Pay & Employment
Minimum Wage Calculator
The adult, starting-out and training minimum wage from 1 April 2026 per hour, week, month and year for your hours.
Result
Updates as you typeMinimum weekly pay from 1 April 2026
$958.00
- Per hour
- $23.95
- Per fortnight
- $1,916.00
- Per month
- $4,151.33
- Per year
- $49,816.00
How it's calculated
The minimum wage is set by the Government each year under the Minimum Wage Act 1983 and usually changes on 1 April. It is an hourly rate; weekly and annual figures follow from your hours.
Worked example
An adult working 40 hours a week on the minimum wage:
- Per week: 40 × $23.95 = $958.00
- Per fortnight $1,916.00; per month $4,151.33; per year $49,816.00
Minimum wage by hours
| Hours per week | Adult, per week | Adult, per year | Starting-out/training, per week |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hours per week: 10 | Adult, per week$239.50 | Adult, per year$12,454.00 | Starting-out/training, per week$191.60 |
| Hours per week: 20 | Adult, per week$479.00 | Adult, per year$24,908.00 | Starting-out/training, per week$383.20 |
| Hours per week: 30 | Adult, per week$718.50 | Adult, per year$37,362.00 | Starting-out/training, per week$574.80 |
| Hours per week: 37.5 | Adult, per week$898.13 | Adult, per year$46,702.76 | Starting-out/training, per week$718.50 |
| Hours per week: 40 | Adult, per week$958.00 | Adult, per year$49,816.00 | Starting-out/training, per week$766.40 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum wage in New Zealand?
From 1 April 2026 the adult minimum wage is $23.95 an hour before tax, which is $958.00 for a 40-hour week or $49,816.00 a year. The starting-out and training minimum wages are $19.16 an hour, 80% of the adult rate.
Who gets the starting-out or training wage?
The starting-out wage can apply to some 16- to 19-year-olds, for example in their first six months with an employer; the training wage to employees aged 20 or over doing recognised industry training of at least 60 credits a year. Everyone else aged 16 or over must get at least the adult rate. Employment New Zealand sets out the exact conditions.
Is the minimum wage before or after tax?
Before tax and other lawful deductions such as PAYE, the ACC levy, student loan repayments and KiwiSaver. The Pay Calculator shows the take-home amount.
How is the monthly figure worked out?
Weekly pay × 52 ÷ 12. A month is more than four weeks: 40 hours at the adult rate is $4,151.33 a month, not $3,832.00.
When does the minimum wage change?
The Government reviews it every year and new rates usually apply from 1 April. The calculator shows the rates from 1 April 2026 and the date it was last checked.
Sources
Statutory minimum rates before tax; eligibility for the starting-out and training rates has conditions set by Employment New Zealand. Results are for guidance only.
From 1 April 2026 · Updated: