Mechanics are needed throughout New Zealand to inspect, diagnose, service and repair cars, trucks, buses, agricultural machinery and industrial equipment. Opportunities exist with dealerships, independent workshops, transport companies, farms, equipment suppliers, mines and public-transport operators.
An annual salary of NZD $75,000 is realistic for a qualified mechanic. Experienced diesel mechanics, automotive electricians, heavy-equipment technicians and workshop supervisors can earn substantially more.
For foreign applicants, some mechanic positions may qualify for an Accredited Employer Work Visa, commonly called an AEWV. Certain specialist mechanic occupations can also have residence pathways, but eligibility depends on the exact occupation, qualification, salary and immigration rules.
1. Mechanic salaries in New Zealand
Tahatū Career Navigator, New Zealand’s government career-information service, currently reports the following pay ranges:
| Occupation | Common annual pay |
|---|---|
| Automotive technician | NZD $58,000–$85,000 |
| Diesel mechanic | NZD $70,000–$113,000 |
| Automotive electrician | NZD $61,000–$100,000 |
| Agricultural-equipment technician | NZD $71,000–$103,000 |
| Auto-glass technician | NZD $58,000–$76,000 |
| Small-engine mechanic | NZD $58,000–$88,000 |
| Bicycle mechanic | NZD $50,000–$67,000 |
The government career profile places automotive technicians’ most common hourly earnings between approximately NZD $28 and $41, with a potential upper rate around NZD $50 per hour.
Therefore, the advertised NZD $75,000 salary falls within the current common range for qualified automotive technicians. Tahatū – Automotive technician
Hourly equivalent of NZD $75,000
Assuming a 40-hour working week:
[
NZD\ 75,000 \div 52 \div 40 = NZD\ 36.06
]
A mechanic earning approximately NZD $36.06 per hour for 40 hours each week would make around NZD $75,000 annually before tax.
2. Is NZD $75,000 guaranteed?
No. Actual earnings depend on:
- Type of mechanic
- Trade qualification
- Years of experience
- Workshop location
- Vehicle specialization
- Diagnostic ability
- Overtime
- Call-out duties
- Supervisory responsibilities
- Employer
- Number of guaranteed hours
- Whether tools or allowances are included
An apprentice or entry-level mechanic may earn considerably less than NZD $75,000. A highly experienced diesel, agricultural or heavy-equipment mechanic may earn considerably more.
Salary advertisements are normally quoted before tax.
3. Types of mechanic jobs
Automotive technician
Automotive technicians service and repair light vehicles, including:
- Cars
- Vans
- Utility vehicles
- Four-wheel-drive vehicles
- Hybrid vehicles
- Light commercial vehicles
They diagnose mechanical and electronic faults, carry out scheduled maintenance and replace defective components.
Diesel mechanic
Diesel mechanics work on vehicles and machinery powered by diesel engines.
They may repair:
- Trucks
- Buses
- Earthmoving machinery
- Agricultural equipment
- Generators
- Construction machinery
- Mining equipment
- Commercial vehicles
Diesel mechanics frequently earn more because heavy-vehicle systems require specialist knowledge and employers may struggle to recruit experienced workers. Government career information places diesel mechanics’ common earnings between NZD $70,000 and $113,000. Tahatū – Diesel mechanic
Heavy-vehicle mechanic
Heavy-vehicle mechanics inspect, service and repair trucks, trailers and buses.
Their work may involve:
- Diesel engines
- Air-brake systems
- Transmissions
- Steering systems
- Hydraulic systems
- Electronic-control systems
- Trailer components
- Fleet-maintenance programmes
A heavy-vehicle licence may be helpful, particularly where mechanics must road-test vehicles.
Agricultural-equipment technician
These technicians maintain farm machinery such as:
- Tractors
- Harvesters
- Balers
- Sprayers
- Irrigation machinery
- Dairy equipment
- Utility vehicles
They may travel to farms and perform repairs in the field. Driving ability and availability for seasonal call-outs can be important.
Heavy-equipment mechanic
Heavy-equipment mechanics work on excavators, bulldozers, loaders, cranes, graders and other construction or mining machinery.
The role requires knowledge of:
- Diesel engines
- Hydraulics
- Pneumatics
- Electrical systems
- Electronic diagnostics
- Preventive maintenance
- Equipment safety
Remote or field-service roles may include additional allowances.
Automotive electrician
Automotive electricians diagnose and repair vehicle electrical and electronic systems.
