Welders and boilermakers sit on New Zealand’s Green List, and the shortage is real — infrastructure, construction and manufacturing firms are competing for a limited pool of qualified tradespeople. Pay runs NZD $28–$45 an hour, and two years in a genuinely qualifying role can put you on a work-to-residence pathway.
What the Job Involves
Welder and boilermaker roles in New Zealand span structural steel fabrication for construction, pipe welding for infrastructure and energy projects, and general metal fabrication and repair work for manufacturing and engineering firms. MIG, TIG and stick welding are all in demand depending on the employer; heavy industrial and infrastructure projects tend to want certified pressure-welding experience.
Who’s Hiring
- Downer Group NZ — infrastructure and utilities contractor hiring welders and fabricators across both islands
- Fulton Hogan — roading and infrastructure contractor with ongoing welding and fabrication vacancies
- Fletcher Building — structural and construction welding roles across Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch
- Independent engineering and fabrication workshops — smaller AEWV-accredited firms across industrial hubs like Hamilton, Christchurch and Tauranga
Pay You Can Expect
- General welder/fabricator: NZD $28–$34/hr
- Certified pipe welder / pressure welding: NZD $34–$40/hr
- Boilermaker with structural steel experience: NZD $32–$45/hr, higher in Auckland and for specialised industrial projects
What You Need
- A trade certificate or recognised equivalent (NVQ/NVTI or your country’s welding trade qualification)
- At least 2–3 years of verifiable hands-on welding or boilermaking experience
- Welding process certifications where relevant (MIG/TIG/stick, or pressure-welding tickets)
- English proficiency — IELTS 5.5 or equivalent is typically accepted
New Zealand generally doesn’t require a local licence for welders the way it does for electricians or plumbers, but employers will want to see a portfolio of your work and verifiable references.
How to Apply
- Search Seek NZ and Trade Me Jobs for “welder” and “boilermaker” roles, filtering for visa sponsorship.
- Confirm the employer’s AEWV accreditation status on the Immigration New Zealand website.
- Apply directly with a short cover letter and a portfolio of your welding work, noting your certifications and years of experience.
- Once you have a signed job offer, apply for your AEWV.
Final Thoughts
Welding and boilermaking is one of the more accessible Green List trades — genuine shortage, solid pay, and a real two-year pathway to residence. Build a strong portfolio, get your certifications documented, and apply directly to accredited construction and infrastructure employers.
Also worth reading: our guides on electrician jobs in New Zealand and 25 New Zealand companies hiring skilled foreign workers in 2026.