UI/UX Designer Salary in Wellington, New Zealand
Wellington offers a median mid‑level UI/UX designer salary of NZ$76,500 per year. The figure reflects demand across multiple sectors. Designers work in a mix of permanent roles and freelance gigs that target user‑centric products.
Salary by experience level
Entry-level (0-2 years)
Salary range (per year)
NZ$53,500 to NZ$68,500
Average (per year)
NZ$61,500
Small agencies and local startups employ recent graduates in Kapiti Coast District, offering salaries that correspond to local levels.
Mid-level (3-5 years)
Salary range (per year)
NZ$68,500 to NZ$85,500
Average (per year)
NZ$76,500
Designers with several years of experience work for regional tech firms or local government, and their compensation reflects their experience.
Senior (6-9 years)
Salary range (per year)
NZ$85,500 to NZ$105,000
Average (per year)
NZ$94,000
Professionals at this level secure roles with larger Wellington-based employers or remote contracts.
Principal/Lead (10+ years)
Salary range (per year)
NZ$105,000+
When working with national agencies or in consulting, lead designers with a decade of experience negotiate higher compensation.
Hourly Rates
For freelance or contract work, hourly rates are typically higher than equivalent salaried positions.
Junior
NZ$29 - NZ$39
per hour
Mid-level
NZ$39 - NZ$53
per hour
Senior
NZ$53 - NZ$68
per hour
Nationally, mid‑level UI/UX designers earn around NZ$70,000, so Wellington sits above the average. Higher pay is reported in the city, which also has steep housing costs.