Average Surgeon Salary in New Zealand 2025
One of the most frequently asked questions among healthcare aspirants and experienced surgeons in New Zealand today is: “What’s the average surgeon salary NZ doctors can expect in 2025?” The answer? It depends on your experience, workplace, specialty, and even your postcode.
Average Salary Breakdown by Stage
Surgeons in New Zealand go through multiple stages in their careers. Be it interns, registrars or fully qualified consultants, each phase comes with its own pay scale.
| Stage | Annual Salary (NZD) | Annual Salary (INR) | Comments |
| House Officer | $64k to $145k | ₹32 LPA to ₹72.5 LPA | First 1 to 2 years under supervision (Te Whatu Ora = public hospitals) |
| Registrar | $80k to $246k | ₹40 LPA to ₹1.2 cr | Undergoing specialist surgical training |
| Qualified Surgeon | $170k to $251k | ₹85 LPA to ₹1.25 cr | Consultant surgeons in public hospitals |
| Private Sector Surgeon | $250k to $450k+ | ₹1.25 cr to ₹2.25cr+ | Depends on procedures, referrals, patient load, and reputation |
| Senior Private Specialist | $500k to $750k+ | ₹2.5 cr to ₹3.75 cr+ | Common in cardiothoracic, orthopaedic, or plastic surgery |
Source: ASMS, RDA, STONZ Agreements 2024; ERI Compensation Reports; Medical Council NZ
The average salary of a cardiothoracic surgeon in New Zealand is approximately $500k/year (which is equivalent to ₹4.3 cr). Entry-level doctors earn around $300k (₹2.6 cr) and senior surgeons up to $789k (₹6.8 cr) annually.
Salary Growth Potential
Experience matters. Here’s what the income trajectory often looks like:
| Experience Level | Estimated Salary (NZD) | Estimated Salary (INR) |
| 1–3 years | $64k to $145k | ₹32 LPA to ₹72.5 LPA |
| 4–6 years | $150k to $240k | ₹75 LPA to ₹1.2 cr |
| 7–10 years | $250k to $380k | ₹1.25 cr to ₹1.9 cr |
| 10+ years | $400k to $750k+ | ₹2 cr to ₹3.75 cr+ |
New Zealand Surgeon Salary by Specialisation
Specialisation plays a huge role in your earnings. Below is a breakdown of the average annual salaries in NZ based on surgical specialty.
| Surgical Specialty | Avg Salary (NZD) | Avg Salary (INR) | Public Sector (NZD) | INR Equivalent | Private Potential (NZD) | INR Equivalent |
| Cardiothoracic Surgery | $500k | ₹2.5 cr | $250k to $300k | ₹1.25 cr to ₹1.5 cr | $700k to $800k+ | ₹3.5–₹4 cr+ |
| Orthopaedic Surgery | $420k | ₹2.1 Cr | $230k to $280k | ₹1.15 cr to ₹1.4 cr | $600k to $750k | ₹3–₹3.75 cr |
| Neurosurgery | $400k | ₹2 Cr | $220k to $260k | ₹1.1 cr to ₹1.3 cr | $650k to $700k+ | ₹3.25–₹3.5 cr+ |
| Vascular Surgery | $375k | ₹1.875 Cr | $200k to $240k | ₹1 to ₹1.2 cr | $550k+ | ₹2.75 cr+ |
| General Surgery | $170k to $250k | ₹85LPA to ₹1.25 cr | $170k to $210k | ₹85 LPA to ₹1.05 cr | $300k+ | ₹1.5 cr+ |
| Paediatric Surgery | $350k | ₹1.75 cr | $200k to $220K | ₹1 cr to ₹1.1 cr | $500K+ | ₹2.5 cr+ |
| Plastic/Reconstructive | $390k | ₹1.95 cr | $180k to $240k | ₹90 LPA to ₹1.2 cr | $600K+ | ₹3 cr+ |
| Urology | $330k | ₹1.65 cr | $190k to $230k | ₹95 LPA to ₹1.15 cr | $470K+ | ₹2.35 cr+ |
Sources: ERI, Medical Council of NZ, STONZ, SalaryExpert
Why Are Some Specialties Paid More?
Every job has its roles and responsibilities and the bigger purpose it solves, just like:
- For branches like, cardiothoracic, neurosurgery, are directly involved with heart and nerves. Hence, the complexities and risks are worth the upscale pay.
