Online jobs in region show salary boost

Dave Burnett

The average pay packet for Bay of Plenty jobs advertised on one major job search site has increased by 10 per cent.

Statistics from seek.co.nz show the average salary of job vacancies in the Bay, listed on its website, increased to $69,318 in 2014, from $63,727 in December 2013.

The Manawatu and Bay of Plenty regions experienced the highest growth rates with an 11 per cent and 10 per cent increase in pay packages respectively.

At an industry level, remuneration for roles in insurance and superannuation advertised on the site, increased by 23 per cent - the largest increase in any sector.

The second fastest-growing salaries were in real estate and property, with an increase of 16 per cent to an average pay of $84,882.

Tauranga Chamber of Commerce chief executive Dave Burnett said the increase reflected an influx of higher paying jobs in the region.

"The statistics confirm what we know, wages have increased absolutely and that is really a reflection of what has been happening in Tauranga and in the wider region. We are transforming from the '$10 Tauranga' known for its low-income jobs to the higher paying jobs, particularly in the ICT and manufacturing sectors.

"More jobs with higher income are being offered region-wide and this is attracting the people we need for the region to grow. It is a trend that should continue and translate into more jobs."

Mr Burnett said minimum-wage workers would also benefit from the increase.

"As the city grows and we attract more events, those on minimum wage will benefit too."

Jill Swan, director of Tauranga recruitment agency The Staffroom, said the numbers were confirming what the agency had been experiencing.

"There's been more roles in the Bay, there's been more competition and employers are prepared to pay a little bit more for the right person.

"That 10 per cent is definitely across the board."

She believed prospective employees were also being more picky about their salary now the market was picking up.

Tradestaff central North Island regional manager Geoff Campbell said there had definitely been a positive shift in salary range, especially in the skilled trade roles.

With the national shortage of tradespeople and the demand in Auckland and Christchurch, there needed to be a positive shift in salary in the Bay for the region to retain its skilled workers, he said.

Across the country, the average salary increased by nearly $5000 in 2014.

Jobs advertised on seek.co.nz from January to December revealed average salaries increased by 7 per cent on the previous year to $76,538 per annum.

Seek general manager Janet Faulding said the increase was a reflection of a growing economy.

"An extra $400 or so in the hand each month will make a significant difference for many New Zealanders ," she said.