ISSUE
Friday, April 24, 2026
Volume 17 . Issue 16
Automation engineers have emerged as the most in-demand workers in New Zealand, with job listings for the role nearly tripling over the past year, according to new data from SEEK.
The data highlights how New Zealand’s labour market is evolving, with strong demand emerging across technology, construction, logistics and healthcare sectors.
The figures show that automation engineering roles recorded the fastest growth in job advertisements nationwide, with employers offering an average salary of $115,446. The data compares hiring trends from late 2024 to early 2026, pointing to a broader shift toward technology-driven and essential trade roles.
Sales positions ranked as the second most sought-after, followed by truck drivers and support coordinators, reflecting continued demand across both white- and blue-collar sectors.
The construction and infrastructure industries are also facing mounting pressure to fill roles. Job advertisements for truck drivers more than doubled during the period, alongside significant increases in demand for heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) technicians and roofers.
Among the fastest-growing roles, technical leads in the ICT sector remain the highest paid, earning an average salary of $150,062. Project managers in construction are also among the top earners, with average salaries of $135,239.
Hiring activity has also picked up in healthcare and corporate services. Health and safety managers and podiatrists both recorded strong growth in job listings, with average salaries of $120,797 and $90,552 respectively.
Demand has also risen for specialised machinery operators in the transport and manufacturing sectors, particularly those qualified to operate HIAB cranes and excavators.
The SEEK data is based on full-time salary information shared by employers. To be included in the analysis, roles needed a high volume of listings and at least 5 percent year-on-year growth.
Top 20 fastest-growing roles in New Zealand (by job ad growth):
Automation engineers have emerged as the most in-demand workers in New Zealand, with job listings for the role nearly tripling over the past year, according to new data from SEEK.
The data highlights how New Zealand’s labour market is evolving, with strong demand emerging across technology,...
Automation engineers have emerged as the most in-demand workers in New Zealand, with job listings for the role nearly tripling over the past year, according to new data from SEEK.
The data highlights how New Zealand’s labour market is evolving, with strong demand emerging across technology, construction, logistics and healthcare sectors.
The figures show that automation engineering roles recorded the fastest growth in job advertisements nationwide, with employers offering an average salary of $115,446. The data compares hiring trends from late 2024 to early 2026, pointing to a broader shift toward technology-driven and essential trade roles.
Sales positions ranked as the second most sought-after, followed by truck drivers and support coordinators, reflecting continued demand across both white- and blue-collar sectors.
The construction and infrastructure industries are also facing mounting pressure to fill roles. Job advertisements for truck drivers more than doubled during the period, alongside significant increases in demand for heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) technicians and roofers.
Among the fastest-growing roles, technical leads in the ICT sector remain the highest paid, earning an average salary of $150,062. Project managers in construction are also among the top earners, with average salaries of $135,239.
Hiring activity has also picked up in healthcare and corporate services. Health and safety managers and podiatrists both recorded strong growth in job listings, with average salaries of $120,797 and $90,552 respectively.
Demand has also risen for specialised machinery operators in the transport and manufacturing sectors, particularly those qualified to operate HIAB cranes and excavators.
The SEEK data is based on full-time salary information shared by employers. To be included in the analysis, roles needed a high volume of listings and at least 5 percent year-on-year growth.
Top 20 fastest-growing roles in New Zealand (by job ad growth):
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