Great news for skilled professionals! New Zealand has just rolled out its updated Long-Term Skill Shortage List (LTSSL) in November 2024, featuring 66 occupations that are high on their wish list. For those unfamiliar, making it onto this list isn’t just a title—it opens doors.
Think long-term New Zealand work visas, a chance to bring your family along for a new adventure, and, if you play your cards right, a direct path to permanent residency (PR). If you’ve ever dreamed of breathtaking landscapes, a progressive society, and, yes, those adorable fluffy sheep (New Zealand’s got plenty), now might be your chance.
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Which Work Visas Will Be Issued for These 66 Long-Term Occupation Jobs?
Here’s a quick lowdown on the visas available if you land one of these roles:
- Essential Skills Work Visa: If you’re filling a role that Kiwis can’t, this is for you. It often leads to longer-term visa options, with added benefits if you’re bringing your family.
- Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa: This is the golden ticket—points-based, and it could land you right on the path to residency.
- Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV): Available when working with a government-accredited employer, meaning they’ve got New Zealand’s stamp of approval.
- Long-Term Skill Shortage List Work Visa: Tailored for folks filling roles on the LTSSL. If you play your cards right, you could convert this into a resident visa through the Work to Residence pathway.
Finding Long-Term Jobs in New Zealand in 2025
So, you’re sold on moving to the land of the long white cloud. But where do you find these high-demand jobs? No worries, mate—we’ve got you covered. Here’s where to look:
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Top Platforms to Kick-Start Your Search:
- Seek.co.nz: New Zealand’s premier job portal, featuring thousands of roles.
- Trade Me Jobs: Not just for trading furniture; it’s a haven for job seekers.
- Careers.govt.nz: Your go-to for career guidance and job listings.
- New Kiwis: Run by the Auckland Chamber of Commerce, designed for newcomers.
- Workhere New Zealand: Great for international talent.
Top 5 Recruitment Companies:
- Robert Walters New Zealand
- Hays Recruitment New Zealand
- Randstad New Zealand
- Madison Recruitment
- Adecco New Zealand
These agencies specialize in matching your skills with roles in demand, making your Kiwi job dream just a few clicks away.
66 Occupations on the Long-Term Skill Shortage List
(with Salary Ranges & Qualifications)
Time for the juicy details. Below is a comprehensive table of all 66 occupations on the LTSSL, complete with their salary ranges and minimum qualifications required. Ready to find out if you’re on the list?
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| 66 Occupations | Salary Range (NZD per annum) | Minimum Required Qualifications |
|---|---|---|
| Civil Engineer | $80,000 – $120,000 | Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering |
| Electrical Engineer | $75,000 – $110,000 | Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering |
| Mechanical Engineer | $75,000 – $115,000 | Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering |
| Construction Project Manager | $90,000 – $130,000 | Bachelor’s Degree and Experience in Project Management |
| Quantity Surveyor | $70,000 – $100,000 | Bachelor’s Degree in Quantity Surveying |
| ICT Systems Analyst | $80,000 – $120,000 | Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science/ICT |
| Software Developer | $85,000 – $125,000 | Bachelor’s Degree in Software Engineering/ICT |
| General Practitioner | $100,000 – $200,000 | Medical Degree and Registration |
| Midwife | $80,000 – $110,000 | Bachelor’s Degree in Midwifery |
| Registered Nurse | $60,000 – $100,000 | Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing |
| Secondary School Teacher | $55,000 – $90,000 | Bachelor’s Degree in Education/Teaching Certificate |
| Clinical Psychologist | $85,000 – $130,000 | Master’s Degree in Psychology |
| Veterinarian | $80,000 – $120,000 | Veterinary Degree and Registration |
| Automotive Electrician | $50,000 – $85,000 | Relevant Trade Certificate |
| Chef | $50,000 – $85,000 | Culinary Arts Qualification |
