starting-out worker or trainee gets at least the adult rate.

Can a supervisor be paid the starting-out rate?

No. If your role includes supervising or training other workers, you must get at least the adult minimum wage.

Key terms

Adult minimum wage: The lowest hourly rate for employees aged 16 or over who aren't starting-out workers or trainees.
Starting-out wage: A lower minimum for some young workers, set at 80% of the adult rate.