Salary spotlight: trades are booming in 2026

Registered electricians, plumbers and gasfitters are the tightest part of the New Zealand labour market, and the hourly rates advertised on this board reflect it.

If you are early in an apprenticeship, the useful thing to know is that the gap between a third-year apprentice and a registered tradesperson is the single biggest pay step most people will ever make. Finishing registration is worth more than changing employers.