Competition for AI talent creates new pay challenges for Kiwi employers

The single biggest challenge in compensating AI-proficient candidates is high market demand and competition (34%)
94% anticipate AI proficiency will continue to drive salary growth in their organisation over the next 1-2 years

Auckland, 29 July 2026 – AI proficiency is rapidly becoming one of the most valuable skills in the Kiwi job market, but new independent research by specialised recruiter Robert Half finds employers are grappling with how to price their salaries accurately.

Among organisations where AI adoption has occurred in some capacity, an overwhelming 99% say they face challenges when compensating AI‑proficient candidates.

The single biggest challenges identified by businesses include:

Biggest challenge	% of employers
High market demand and competition	34%
Lack of internal salary benchmarks	23%
Budget constraints	22%
Rapidly evolving skillsets	20%

Independent survey commissioned by Robert Half among 250 hiring managers in New Zealand.

AI pay premiums expected to persist

The upward trend in compensation for AI proficiency is expected to persist with a strong majority (94%) of New Zealand employers anticipating that AI skills will continue to drive salary growth within their organisations over the next one to two years.

In contrast, only 4% of employers believe AI capabilities will have little to no impact on salaries in the near term, while a small minority (2%) remain uncertain, citing the fast-moving nature of AI and its role in business strategy.

“AI capability is now firmly embedded in the business landscape and increasingly recognised as a valuable skill, with that shift starting to influence how companies approach pay,” says Ronil Singh, Director at Robert Half. “We’re seeing the emergence of a new compensation hurdle, where AI fluency is beginning to shape earning potential across a wide range of roles.”

“Many organisations recognise the need for AI-capable talent, yet are still defining what that capability should command, resulting in a compensation market that is uneven and rapidly shifting. To respond effectively, businesses should keep a close eye on market movements, update benchmarking tools, and embed long-term skill development into their workforce strategy.”

RobertHalf_AIsalaries_July_NZ.pdf

Notes to editors

About the research

The study is developed by Robert Half and was conducted online in October 2025 by an independent research company of 250 finance, accounting, and IT and technology hiring managers. Respondents are drawn from a sample of SMEs as well as large private, publicly-listed, and public sector organisations across New Zealand. This survey is part of the international workplace survey, a questionnaire about job trends, talent management, and trends in the workplace.

About Robert Half

Robert Half is the global, specialised talent solutions provider that helps employers find their next great hire and jobseekers uncover their next opportunity. Robert Half offers both contract and permanent placement services, and is the parent company of Protiviti, a global consulting firm.  Robert Half New Zealand has an office in Auckland and the South Island. More information on roberthalf.com/nz.

For more information    

Courtney Fletcher

PR Manager

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