A practical guide for overseas-qualified audiologists considering a move to New Zealand, covering employment settings, salary benchmarks, professional certification, regional demand, and immigration pathways.
Role Snapshot
ANZSCO Code: 251211 — Audiologist
NZR Code: NZR-152
Country: New Zealand
Role Variants: Audiologist, Senior Audiologist, Paediatric Audiologist, Cochlear Implant Audiologist, Industrial Audiologist, Vestibular Audiologist
Skill Level: 1
Green List Status: Not currently listed. Audiologists are eligible for the AEWV as a scarce skill. Check INZ Green List for current status.
Audiologists in NZ diagnose and manage hearing and balance disorders across the lifespan: comprehensive audiological assessment, hearing aid fitting and programming, tinnitus rehabilitation, vestibular assessment, cochlear implant candidacy evaluation and mapping, neonatal and paediatric audiology, and industrial audiology for ACC claims support.
Employment splits between private chains (Bay Audiology, Dilworths Hearing, Connect Hearing, Audika, Specsavers Audiology) and hospital-based departments within Health New Zealand (cochlear implant programmes in Auckland, Christchurch, and Wellington; paediatric audiology at Starship). The University of Canterbury produces under 30 graduates per year for a country of five million — employers are experienced in onboarding international candidates.
Typical employers: Bay Audiology, Dilworths Hearing, Connect Hearing, Audika, Specsavers Audiology, independent practices, Health New Zealand audiology departments (Auckland City Hospital, Wellington Regional Hospital, Christchurch Hospital, Waikato Hospital), ACC industrial audiology network.
Salary Ranges
Salaries depend on setting, experience, and specialist functions. Private clinics often add commission tied to hearing aid dispensing volume.
| Level | Setting | Approximate Range (NZD) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–2 years) | Private or public | $62,000 – $78,000 |
| Mid-level (3–6 years) | Private or hospital | $78,000 – $100,000 |
| Senior (7+ years) | Private or specialist hospital | $100,000 – $125,000 |
| Specialist (cochlear implant, paediatric, vestibular) | Hospital or senior private | $110,000 – $135,000+ |
| Practice owner / principal audiologist | Independent practice | $130,000 – $200,000+ |
Provincial and rural roles often include relocation assistance and accommodation support. Locum day rates range from $400 to $650 depending on experience and location.
Regional Demand
Auckland: Largest market. Densest private chain networks. Auckland City Hospital cochlear implant programme. Paediatric audiology at Starship. Most entry-level roles.
Wellington: Wellington Hospital audiology department. Good private clinic density. Consistently active on SEEK.
Canterbury (Christchurch): South Island hub. Christchurch Hospital audiology. Strong private clinic market. University of Canterbury proximity creates occasional educator roles.
Waikato (Hamilton): Waikato Hospital is the fourth major public employer. Significant rural and Maori population creates sustained community hearing demand.
Northland, Bay of Plenty, Hawke’s Bay, Taranaki, Nelson, Southland: Underserved regions with genuine opportunities. Employers offer relocation assistance, accommodation, and retention bonuses for candidates willing to base outside main centres.
Licensing & Registration
Audiology is not regulated under the HPCA Act — no statutory registration is legally required. However, Full Membership of Audiology New Zealand (FAudNZ) is expected or required by the large majority of employers and is the recognised professional standard.
FAudNZ pathway for overseas candidates: Qualification assessment against Audiology NZ’s recognised programmes list, evidence of supervised practice, and in some cases a competency-based assessment. Contact Audiology NZ early for a preliminary qualification assessment.
Recognised qualifications: UK (BSA/BSHAA), Australia (Audiology Australia), South Africa (SASLHA), Canada, United States, and comparable European programmes. Minimum standard: Master’s level qualification or equivalent clinical training programme.
CPD: Annual CPD compliance required to maintain FAudNZ membership. Audiologists from structured CPD environments (NHS UK, public health systems) will find NZ requirements familiar.
Immigration Pathways
Primary pathway: Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). Most audiology employers have AEWV accreditation or are familiar with the process. Audiology roles typically exceed the median wage threshold at all but entry level.
Residency: Skilled Migrant Category (SMC). A full-time audiology role with FAudNZ membership typically accumulates sufficient SMC points without needing partner or additional qualification points.
The Green List does not currently list audiologists — the list is reviewed periodically. Check current status with a Licensed Immigration Adviser.
Immigration advice for healthcare professionals
TEFI works with Fabien Maisonneuve, a Licensed Immigration Adviser with specific experience in health profession visa applications. Contact Tate for an introduction: Tate@EmploymentForImmigration.NZ
Readiness Signals
You are well-positioned for NZ audiology roles if you hold a Master’s level audiology qualification from a country recognised by Audiology NZ, have 2+ years post-qualification clinical experience, and are willing to engage with the FAudNZ membership assessment process. Cochlear implant mapping, paediatric audiology, or vestibular protocols make you significantly more attractive to hospital employers. Willingness to consider provincial or rural placements broadens your options markedly.
Where to Find Roles
- SEEK NZ — Audiology
- Audiology New Zealand — Jobs Board
- LinkedIn Jobs
- Bay Audiology, Dilworths Hearing, Connect Hearing, Audika — careers pages on each chain’s website
- Health New Zealand — Vacancies
Get practical guidance for your NZ job search
Tate works with overseas-qualified health professionals to navigate the NZ job market. Start with a free CV review.
Want to Know Where You Stand?
Not sure how your background will read to NZ employers? Upload your CV and Tate will give you honest, practical feedback on your market position — at no cost. Expect a response typically within one business day.
- Upload your CV: Submit here →
- Email Tate directly: tate@employmentforimmigration.nz
- Learn more about our services: TEFI Services
Tate has 17 years of immigration employment coaching experience and works with clients until they secure a job offer.
Immigration information disclaimer: This page provides general information only and does not constitute immigration advice. Visa eligibility, qualification requirements, and occupation lists change regularly. Your individual circumstances — including work history, qualifications, and country of origin — affect which pathways are available to you. For advice specific to your situation, consult a licensed New Zealand immigration adviser. TEFI refers clients to New Zealand Shores (Fabien Maisonneuve) as a trusted referral — mention Tate's name when you get in touch.