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What Are Roles Actually Paying Right Now? Here's What the Data Says
What Are Roles Actually Paying Right Now? Here's What the Data Says
One of the questions we get asked most by both employers and candidates, is about pay. What's the going rate? Are salaries keeping up? And what about the ever-present comparison with Australia?
SEEK's February 2026 Advertised Salary Index gives us a useful snapshot.
Nationally, advertised salaries are up 3.0% year-on-year, the fastest growth since before COVID.
That's a meaningful shift after a period where pay increases felt like they were going backwards in real terms. Here in the "Rest of North Island", which covers our rohe, quarterly salary growth is actually leading the country at 1.0% quarter on quarter.
For the sectors Talent ID works in, the salary picture is encouraging. Community Services & Development has seen advertised salaries rise 5.1% year-on-year. Healthcare & Medical is up 4.0%.
Human Resources & Recruitment up 1.8%. These aren't just headline numbers, they reflect the genuine value organisations are placing on people in these fields.
Now, the elephant in the room: Australia. Despite the positive local trend, SEEK's data shows significant gaps still exist between advertised salaries here and across the Tasman. In some trades roles, the difference is as much as 30%. For employers, this is a real consideration when it comes to retaining skilled people and attracting talent back home.
The message for employers: salary alone rarely wins or loses a candidate, but it has to be in the conversation. Flexibility, culture, mission, and growth opportunities matter hugely, particularly in the community and hauora sectors, but pay needs to be fair and transparent from the outset.
The message for candidates: know your worth. The market is moving in your favour. If you haven't reviewed your salary expectations recently, now is a good time.
If you'd like to talk through what roles in your sector or region are currently paying, we're always happy to share what we're seeing on the ground.
Kellie Hamlett
Director, Talent ID Recruitment Ltd
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