| Diesel Motor Mechanic | $55,000 – $90,000 | Trade Certificate in Automotive Mechanics |
| Plumber | $55,000 – $95,000 | Trade Certificate and Licensing |
| Carpenter | $55,000 – $85,000 | Trade Qualification |
| Electrician (General) | $60,000 – $95,000 | Electrical Trade Certification |
| Welder | $55,000 – $85,000 | Relevant Trade Qualification |
| Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Avionics) | $70,000 – $110,000 | Avionics Engineering Qualification |
| Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Mechanical) | $70,000 – $110,000 | Mechanical Engineering Qualification |
| Early Childhood Teacher | $50,000 – $80,000 | Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education |
| Baker | $45,000 – $75,000 | Relevant Baking Qualification |
| Dairy Cattle Farmer | $50,000 – $80,000 | Relevant Agricultural Qualification |
| Arborist | $50,000 – $85,000 | Certificate in Arboriculture |
| Physiotherapist | $70,000 – $110,000 | Bachelor’s Degree in Physiotherapy |
| Audiologist | $75,000 – $115,000 | Master’s Degree in Audiology |
| Architect | $80,000 – $125,000 | Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree in Architecture |
| Biomedical Engineer | $80,000 – $130,000 | Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering |
| Geotechnical Engineer | $85,000 – $130,000 | Bachelor’s/Master’s in Engineering |
| Environmental Engineer | $75,000 – $115,000 | Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Engineering |
| Construction Estimator | $65,000 – $95,000 | Degree in Construction Management/Quantity Surveying |
| Building Inspector | $60,000 – $100,000 | Relevant Construction/Inspection Certification |
| Medical Laboratory Scientist | $70,000 – $110,000 | Degree in Medical Laboratory Science |
| Industrial Engineer | $75,000 – $115,000 | Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering |
| ICT Security Specialist | $90,000 – $135,000 | Bachelor’s in IT/ICT Security Qualification |
| Chef de Partie | $55,000 – $85,000 | Culinary Qualification/Experience |
| Roof Tiler | $50,000 – $80,000 | Relevant Trade Qualification |
| Bricklayer | $50,000 – $80,000 | Relevant Trade Qualification |
| Health Services Manager | $85,000 – $135,000 | Degree in Healthcare Management |
| Secondary Math Teacher | $55,000 – $90,000 | Degree in Education (Mathematics Focus) |
| Secondary Science Teacher | $55,000 – $90,000 | Degree in Education (Science Focus) |
| Occupational Therapist | $70,000 – $110,000 | Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Therapy |
| Electrician (Industrial) | $65,000 – $100,000 | Trade Certification |
| Heavy Truck Driver | $50,000 – $80,000 | Relevant Driving License |
| Mechanical Fitter | $55,000 – $90,000 | Relevant Trade Qualification |
| Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic | $60,000 – $100,000 | Trade Certification |
| Painter and Decorator | $50,000 – $85,000 | Relevant Trade Qualification |
| Drainer | $50,000 – $80,000 | Relevant Trade Certification |
| Builder | $60,000 – $100,000 | Construction/Building Trade Qualification |
| Panel Beater | $50,000 – $85,000 | Relevant Automotive Qualification |
| Fisher | $45,000 – $75,000 | Relevant Qualification/Experience |
| Ship’s Engineer | $80,000 – $125,000 | Marine Engineering Qualification |
| Boat Builder and Shipwright | $60,000 – $100,000 | Trade Certification in Boat Building |
| Telecommunications Engineer | $75,000 – $120,000 | Bachelor’s Degree in Telecommunications |
| Network Administrator | $70,000 – $110,000 | Degree in Networking/IT |
| Agricultural Consultant | $70,000 – $110,000 | Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture |
| Veterinarian Nurse | $50,000 – $85,000 | Veterinary Nursing Qualification |
| Textile Mechanic | $55,000 – $90,000 | Trade Certification |
| Floriculturist | $50,000 – $80,000 | Relevant Agricultural Qualification |
| Horticulturist | $50,000 – $85,000 | Degree in Horticulture |
| Wood Machinist | $50,000 – $85,000 | Relevant Trade Qualification |
| Food Technologist | $70,000 – $110,000 | Degree in Food Science |
| Data Analyst | $75,000 – $120,000 | Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science/Statistics |
| Laboratory Technician | $55,000 – $85,000 | Degree in Laboratory Science |
References
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