Fewer job listings, but wages reach new peak
New Zealand’s job market continued its shift in Q2 2025, with listings declining but average salaries climbing to record levels, according to the latest Trade Me Jobs Quarterly Report.
Despite strong demand from job seekers earlier in the year, the number of listings fell to the second-lowest level on record, while average salaries rose to $73,823.
“We’re observing a period of adjustment in the job market,” said Nicole Williams (pictured), Trade Me’s head of jobs. “The number of listings is at a low not seen in quite some time, reflecting a more cautious approach from businesses, particularly across our biggest cities.”
Average pay reaches all-time high
Despite fewer listings, salaries continued to rise across most of the country and nearly every industry.
“The national average pay climbed to a record quarterly high of $73,823, up 1.6% on the previous quarter and 1.5% year-on-year,” Williams said.
“It’s also encouraging to see average wage either remaining flat or increasing across all regions, with the exception of Taranaki, which saw a 1.3% decrease.”
The only sector with a notable drop in salaries was construction and roading, which recorded a 1.9% year-on-year decrease.
Wellington maintained its top position as the highest-paid region, with average pay increasing 2.2% to $76,851, ahead of Auckland.
Job listings down across most regions
Total listings were down 17.7% year-on-year and 8.7% quarter-on-quarter, with only Otago (+1.4%) and Southland (+9.7%) bucking the national trend.
“Nearly every region experienced a year-on-year decrease in listings,” Williams said.
The biggest declines came from New Zealand’s major centres:
- Auckland: down 5.8%
- Wellington: down 2.7%
- Canterbury: down 2.3%
Central business district (CBD) job postings in each city saw the sharpest drops. Hawke’s Bay recorded the most significant drop in listings overall, down 36.2% year-on-year and 16.7% quarter-on-quarter.
“We know in the current economic environment businesses are thinking twice about their next hire, but with the OCR on its way down and the cost-of-living easing, the outlook for the rest of 2025 is looking more optimistic,” Williams said.
Applications hold strong, but ease from peak
While fewer jobs were listed, demand for roles remained high, with an average of 34 applications per listing nationwide. This was down just 0.1% from Q1, but 7% lower year-on-year, following last year’s peak.
“The demand for roles is still strong, despite fewer listings, however we’ve seen competition ease back a little from previous quarters,” said Williams.
Auckland had the highest average, with 46 applications per listing, down from 48 the previous quarter.
Standout figures from the report include:
- Education: up 23% in applications per listing (avg. 25)
- Top three industries for applications:
- Transport and logistics (55)
- Retail (54)
- Hospitality and tourism (52)