They work on:
- Batteries
- Starting and charging systems
- Vehicle wiring
- Sensors
- Electronic control units
- Lighting
- Navigation systems
- Security systems
- Communications equipment
- Hybrid and electric-vehicle systems
As modern vehicles become more computerised, electrical and diagnostic skills are increasingly valuable.
Electric-vehicle technician
Electric-vehicle technicians inspect and repair electric and hybrid vehicles.
They need specialist training covering:
- High-voltage safety
- Battery systems
- Electric motors
- Inverters
- Charging systems
- Battery-management systems
- Electronic diagnostics
Immigration New Zealand’s National Occupation List includes Electric Vehicle Mechanic or Technician as a skill-level 3 occupation for AEWV purposes. Immigration New Zealand – NOL occupations
Motorcycle mechanic
Motorcycle mechanics repair motorcycles, scooters and related vehicles. Their duties include engine work, electrical repairs, brake servicing and safety inspections.
Marine mechanic
Marine mechanics repair boat engines, fuel systems, steering equipment and marine electrical systems.
Work is available in coastal regions, marinas and boatbuilding centres.
Small-engine mechanic
Small-engine mechanics repair:
- Lawn mowers
- Chainsaws
- Generators
- Pumps
- Garden machinery
- Small construction equipment
Collision-repair technician
Collision-repair technicians restore damaged vehicle bodies. They repair panels, remove dents, align vehicle structures and replace damaged parts.
This role may also be advertised as:
- Panel beater
- Automotive body repairer
- Collision technician
Vehicle painter
Vehicle painters prepare surfaces, mix paint, match colours and refinish repaired vehicles. Some vehicle-painting positions have specialised immigration pathways, but they are distinct from general motor-mechanic roles.
Workshop supervisor
Workshop supervisors assign jobs, monitor technicians, order parts, control quality and communicate with customers.
These positions usually require trade qualifications and substantial practical experience.
4. Main duties and responsibilities
A mechanic may be responsible for:
- Receiving and reviewing repair instructions
- Discussing vehicle problems with customers
- Inspecting vehicles and machinery
- Using computerised diagnostic equipment
- Identifying mechanical and electrical faults
- Servicing engines
- Changing oil, filters and fluids
- Repairing brakes
- Repairing transmissions
- Inspecting steering and suspension
- Testing batteries and charging systems
- Replacing worn components
- Repairing cooling systems
- Testing fuel-injection systems
- Performing wheel alignments
- Carrying out scheduled maintenance
- Road-testing vehicles
- Preparing repair estimates
- Recording work completed
- Following health-and-safety procedures
- Maintaining tools and equipment
- Explaining repairs to customers
- Completing warranty documentation
Heavy and agricultural mechanics may also travel to customer locations to perform emergency repairs.
5. Qualifications required
A New Zealand employer will normally prefer a relevant automotive trade qualification.
Common New Zealand qualifications include:
- New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Engineering Level 3
- New Zealand Certificate in Light Automotive Engineering Level 4
- New Zealand Certificate in Heavy Automotive Engineering Level 4
- New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Electrical Engineering
- Equivalent overseas trade certificate
The New Zealand Certificate in Heavy Automotive Engineering Level 4 includes strands in:
- Road transport
- Plant and equipment
- Agricultural equipment
- Materials handling equipment
NZQA – Heavy Automotive Engineering Level 4
6. Apprenticeships
New Zealand residents commonly enter the occupation through an automotive apprenticeship. Apprentices combine paid employment with structured practical and theoretical training.
An apprentice may begin with basic tasks and gradually learn:
- Workshop safety
- Vehicle servicing
- Engine systems
- Brakes
- Steering and suspension
- Electrical systems
- Diagnostics
- Customer communication
Apprentice wages are normally lower than qualified-mechanic wages. Income usually improves after the worker completes the trade qualification.
For overseas applicants, an employer is more likely to provide immigration support to an already qualified and experienced mechanic than to recruit an inexperienced person for an apprenticeship.
7. Recognition of overseas qualifications
Foreign-trained mechanics should prepare:
- Trade certificate
- Apprenticeship-completion certificate
- Academic transcript
- Course-module descriptions
- Employment-reference letters
- Evidence of practical training
- Manufacturer-training certificates
- Diagnostic-training certificates
- Certified English translations
Depending on the immigration pathway, an overseas qualification may require an International Qualification Assessment from the New Zealand Qualifications Authority.
