Psychiatrist salaries in New Zealand

Medipeople • June 13, 2018

Psychiatrist Salaries in New Zealand


In New Zealand,a nation-wide salary arrangement regulates the salaries of medical consultants working in the public service. This arrangement also covers psychiatrist salaries.


Your salary will be based on how many hours per week and for how many years you have been practicing. Your practice time counts from the date you completed your specialist psychiatry training. With every year of full-time work you have completed, you will move one step higher on the salary scale. In your first year after achieving your specialist/consultant qualification you will be on step 1. The next year you will be on step 2 of the salary ladder, and so on.


Additional benefits (such as superannuation and compensation for after-hours or on-call work) will be paid on top of the rates listed in the chart below. These benefits range from around $15,000 per year to up to $50,000 per year for the top steps. In April 2019 the remuneration for each step will increase as displayed in the chart. All psychiatrists who have been on step 14 for a year or more will progress to the new step 15.

Step Current 1-Apr-19
15  240,000
14  230,000 233,500
13 223,500 227,500
12 216,500 221,000
11 209,000 213,500
10 204,000 208,000
9 198,716 202,691
8 193,514 197,385
7 188,312 192,079
6 183,110 186,773
5 177,908 181,467
4 172,706 176,161
3 167,504 170,854
2 162,302 165,548
1 158,141 161,304

* All psychiatrist salaries are annual figures based on a 40-45h work-week. Noted in NZD and current as of mid 2018


The figures in the chart are based on a 40h to 45h work week. This is the lowest of six standardized salary categories (category A). Every additional category requires 5h/week more than the previous category and provides extra earnings. These extra earnings form part of your base salary and accrue the allowances mentioned earlier (proportionate to your higher earning). As part of your psychiatrist salary you will also have guaranteed sick leave, annual leave and a time & financial allowance for CPD.


Usually, a hospital will also pay for the relocation of your house goods to New Zealand. Less costs for you! And of course our services are free of charge for you as well. Let us help you secure your dream psychiatrist job in New Zealand!


Salaries for psychiatry registrars and trainee doctors in new zealand

Your basic salary assumes a working week of 40 hours. Anything after this will be paid at penalty rates. In addition, some locations attract a higher category. You may earn a bit more in a rural area compared to the city. Generally, you can expect a base salary ranging from $80,000 to $130,000 with added benefits such as holiday and sick pay.

Salaries for psychiatry registrars and trainee doctors in new zealand

Psychiatrist with FRANZCP can work in private practices in New Zealand. You can expect to earn 40 to 50% more in full time private practice roles. As an SIMG moving to New Zealand, private practice is not an immediate option. But it definitely is something to consider for the future – particularly if you obtain your local fellowship.

Taxation on psychiatrist salaries

New Zealand uses a rather simple system to structure personal income tax. Below you will find a chart detailing the income tax rates as of mid 2018. You can check the current rates here.

Taxable Personal Income Tax Rate
Up to $14,000 10.5%
Over $14,000 to $48,000 17.5%
Over $48,000 to $70,000 30%
Over $70,000 33%

* All values are current as of mid 2018


The NZ financial year runs from 1 April to 31 March. We strongly suggest to immediately apply for a personal tax identifier number after arriving in New Zealand.


Psychiatrist salaries are lower in New Zealand than in some comparable health systems. However, NZ still recruits a large number of medical doctors from the global market each year. New Zealand’s excellent lifestyle options a big drawing card. Aspirational young families seeking adventure and a healthy lifestyle for their children find it in NZ. And senior doctors towards the end of their careers are equally attracted to the country.


If you have any questions regarding psychiatrist salaries or a potential psychiatry career in New Zealand please contact us any time!

Medipeople at the American Psychiatrist Congress – Los Angeles 2025

June 3, 2025
Medipeople at the American Psychiatrist Congress – Los Angeles 2025 It was a privilege to attend this year’s American Psychiatric Congress and be part of a special event hosted at the iconic Dodger Stadium. We had the opportunity to connect with incredible psychiatrists from Australia, the UK, the Philippines, and the USA. A huge thank you to Stephen Price for co-hosting this memorable evening. At Medipeople, we’re passionate about going further—creating meaningful experiences that bring our doctors together and support global collaboration in mental health. Thank you also to the American Psychiatric Association for hosting such an outstanding congress. If you are planning to attend San Francisco in 2026 please reach out.