- Salaries would slightly differ in orthopaedics and plastic surgery due to its elective procedure frequency
- There’s always demand in private sector. Cosmetic surgeries are not covered by the public system hence, the pay hugely differs.
- Waitlist reduction contracts take place from Te Whatu Ora
For example, a neurosurgeon in Wellington handling rare spine surgeries can earn more than $600k/year by supplementing public hospital work with private patient consults.
If you’re aiming for high salary, consider specialties like cardiac, orthopaedic, or plastic surgery. But remember, these also require some of the longest and most competitive training pathways (several years after MBChB/MBBS in New Zealand).
Surgeon Salary New Zealand by Location
While specialisation defines your earning ceiling, where you practice often determines how quickly you reach it. In 2025, surgeon salary NZ statistics reveal clear geographic disparities across the country.
Urban centres offer more patient volume, but rural areas are aggressively compensating for staff shortages through bonuses, housing subsidies, and relocation allowances.
City vs Rural: Where do you get paid more?
| Region / City | Average Salary (NZD) | Average Salary (INR) | Commentary |
| Auckland | $212k to $300k | ₹1.06 cr to ₹1.5 cr | Highest public sector base pay, dense hospital network |
| Wellington | $180k to $260k | ₹90 LPA to ₹1.3 cr | Strong research opportunities via university hospitals |
| Christchurch (Canterbury) | $195k to $280k | ₹97.5 LPA to ₹1.4 cr | Teaching hospital perks and mid-high cost of living |
| Waikato (Hamilton) | $230k to $305k | ₹1.15 cr to ₹1.52 cr | High workload, top pay for regional public surgeons |
| Bay of Plenty (Rotorua) | $240k to $320k | ₹1.2 cr to ₹1.6 cr | High demand for surgical specialists, includes rural bonuses |
| Northland (Whangarei) | $250k to $350k | ₹1.25 cr to ₹1.75 cr | Rural incentive schemes and housing subsidies make this lucrative |
| Taranaki (New Plymouth) | $220k to $310k | ₹1.1 cr to ₹1.55 cr | Excellent for early-career surgeons seeking high autonomy |
Sources: Glassdoor NZ, Medrecruit, Te Whatu Ora Remuneration Reports
Regional areas like Northland, Bay of Plenty, and Taranaki have great opportunities. They, in fact, offer better salaries, especially for mid-career specialists and international surgeons.
Real Case Example: Maya, A General Surgeon in Whangarei
“I moved to Northland after training in Wellington. At first, it was about experience. But now, to my surprise I earn more than I did in the city. I do not have to pay any rent due to in-house accommodation facilities. I live 10 minutes away from the beach. It’s a very different and peaceful life.”
Key Insight: Rural vs Urban
Public hospitals in major cities offer structured pay scales and career growth, while rural hospitals offer negotiable perks and faster promotion, especially in high-need specialisations.
New Zealand Surgeon Salaries by City: A Detailed Comparison
Whether you’re planning your surgical practice in Auckland or eyeing rural areas like Northland or Taranaki, knowing exactly how much each location offers can shape your entire career trajectory. In this section, we dive deep into city-by-city surgeon salaries across New Zealand as of 2025.
We also consider important variables such as:
- Cost of living
- Hospital density
- Access to private practice
- Regional demand for specialists
- Retention incentives
Surgeon Salary NZ – City Comparison Table (As per 2025)
| City/Region | Avg Surgeon Salary (NZD) | Avg Surgeon Salary (INR) | Cost of Living Index | Key Factors |
| Auckland | $212k to $300k | ₹1.06 cr to ₹1.5 cr | High | Top hospitals, dense competition, premium housing |
| Wellington | $180k to $260k | ₹90 LPA to ₹1.3 cr | Medium-High | Strong public sector opportunities, research-based hospitals |
| Christchurch | $195k to $280k | ₹97.5 LPA to ₹1.4 cr | Medium | Good work-life balance, hospitals that allow practice |
| Hamilton (Waikato) | $230k to $305k | ₹1.15 cr to ₹1.525 cr | Medium | Developing region, dual-practice opportunities |
| Rotorua (Bay of Plenty) | $240k to $320k | ₹1.2 cr to ₹1.6 cr | Low-Medium | High demand for surgical specialties, bonus incentives |
| Whangarei (Northland) | $250k to $350k | ₹1.25 cr to ₹1.75 cr | Low | Housing allowance, rising need for specialists, miscellaneous benefits |
| New Plymouth (Taranaki) | $220k to $310k | ₹1.1 cr to ₹1.55 cr | Low | Underserved community, faster career progression, strong hospital autonomy |
| Dunedin (Otago) | $185k to $260k | ₹92.5 LPA to ₹1.3 cr | Low-Medium | Lower patient load, strong medical school connection |
| Nelson | $200k to $270k | ₹1 cr to ₹1.35 cr | Low | Peaceful, semi-rural, growing in private care demand |
Sources: Te Whatu Ora Data, NZ Medical Council, Regional Health Board Remuneration Reports, Glassdoor NZ, Medrecruit
Suppose you’re just starting your surgical journey in NZ. In that case, cities like Whangarei or Rotorua offer not only higher pay but also lower costs. They also provide a faster path to consultant roles and a stronger sense of community-based healthcare impact.