An immigration assessment does not automatically guarantee that an employer will consider the applicant fully trade-qualified. Employers may also conduct a practical skills assessment.
8. Experience requirements
Employers commonly request two to five years of post-qualification experience.
Experience is particularly valuable in:
- Diesel engines
- Heavy vehicles
- Agricultural equipment
- European vehicles
- Japanese vehicles
- Fleet maintenance
- Automotive electrical systems
- Hybrid and electric vehicles
- Hydraulic systems
- Computer diagnostics
- Air-conditioning systems
Candidates should provide detailed letters confirming:
- Job title
- Employment dates
- Weekly hours
- Duties
- Vehicles or equipment repaired
- Tools and diagnostic systems used
- Employer’s contact details
9. Technical skills employers seek
Mechanics should understand:
- Engine operation
- Fuel-injection systems
- Cooling systems
- Lubrication systems
- Brake systems
- Suspension
- Steering
- Manual and automatic transmissions
- Vehicle electronics
- Computerised fault diagnosis
- Workplace safety
- Technical diagrams
- Service manuals
- Preventive maintenance
Valuable diagnostic-platform experience can include manufacturer systems and commercial scan tools. Candidates should list the exact equipment they can genuinely operate.
10. Physical and personal requirements
Mechanic work can involve:
- Standing for long periods
- Working under vehicles
- Lifting components
- Using hand and power tools
- Handling oils and chemicals
- Working in noisy environments
- Responding to roadside or field breakdowns
Employers usually value:
- Practical problem-solving
- Attention to detail
- Reliability
- Safety awareness
- Time management
- Honest communication
- Teamwork
- Customer-service skills
- Ability to follow technical instructions
- Willingness to continue learning
11. Driver’s licence
Many mechanic jobs require a full driver’s licence because workers must:
- Road-test vehicles
- Collect parts
- Travel to customer sites
- Operate service vehicles
- Move vehicles around a workshop
Heavy-vehicle roles may require the appropriate licence class or the ability to obtain it.
An overseas licence may only be valid for a limited period. Applicants should check New Zealand Transport Agency rules on driving, conversion and licence classes.
12. Vehicle-inspector authorisation
A motor mechanic is not automatically authorised to issue a Warrant of Fitness or Certificate of Fitness.
Vehicle inspectors must satisfy the requirements of the New Zealand Transport Agency, Waka Kotahi, and receive the relevant appointment or authority.
Mechanics applying for inspection roles may need:
- Appropriate trade qualifications
- Relevant practical experience
- Suitable driving licence
- Knowledge of inspection requirements
- Good disciplinary and compliance history
- Employer approval to perform inspections
Foreign candidates should not claim to be a New Zealand vehicle inspector unless the relevant authority has approved them.
13. Can foreign mechanics get visa sponsorship?
Yes. A New Zealand-accredited employer can support a qualifying mechanic for an Accredited Employer Work Visa.
The employer does not personally grant the visa. Immigration New Zealand decides the application after assessing the job, employer and candidate.
14. Accredited Employer Work Visa requirements
The AEWV generally requires:
- A full-time job offer
- An accredited employer
- An approved job check
- At least 30 guaranteed hours per week
- Pay meeting the applicable market rate
- Appropriate skills or qualifications
- Health requirements
- Character requirements
- English ability where required
- A genuine intention to perform the job
Immigration New Zealand currently states that an applicant must generally demonstrate either:
- At least two years of relevant work experience, or
- A relevant qualification at Level 4 or higher on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework
The experience or qualification must normally be in the same field as the job. Immigration New Zealand – Accredited Employer Work Visa
Important qualification point
Meeting the basic visa requirement does not mean the applicant automatically meets the mechanic occupation’s requirements.
For example, an employer may require:
- A recognised automotive trade certificate
- Four years of heavy-vehicle experience
- Diesel diagnostic experience
- Manufacturer certification
- A driver’s licence
- Specific immigration occupational requirements
The applicant must meet both the visa rules and the employer’s genuine job requirements.
15. English-language requirement
From 1 June 2026, AEWV English-language requirements apply to skill-level 3 occupations as well as skill levels 4 and 5.
Many mechanic classifications, including diesel motor mechanics and certain automotive technicians, are skill-level 3 occupations. Applicants may therefore need to demonstrate that they can speak and understand English unless an exemption or transitional arrangement applies.
