Updated on
$25 an hour in New Zealand: weekly and yearly pay after tax
Reviewed by Radif Partners
A round $1,000 a week
At $25 an hour for 40 hours, the weekly pay is exactly $1,000, $52,000 a year, and every dollar of it is still taxed below the 30 % band, which starts at $53,500. Each week, PAYE takes $154, the ACC levy $18 and KiwiSaver at 3.5 % $35, leaving $794. With the ME code, the independent earner tax credit adds $10 a week, since the annual income is within its full range. The rate is $1.05 above the adult minimum wage and well below the median hourly wage of $35.96 reported by Stats NZ in June 2026. It is a common rate for experienced retail, hospitality and support roles. Overtime paid at the same rate stays in the 17.5 % band until annual income reaches $53,500, about $1,500 of extra hours a year.
Take-home per fortnight
$1,587
$52,000 a year for 40 h a week at $25.00 an hour
| Gross per fortnight | $2,000 |
| PAYE (tax code M) | − $308 |
| ACC earners’ levy (1.75 %) | − $35 |
| KiwiSaver (3.5 %) | − $70 |
| Take-home per fortnight | $1,587 |
| Take-home per year | $41,262 |
| Employer KiwiSaver $1,820 − ESCT $319 | $1,502 |
| Government contribution (25 c per $1, up to $260.72) | $261 |
| Employer cost per year (salary + KiwiSaver) | $53,820 |
Inland Revenue rates for 2026-27: 10.5 % to 39 %, ACC 1.75 % up to $156,641, KiwiSaver default 3.5 %. PAYE is annualised; Inland Revenue’s tables can differ by a few cents per pay. Estimates only, see the methodology.
Casual and part-time
A casual worker on $25 an hour with 8 % holiday pay receives $27.00 an hour in effect. At 20 hours a week, the year’s income is $26,000, which still qualifies for the independent earner tax credit.
$25 an hour by weekly hours
| Hours | Per year | Gross per week | PAYE and ACC per week | Take-home per week |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 hours a week | $26,000 | $500.00 | $75.25 | $407.25 |
| 30 hours a week | $39,000 | $750.00 | $123.38 | $600.38 |
| 37.5 hours a week | $48,750 | $937.50 | $159.47 | $745.22 |
| 40 hours a week | $52,000 | $1,000.00 | $171.50 | $793.50 |
| 45 hours a week | $58,500 | $1,125.00 | $207.58 | $878.04 |
Figures computed with Inland Revenue’s 2026-27 tax rates, the ACC earners’ levy of 1.75 % and a main-job M tax code unless stated. Estimates only: your payslip and your end-of-year assessment prevail.
Stats NZ put median hourly earnings at $35.96 in the June 2026 quarter, which is $74,797 a year for a 40-hour week. A salary of $52,000 is 30 % less than that full-time equivalent of the median, so it pays below the typical hourly rate. Median weekly earnings for all wage earners, part-time included, are lower at $1,419 a week. Average and median salary in New Zealand.
Questions people ask
How much is $25 an hour after tax in NZ?
$794 a week for 40 hours, after PAYE of $154, ACC of $18 and KiwiSaver of $35. Without KiwiSaver, $829. With the ME code, add $10 a week of independent earner tax credit. Paid fortnightly for 80 hours, the take-home is $1,587.
How much is $25 an hour a year in NZ?
$52,000 for 40 hours a week over 52 weeks, including paid annual leave and public holidays for a permanent employee. After tax, ACC and KiwiSaver at 3.5 %, about $41,262 a year. For 37.5 hours a week, the gross is $48,750 a year.
Is $25 an hour above the living wage?
The Living Wage is a voluntary benchmark set each year by the Living Wage Movement, separate from the legal minimum of $23.95. Check its current rate; at $25 an hour you are above the legal minimum by $1.05. Employers are not required to pay it.
Related calculators and guides
Sources
Written by Radif Partners
Publisher of payroll calculators and practical guides · New Zealand PAYE, KiwiSaver and ACC
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Rates for 2026, last checked on