Mr Mackey said highly skilled people with specific skill sets could have trouble finding jobs in the area.
However, those people were realistic and were prepared to start "further down the chain" than they'd like to get a foot in the door in an industry, while utilising their skill set.
According to Trade Me figures, the average salary of Wanganui jobs listed in the three months to the end of September increased 8.2 per cent on the same time last year to $54,956.
Head of Trade Me Jobs Peter Osborne said roles advertised across the country were up only 1.2 per cent in the quarter when compared to the previous year, with the biggest lifts in the Bay of Plenty, Auckland, and Hawke's Bay.
He said the number of job applications increased over the quarter, with employers finding it easier to fill new roles.
"With fewer jobs and more applicants, employers won't have to stretch the budget as much to compete for candidates. As a result, we expect that average salaries will show little if any growth over the coming quarter."
Mr Osborne said job hunters in Auckland sent 17 per cent more job applications in the 12 months to September 2015 when compared to the previous year.
He said there had also been a noticeable lift in interest for roles outside Auckland.
"Over the past year, 13 per cent of applications sent by Auckland candidates were for roles located outside the Auckland region. That's up an impressive 47 per cent on the previous year, matching the increasing pressure on the cost of living in New Zealand's biggest city. This is also clearly reflected in the 81 per cent lift in applications for jobs in the Waikato by Aucklanders."
He said other areas which experienced an increase in the number of job applications from Aucklanders were Canterbury and the Bay of Plenty.
"On the other hand, we saw a 16 per cent lift in applications for Auckland roles where the candidate was based outside the Auckland region, so we'll be watching activity with interest."
