Compare two salaries or job offers (2026–27)
Put two job offers side by side and see the take-home pay and KiwiSaver contribution for each, after PAYE and any student loan.
Your KiwiSaver contribution comes from your gross pay. Your employer's contribution is paid on top of your pay and is not part of your take-home, so it is not asked.
| Offer A | Offer B | Better | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Take-home a month | $4,155.58 | $4,476.52 | B |
| Take-home a year | $49,867.00 | $53,718.25 | B |
| Your KiwiSaver a year | $2,275.00 | $2,860.00 | B |
| Take-home + KiwiSaver | $52,142.00 | $56,578.25 | B |
| Marginal rate | 31.8% | 31.8% | — |
Where each offer's money goes
What these figures are, and what they are not
Income tax is charged on your income for the year on Inland Revenue's scale, from the first dollar, with no tax-free allowance. The ACC earners' levy is added to it and the independent earner tax credit, on an ME code, comes off it; together they are your PAYE. A student loan repayment is a share of your pay above the repayment threshold, and KiwiSaver is taken from your gross pay at the rate you choose.
Common questions
Is a higher salary always better?
Not always. A higher salary pays more PAYE on the difference, and a higher KiwiSaver rate lowers your take-home while it builds your savings, so the table shows both.
How is income tax worked out in New Zealand?
There is no tax-free allowance: income tax starts at 10.5% on the first dollar and rises through the scale's bands to 39% on income over $180,000. The ACC earners' levy of 1.75%, on earnings up to $156,641, is collected with it, and the two together are your PAYE.
What is the independent earner tax credit?
A credit of $520 a year that comes off your PAYE on an ME tax code, for income from $24,000 to $66,000. Above that it reduces until it reaches nothing at $70,000.
MyNetIncome gives estimates, not tax or financial advice. Figures follow Inland Revenue's rules for the 2026–27 tax year; your payslip can differ because of your tax code, your pay dates or deductions this page does not ask about. Not affiliated with or endorsed by Inland Revenue.Estimates, not tax or financial advice. Your payslip can differ. Not affiliated with Inland Revenue.