Proof may come from:
- Citizenship of an accepted English-speaking country
- Qualifying work or study completed in English
- An approved English-language test
- Another method accepted by Immigration New Zealand
Immigration New Zealand – AEWV English requirements
16. AEWV duration and conditions
An AEWV can allow a worker to stay for up to five years in many skill-level 1–3 positions, depending on the job, wage and individual circumstances.
The visa is normally connected to the:
- Employer
- Occupation
- Work location
- Pay
- Visa conditions
An AEWV holder cannot simply begin working for another garage. A change of employer, job or location may require a Job Change, variation of conditions or a new visa.
The holder also cannot normally work a second job while restricted by the AEWV conditions.
17. Can family members accompany the worker?
Partners and dependent children cannot be included directly in an AEWV application. However, an eligible AEWV holder may be able to support:
- A partner visitor visa
- A partner work visa
- Child visitor visas
- Child student visas
Eligibility depends on the worker’s occupation, skill level, salary and current immigration instructions. Applicants should not assume that a partner automatically receives unrestricted work rights.
18. Green List residence pathways
New Zealand’s Green List provides residence opportunities for selected occupations.
Diesel motor mechanic
Diesel Motor Mechanic, including certain heavy-vehicle-inspector roles, has appeared on the Green List subject to specific qualification or inspector-authorisation requirements.
The qualification requirement can include a Level 4 certificate containing the relevant knowledge and credits of New Zealand’s Heavy Automotive Engineering qualification, or another accepted route specified by Immigration New Zealand.
Automotive electrician
Automotive Electrician has also been identified as a specialist occupation within Green List settings, subject to the listed qualification and employment requirements.
Important limitation
A general light-vehicle mechanic should not assume that every automotive job is on the Green List. The exact occupation must match the official description and requirements.
Green List roles may provide:
- Straight to Residence for eligible Tier 1 occupations
- Work to Residence after 24 months for eligible Tier 2 occupations
Applicants must check the live Immigration New Zealand Green List before applying because occupations, wage thresholds and qualification rules can change.
19. Skilled Migrant Category
Mechanics may also explore the Skilled Migrant Category if they meet the relevant requirements.
New Zealand announced a Trades and Technician pathway scheduled to take effect from 24 August 2026. The published eligible occupation list includes Diesel Motor Mechanic—ANZSCO 321212.
Eligibility involves more than holding the occupational title. Applicants must satisfy the pathway’s requirements relating to:
- Age
- Skilled employment
- Qualification
- Relevant work experience
- New Zealand work experience
- Salary
- English
- Health
- Character
Immigration New Zealand – Trades and Technician pathway
20. How the recruitment and visa process works
A typical international recruitment process is:
- Applicant prepares a New Zealand-style CV.
- Applicant applies to accredited employers.
- Employer interviews the applicant.
- Employer may conduct a technical assessment.
- Employer checks references and qualifications.
- Employer completes or confirms its job-check approval.
- Employer issues a formal job offer and employment agreement.
- Employer sends the candidate the AEWV application link.
- Applicant submits the visa application and evidence.
- Immigration New Zealand assesses the application.
- Applicant travels only after receiving the necessary visa approval.
- Worker starts employment under the visa conditions.
A job offer does not guarantee visa approval.
21. Documents needed
An international mechanic may need:
- Passport
- Passport photograph
- Job offer
- Employment agreement
- Job description
- Trade certificate
- Academic transcript
- Apprenticeship certificate
- Qualification assessment
- Employment-reference letters
- Payslips or tax records
- Driving licence
- English-language evidence
- Police certificate
- Medical examination
- Chest X-ray
- Manufacturer-training certificates
Documents should be genuine, complete and consistent. Immigration authorities may verify qualifications and employment history.
22. New Zealand-style mechanic CV
A mechanic’s CV should normally include:
- Professional summary
- Trade qualification
- Years of experience
- Vehicle specializations
- Diagnostic skills
- Employment history
- Major responsibilities
- Technical training
- Driver’s-licence classes
- References
- Current visa status, where applicable
Weak statement
Repaired cars and trucks.
Strong statement
Diagnosed and repaired diesel-engine, air-brake, transmission and electronic-control faults across a fleet of 60 commercial trucks while completing scheduled preventive maintenance.
Another example:
Used manufacturer diagnostic software and multimeters to identify electrical faults, replace defective sensors and verify repairs through road testing.
Applicants should describe the precise systems, brands and equipment they have worked on.
