Salaries are annual unless otherwise stated.
Salary and wage information for New Zealand professions is compiled regularly by analysis of New Zealand jobs advertised in major publications. Job ads in New Zealand often do not mention remuneration. Salaries are generally negotiable, within limits.
Job titles in this occupation vary and some examples are veterinary nurse, vet nurse, animal nurse and veterinary assistant.
Veterinary nurses typically earn between $37,000 and $55,000 depending on their area of expertise, location and experience. Some positions for newly qualified nurses may be offered close to or at the minimum wage rate which is $18.90 per hour.
For comparison, the average hourly wage in New Zealand for the quarter ending 31 March 2020 was $33.20 according to Statistics New Zealand. This would give an annual average salary of around $65,600, working standard full-time hours (38 hours).
Veterinary Nurse Salaries / Wages in 2020
| Position | Salary / Wage $ | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency and Critical Care Veterinary Nurse / Head Nurse | 38,000 – 48,000 | North Shore, Auckland |
| Veterinary Nurse / Receptionist | 19 – 24 per hour | Auckland |
| Junior Veterinary Technician | 19 – 24 per hour | Auckland |
| Veterinary Nurse | 19 – 25 per hour | Tauranga, Bay of Plenty |
| Veterinary Nurse | 20 – 26 per hour | Hamilton |
| Kennel Manager/ Vet Nurse | up to 45,000 | Tauranga, Bay of Plenty |
| Head Veterinary Technician | 47,000 + | Wellington |
| Veterinary Nurse / Receptionist | 36,000 – 40,000 | Christchurch |
| Specialist Veterinary Nurse | 22 – 32 per hour | Christchurch |
| Qualified Veterinary Technician | 55,000 – 70,000 | Christchurch |
| Experienced Veterinary Nurse | 38,000 – 48,000 | South Island |
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