Simple estimate
One input. Realistic New Zealand assumptions applied automatically.
Salary equivalence
Equivalent contract rate
$110/hr
$882/day at 8 hours · Typical NZ Contractor pattern
Permanent role
$10,140/month
Equivalent contracting income
$10,470/month
After tax and standard assumptions, including ACC and KiwiSaver.
Time off includes Christmas shutdown periods, annual leave, public holidays, sick leave allowance and other non-working periods.
| Scenario | Time off assumed | Equivalent rate |
|---|---|---|
Minimal Leave Around 4 weeks unavailable each year | 4 weeks | $105/hr |
Typical NZ Contractor Around 6 weeks unavailable each year | 6 weeks | $110/hr |
More Flexibility Around 8 weeks unavailable each year | 8 weeks | $115/hr |
Select a scenario to update the headline figure.
Salary entered: $180,000
| Rate | Guidance |
|---|---|
| $100/hr | Approximate break-even |
| $110/hr | Typical target |
| $120/hr | Strong negotiation position |
Actual circumstances vary, but this range provides a guide for salary equivalence under common New Zealand contracting assumptions.
A salary package already includes:
- Paid annual leave
- Paid public holidays
- Sick leave
- Employer KiwiSaver contributions
A contractor must fund all of these themselves, while billing fewer weeks of the year. That is why the equivalent contract rate is usually well above an employee's effective hourly wage.
These assumptions reflect a typical New Zealand contractor and are used to produce quick salary equivalence estimates.
- 40-hour working week
- 2-week Christmas shutdown
- 2 weeks additional leave
- 11 public holidays
- 10 sick leave days allowance
- Employer KiwiSaver equivalent included
Result
44 billable weeks per year
Use Detailed Mode to model your actual package, line by line.
- Actual leave entitlements
- Bonuses
- Employer KiwiSaver
- Business expenses
- Insurance
- Contract duration
- Downtime assumptions
- Professional development benefits
- Vehicle allowances
- Other package benefits