Public vs Private – Which Pays Surgeons More in New Zealand?
The Two Worlds of NZ Surgery: Structured Stability vs. Flexible Fortune
The healthcare sector of NZ is evolving, and so are the ways surgeons choose to work. There are government-based jobs, mostly in hospitals, and private ones in individual clinics and camps. What you choose will influence your income, work-life balance, and career growth.
Public Sector Surgeon Salaries in Te Whatu Ora
| Role | Annual Salary (NZD) | Annual Salary (INR) | Details |
| House Officer (PGY1–2) | $64k to $145k | ₹32 LPA to ₹72.5 LPA | Fixed contracts under RMO agreements, standardised across NZ |
| Registrar (PGY3–6/7) | $80k to $246k | ₹40 LPA to ₹1.23 cr | Gradual annual raises, often rotate hospitals for training |
| Consultant Surgeon | $170k to $251k | ₹85 LPA to ₹1.25 cr | Senior role with teaching, research, and clinical duties |
| Chief of Surgery | $260k to $300k+ | ₹1.3 cr to ₹1.5 cr+ | Leadership and admin responsibilities on top of surgical load |
Benefits:
- Guaranteed salary + pension
- Structured leave (CME, annual, parental)
- Career progression and union protection
- Mentoring, research funding, and teaching posts
Drawbacks:
- Longer rosters, on-call hours
- Limited earning upside
- Slower promotion due to seniority bottlenecks
Private Sector Surgeon Salaries
| Specialty | Annual Income Range (NZD) | Annual Income (INR) | Notes |
| General Surgeon (Private) | $250k to $400k | ₹1.25 cr to ₹2 cr | Elective procedures, cosmetic & short-stay surgeries |
| Cardiothoracic Surgeon | $500k to $750k+ | ₹2.5 cr to ₹3.75 cr+ | High-revenue specialty with demand for private consultations |
| Orthopaedic Surgeon | $450k to $700k | ₹2.25 cr to ₹3.5 cr | Joint replacements, sports injuries, often not waitlisted in the public system |
| Plastic Surgeon (Private) | $500k+ | ₹2.5 cr+ | Aesthetic procedures, often cash-based |
Benefits:
- No income ceiling: The more procedures you perform, the more you earn
- Greater control over schedule and caseload
- Opportunity to build brand/reputation
Drawbacks:
- You handle your own business (insurance, clinic setup, staffing)
- No guaranteed patients: referral-based required
- Higher stress from business risk and patient retention
Hybrid Approach: The Best of Both Worlds?
Many senior surgeons today split their week: 3 days public, 2 days private. This model allows them to maintain teaching/research roles, mentor junior doctors, and enjoy the clinical variety public hospitals offer, while tapping into higher pay via elective surgeries on the side.
Quote from a renowned surgeon in Hamilton, NZ:
“Public hospitals gave me my foundation, and I’ll always owe them. But my private work pays my mortgage and funds my sabbaticals.”
What’s Best for You?
- Early-career? Public system = structured learning, mentorship, career guidance
- Mid-to-senior level? Private sector or hybrid models = income growth + flexibility
- Work-life balance seeker? Rural public + some locum private = great blend
Still confused?
What are the Key Factors that influence the salary of a surgeon in NZ?
It is quite normal that two different surgeons in the same country have a huge difference in their earnings. Why is it so? Key factors, such as an individual’s unique skills, qualifications, location, reputation, and personal decisions, determine their average salary.
