Making plans for the future when you are young can be hard. But at some point, you must think about the job you’d like to do so you can buy the things you want.

Some people intuitively know what type of work they would like and complete the training they need. Others give various jobs a try until one clicks with them. There’s no right or wrong job. 

New Zealand doesn’t have too much in the way of high-tech research and development or advanced manufacturing, so most of our top-paying jobs are still in well-established areas. But which ones, on average, pay employees the most? 

1. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY (ICT) MANAGERS AND ARCHITECTS top the list of best-paying jobs in New Zealand with annual salaries in the region of $128,000. The greater reliance on accurate data being transmitted fast and securely by businesses and governments – using the internet, mobile phones and satellite communication systems – means there is demand across the industry for people to work in these roles. 
   
   
2. INSURANCE MANAGERS earn around $123,000 a year and help businesses and individuals with the insurance cover they need. Insurance can help people if they are ill, have an accident, or their property – such as a car or home – is damaged. 
   
   
3. MINING, ENERGY AND RESOURCES MANAGEMENT – people working in this sector earn around $122,000 a year. They are in charge of mining and drilling projects (on land and at sea). 
   
   
4. Real estate is big business in New Zealand with the economy almost reliant on people selling houses to each other. Bringing sellers and buyers together are REAL ESTATE AGENTS who earn around $122,000 a year. 
   
   
5. Helping companies stay profitable are FINANCIAL MANAGERS AND CONTROLLERS. They typically earn $120,000 a year. 
   
   
6. Even though there is a big push for clean energy, the fossil fuel sector is still going strong. MAINTENANCE ENGINEERS IN THE FOSSIL FUEL SECTOR can bring in around $117,000 a year. 
   
   
7. Money makes the world go around, so banking is always a good bet. It’s one of those jobs where you can start in the retail part of the business, and with training and experience, work your way up. CORPORATE FINANCE AND INVESTMENT MANAGERS earn around $117,000 (but bonuses may increase this figure). 
   
   
8. Engineering is a solid bet and there is always demand for more (particularly in robotics). ENGINEERING MANAGERS, who lead teams of engineers, earn around $115,000 a year. 
   
   
9. With the country experiencing a building boom that will continue for at least another 20 years it’s no surprise that people working as CONSTRUCTION MANAGERS are in demand. They earn around $114,000 a year. 
   
   
10. To get a job you normally have to go through HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGERS. They earn around $113,000 a year. 

SOURCE: www.seek.co.nz (2018) Credit: www.leavingschool.co.nz