23. Practical tests and interviews
Employers may ask candidates to complete a practical assessment involving:
- Diagnostic scanning
- Fault identification
- Brake inspection
- Electrical testing
- Engine servicing
- Repair planning
- Safe tool use
- Reading wiring diagrams
- Explaining a technical fault
Common interview questions include:
- Which vehicles and engines have you repaired?
- What diagnostic tools do you use?
- How do you diagnose a no-start condition?
- Describe a difficult mechanical fault you solved.
- How do you maintain workshop safety?
- What experience do you have with diesel injection?
- Can you interpret wiring diagrams?
- Have you worked with hybrid or electric vehicles?
- Can you perform hydraulic-system repairs?
- Do you hold a trade certificate?
- Do you have a full driver’s licence?
- Will you require an Accredited Employer Work Visa?
24. Where to find mechanic jobs
Useful platforms include:
- New Zealand Government Jobs
- SEEK New Zealand
- Trade Me Jobs
- Indeed New Zealand
- LinkedIn Jobs
- Automotive Employment NZ
- Dealership career pages
- Truck and bus company websites
- Agricultural-equipment dealers
- Equipment-hire companies
- Transport and logistics companies
Useful search terms include:
- Automotive technician
- Motor mechanic
- Diesel mechanic
- Heavy-vehicle technician
- Heavy diesel mechanic
- Agricultural-equipment technician
- Field-service technician
- Automotive electrician
- EV technician
- Fleet mechanic
- Workshop foreman
- AEWV mechanic jobs
- Accredited employer diesel mechanic
Applicants can verify potential sponsors through Immigration New Zealand’s accredited-employer list.
25. Employment benefits
Depending on the employer, mechanics may receive:
- Overtime pay
- Tool allowance
- Tool insurance
- Uniforms
- Protective equipment
- Training
- Manufacturer certification
- Performance bonus
- Company vehicle
- Fuel allowance
- Mobile phone
- Health insurance
- Retirement contributions
- Relocation assistance
- Temporary accommodation
- Paid annual leave
- Paid sick leave
Benefits are not automatic. Applicants should confirm them in the written employment agreement.
26. Cost of living
NZD $75,000 is a gross salary before tax. Workers should compare it with:
- Rent
- Utilities
- Food
- Transport
- Vehicle expenses
- Immigration costs
- Qualification assessments
- Health examinations
- Insurance
- Tools
- Family expenses
Housing costs differ considerably between Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, regional towns and rural areas.
An offer in a regional town may provide a better cost-of-living balance than the same salary in a high-cost city.
27. Employee rights
Migrant mechanics have the same minimum employment rights as New Zealand workers.
Workers should receive:
- A written employment agreement
- At least the pay stated in the agreement
- Guaranteed hours promised in the job
- Lawful deductions
- Minimum leave entitlements
- A safe workplace
- Required protective equipment
- Payslips or wage records
- Protection from exploitation
Immigration New Zealand states that employers and agents cannot charge an applicant for a job or pass accreditation and recruitment costs to the worker.
28. Scam warnings
Applicants should be cautious if someone:
- Guarantees an AEWV
- Demands payment for a job offer
- Requests money for employer accreditation
- Claims an employer can sell a visa
- Refuses to provide an employment agreement
- Uses only WhatsApp or Telegram
- Offers a senior salary without a technical interview
- Provides no workshop address
- Asks the applicant to enter on a visitor visa and begin work
- Requests payment through cryptocurrency
- Promises automatic permanent residence
- Uses another company’s name or accreditation
- Provides duties that do not match the visa occupation
Immigration New Zealand warns that an AEWV may be declined if the applicant or their agent offered money to the employer in exchange for the job.
Final assessment
Mechanic jobs in New Zealand can genuinely pay NZD $75,000 annually. Current government career information places automotive technicians at approximately NZD $58,000–$85,000, while diesel mechanics commonly earn NZD $70,000–$113,000.
The strongest opportunities for overseas applicants are generally in:
- Diesel mechanics
- Heavy vehicles
- Agricultural machinery
- Heavy equipment
- Automotive electrical work
- Electric and hybrid vehicles
- Advanced computer diagnostics
Foreign applicants may qualify for an Accredited Employer Work Visa if they secure a genuine offer from an accredited employer and satisfy the qualification, experience, English, health and character requirements.
Certain diesel-mechanic and automotive-electrician roles may also have residence pathways. However, ordinary light-vehicle mechanics should not assume that every job qualifies for the Green List. The exact occupation, qualification, salary and current immigration instructions must be checked before applying.