Years of Experience
A surgeon’s salary in New Zealand increases significantly with experience. Here’s the data insights:
| Experience Level | Salary Range (NZD) | Salary Range (INR) |
| Entry-level (1–3 yrs) | $64k to $145k | ₹32 LPA to ₹72.5 LPA |
| Registrar (4–6 yrs) | $150k to $240k | ₹75 LPA to ₹1.2 cr |
| Mid-career (7–10 yrs) | $250k to $380k | ₹1.25 cr to ₹1.9 cr |
| Senior (10+ yrs) | $400k to $750k+ | ₹2 cr to ₹3.75 cr |
Note: Most salary jumps occur during the transition from registrar to consultant level. This is when you gain autonomy, perform independent surgeries, and build a name for yourself.
Type of Surgical Specialty
Some specialties are just more lucrative. For example:
- Cardiothoracic, orthopaedics, neurosurgery = high revenue
- General surgery, urology = moderate pay
- Paediatrics or public health surgery = meaningful work but comparatively lower pay
Location & Population Demand
As seen earlier, rural hospitals (e.g., Northland, Rotorua) offer:
- Extra bonuses ($30K–$50K)
- Subsidised housing
- Growth is faster than usual due to a shortage of healthcare professionals.
Fellowships, Certifications & International Experience
Extra qualifications like:
- FRACS, which is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
- Specialty Board Certifications, e.g., neurosurgery, plastic surgery
- Training in the UK, US, or Australia
…can dramatically improve your appeal and allow you to negotiate higher salaries, especially in private hospitals or for consulting roles.
Immigration Status & Work Rights
Overseas-trained surgeons often need to:
- Pass the NZREX Clinical Exam
- Work supervised initially (PGY-equivalent roles)
- Secure permanent residency for private practice or long-term hospital contracts
If you are looking for an NZREX Clinical Exam preparation course, Academically already has a comprehensive coaching programme. You can attend live and recorded sessions and enjoy extended access for several months. There are community groups and programme managers to support you throughout your journey. Several AI adaptive mock tests are available to help you get acquainted with the exam day scenario.
Dual Practice (Public + Private)
Working in both sectors can drastically raise your annual income. It’s common to:
- Work public hours (8 am to 3 pm)
- Take private consults/surgeries (4 pm to 7 pm, or weekends)
This model allows flexibility, prestige, and income growth, without burning out in one system.
Soft Skills, Referrals and Patient Rapport
A highly skilled surgeon may earn less than a moderately skilled one who’s:
- Networked well with GPs and physiotherapists
- Built a strong reputation in their region
- Known for great bedside manner
In private practice, especially, your brand is your income.
Quick Self-Check: What's Boosting or Holding Back your Earnings?
| Factor You Have | Factor to Build On |
| Medical Degree | No FRACS certification |
| 4+ years in NZ | No private experience |
| Popular specialty | Not in a high-demand area |
| Strong English | No referral network |
Surgeon Salary Growth Trends & 2025–2030 Projections
| Year | Estimated Avg Salary (NZD) | Estimated Avg Salary (INR) | Growth Rate |
| 2025 | $250k | ₹1.25 cr | Increasing |
| 2026 | $258k | ₹1.29 cr | 3.50% |
| 2027 | $268k | ₹1.34 cr | 3.80% |
| 2028 | $279k | ₹1.40 cr | 4.10% |
| 2029 | $291k | ₹1.45 cr | 4.20% |
| 2030 | $303k | ₹1.52 cr | 4.25% |
Source: Health Workforce Data, ERI projections, ASMS salary negotiations
Why are Salaries Rising?
1. Surgeon Shortage Crisis
- Nearly 1 in 3 NZ surgeons is over 55 years old and nearing retirement
- Immigration pathways are being fast-tracked to fill gaps
- Incentive packages and pay hikes are being used to retain specialists in high-need areas
2. Surgical Waitlists Ballooning Post-COVID
- Te Whatu Ora is outsourcing elective procedures to private surgeons
- Surgeons can earn bonus contracts on top of their regular salaries
3. Global Competition
- NZ is competing with Australia and Canada for skilled surgical professionals
- To remain competitive, salaries are being adjusted to align with international benchmarks
In-Demand Surgical Specialties Through 2030
| Specialty | Why It's Growing | Projected Pay (2030) | Salary in INR (Approx.) |
| Cardiothoracic | Aging population, rise in heart-related surgeries | $820k+ | ₹4.10 cr+ |
| Orthopaedics | Sports injuries, hip/knee replacements | $700k+ | ₹3.50 cr+ |
| Neurosurgery | Advanced diagnostics, brain/spine trauma care | $680k+ | ₹3.40 cr+ |
| Plastic Surgery | Cosmetic and reconstructive demand across public/private | $600k+ | ₹3.00 cr+ |
| General Surgery (Rural) | High turnover, incentive-based retention | $450k+ | ₹2.25 cr+ |
- New graduates can expect faster salary acceleration than in the past
- Overseas doctors will find higher relocation incentives and smoother pathways
- Private consultants may renegotiate contracts as demand skyrockets
New Zealand Surgeon Salary vs Other Countries
When evaluating your future as a surgeon, it’s not just about how much you earn, it’s about how your salary compares to the global standard, especially in countries like Australia, Canada, the UK, and the US. This is a key question both local graduates and overseas-trained doctors ask:
“Is a surgeon salary in NZ really competitive on the world stage?”
