What Should a Cabinetmaker Charge Per Hour in New Zealand?

The NZ wage landscape for joinery

New Zealand does not operate a trade-specific award system like Australia's Fair Work. Minimum wages are set nationally, with the current NZ minimum wage at NZ$23.15/hr (2025). Experienced cabinetmakers and joiners typically earn NZ$28–38/hr depending on experience, region and employer. Auckland and Wellington typically pay at the higher end.

Charge-out rates in NZ

NZ joinery workshops typically charge NZ$85–120/hr for shop fabrication labour and NZ$95–140/hr for on-site installation. These rates vary by region — Auckland workshops typically charge at the upper end of the range. Regional and rural workshops often charge lower rates but face higher material freight costs that may not fully offset the lower charge-out.

KiwiSaver as an employer cost

Employer KiwiSaver contributions (minimum 3% of gross earnings) add to your labour cost. Combined with ACC levies (approximately 0.5–1.5% depending on industry classification), holiday pay provision (8% of ordinary earnings) and KiwiSaver, your total employment cost is typically 15–20% above gross wage.

The supply side

The NZ joinery workforce is tight. Skilled cabinetmakers and joiners are in demand, and the market has absorbed significant immigration of trade workers. If you're looking to hire, expect competitive market rates and consider what your business offers beyond wage — training, stable workload, good machinery, and a professional working environment all matter to good candidates.