Fast-Track Pathway for UK Psychiatrists to Work in Australia

March 13, 2025
UK-based psychiatrists now have an exciting opportunity to fast-track their career in Australia through a new Expedited Specialist Pathway, designed to reduce barriers and help internationally trained specialists transition seamlessly into the Australian healthcare system. Medipeople is on hand to secure your job in Australia and guide you through the registration, visa and relocation process. From 23 December 2024, psychiatrists with UK qualifications will be able to apply directly for specialist registration with Ahpra (the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) and the Medical Board of Australia, enabling them to begin practicing sooner and contribute their expertise to Australian patients. Eligibility for Psychiatrists UK psychiatrists are eligible if they hold the following qualifications: Membership of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (MRCPsych) Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) in Psychiatry Awarded under an approved RCPsych curriculum (from August 2007 onwards) after satisfactory completion of a GMC- or Postgraduate Medical Education and Training Board-approved psychiatry training program in the UK. This pathway allows highly skilled psychiatrists to transition quickly into Australia's healthcare workforce, ensuring access to critical mental health services for patients across the country. Why Consider Australia? Australia offers: A world-class healthcare system with excellent professional development opportunities. Competitive remuneration packages and benefits. The chance to live and work in vibrant cities or picturesque regional areas, with a lifestyle renowned for its balance of work, leisure, and outdoor living. The Application Process The Expedited Specialist Pathway builds on the success of the October launch for general practitioners, which saw 96 UK-based GPs apply within two months, with 80% of applicants already progressing through the system. Similar efficiency is anticipated for psychiatrists, making this pathway a reliable and attractive option.  What’s Next? The Expedited Specialist Pathway will soon expand to include other specialties such as general medicine, general paediatrics, and diagnostic radiology, providing more opportunities for UK specialists to join the Australian medical workforce. This initiative reflects the commitment to making it easier for professionals from comparable healthcare systems, such as the UK, to relocate and practice in Australia. Start your journey today and be part of a healthcare system that values your expertise. Applications open 23 December 2024.

Updated: Fast-Track AHPRA Registration for General Practitioners

By Chris Tsolakis • March 5, 2025
AHPRA has launched the Fast-Track Specialist Pathway , providing a streamlined process for internationally qualified GPs and other medical specialists to obtain specialist registration in Australia. This new pathway is significantly faster and more cost-effective than traditional routes, reducing the time to start practicing in Australia from 12 months to approximately 4–6 months.  At Medipeople, we are actively supporting GPs through this new process and ensuring smooth transitions into high-quality medical positions across Australia. Latest Updates March 2025 – Key Highlights & First Approvals The first successful Fast-Track application was approved in December 2024 after a two-month processing period, setting a promising precedent for future applicants. GPs must still complete visa and Medicare provider number processing before starting work. As more applications are processed, the timeline and requirements are expected to become even more efficient. Eligibility Criteria & Accepted Qualifications This pathway is currently open to GPs with qualifications from the UK, Ireland, and New Zealand, including: MRCGP + CCT (UK) – from 2007 onwards MICGP + CSCST (Ireland) – from 2009 onwards FRNZCGP (New Zealand) – from 2012 onwards Additional specialties such as anaesthetics, obstetrics, and psychiatry are expected to be added in December 2024. How the Fast-Track AHPRA Pathway Works Key Steps in the Application Process: Specialist Registration (With Conditions) – Bypass the RACGP assessment and apply directly to the Medical Board of Australia. Supervised Practice (6 Months) – Includes orientation, cultural safety training, and workplace-based assessments. Workplace-Based Assessments – Supervision reports required at 3 and 6 months. Full Specialist Registration – Following completion of supervised practice and assessments. Processing Timeframe: AHPRA assessment: 6–8 weeks Overall process (including AMC, EPIC, visa & Medicare): 4–6 months This is a significant improvement over the traditional RACGP PEP Specialist Pathway, which takes 9–12 months. Key Considerations for GPs Supervision & Job Requirements You must secure a job offer before submitting your application. A supervisor must be nominated by your employer as part of the process. The supervised practice plan is more detailed than traditional pathways, requiring specific training activities. Does This Avoid the 10-Year Moratorium? No, GPs on this pathway must work in a DPA area or secure a 19AB exemption. Exception: New Zealand medical graduates who were citizens or permanent residents on the first day of medical school are exempt from the moratorium. Next Steps: How Medipeople Can Help At Medipeople, we specialise in assisting UK, Irish, and NZ-trained GPs with navigating the Fast-Track AHPRA Pathway, securing roles in trusted, high-net-worth practices across Australia. We provide expert guidance on the AHPRA, visa, and Medicare process. We match you with top-tier GP roles in sought-after locations. We ensure seamless supervision arrangements with practices that support international GPs. Get Started Today! To find out more about how Medipeople can help you secure a fast-tracked GP role in Australia, get in touch today!