Let’s compare and uncover the truth, not just with numbers, but also with context.
Global Surgeon Salary Comparison Table (2025)
| Country | Avg Annual Salary (Local Currency) | Approx. INR Equivalent | Cost of Living | Work-Life Balance |
| New Zealand | NZD 250k | ₹1.25 cr | Moderate | Excellent |
| Australia | AUD 365k | ₹1.95 cr | High | Good |
| Canada | CAD 400k | ₹2.40 cr | High | Moderate |
| United States | USD 450k | ₹3.60 cr | Very High | Low–Moderate |
| United Kingdom | GBP £130k | ₹1.43 cr | Moderate | Moderate |
| India | INR ₹15–20 lakh | NA | Low | Poor–Moderate |
Sources: SalaryExpert, Medscape, Glassdoor, HealthGov NZ, AHPRA, NHS, Statista (2025)
New Zealand Salary Bar is High Competitive- Here’s why
- You won’t earn as much as your US counterpart, but you also won’t be working 60 to 80 hours/week
- Unlike the UK, you can negotiate in the private sector
- Compared to Australia, you’ll earn slightly less, but enjoy easier immigration and less competition
- For Indian and South Asian doctors, NZ offers a 5 to 10x pay increase, plus safer work conditions
New Zealand is a clear winner. Here’s why
| Category | New Zealand Advantage |
| Visa & PR Pathways | Fast-tracked for Green List specialties like surgery |
| Cost of Medical Practice | Lower malpractice premiums than the US or UK |
| Safety & Social System | Public healthcare, paid parental leave, accident cover |
| Work-Life Integration | Average 45–50 hour workweeks for consultants |
| Remote Lifestyle Options | Beaches, hikes, and forests within 30 mins in most cities |
How to Become a Surgeon in New Zealand
Step-by-Step Pathway (Local Students)
| Stage | Duration | Details |
| Step 1: Secondary School | Year 11–13 | Strong focus on Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and English. NCEA Level 3 needed. |
| Step 2: Health Sciences First Year (HSFY) | 1 year | At Otago or Auckland Universities. Competitive GPA + UCAT ANZ score. |
| Step 3: MBChB Degree | 5–6 years | Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery. Admission is very competitive. |
| Step 4: House Officer Roles (PGY1–2) | 2 years | Paid internships in public hospitals (Te Whatu Ora). Supervised clinical practice. |
| Step 5: Surgical Registrar Training | 5–7 years | Specialty training + RACS membership (Royal Australasian College of Surgeons). |
| Step 6: Fellowship/Consultant Post | Ongoing | FRACS certification + hospital post in the chosen surgical field. |
Pathway for International Medical Graduates (IMGs)
| Stage | Required? | Details |
| Recognised Medical Degree | Yes | Must be listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools |
| NZREX Clinical Exam | Yes | For those without comparable training or registration routes |
| Provisional Registration (PGY1–2) | Yes | Supervised work in NZ hospital for 12–24 months |
| MCNZ Registration + RACS Membership | Yes | To pursue specialization in surgery |
Note: If your degree is from Australia, the UK, Canada, or Ireland, you may bypass NZREX and enter directly into supervised work.
Also Read: Doctor Salary in New Zealand
To Conclude with…
As we have read so far, the career of a Surgeon in New Zealand is attractive enough so that overseas doctors can think of a stable career in the country. Pay varies from one region to another, one specialty to another. However, if you are from overseas, you must clear the NZREX clinical exam to complete your licensure process and registration formalities to work as a registered surgeon in New Zealand.
If you need any assistance for your career in surgery, do not hesitate to contact our friendly team of experts who will guide you through the whole process.
