The creative sector offers a dynamic and diverse range of career opportunities for individuals who thrive on innovation, expression, and problem-solving. From graphic design and advertising to film production, fashion, and digital media, this field spans a variety of industries that demand creativity and technical expertise.
Whether you’re drawn to storytelling, visual arts, music, or technology, the creative sector provides a platform to bring ideas to life and impact culture. With the rapid growth of digital platforms, there’s never been a better time to explore a career where imagination meets opportunity. If you have a passion for creativity and a drive to make an impact, the creative sector might just be your ideal career path.
Do you like…
- Exploring new ideas
- Creating and designing
- Innovation and technology
- Storytelling
If so, a career in this sector might be right for you!
TECHNOLOGY
Waikato is home to an increasing number of successful businesses that are leading the way in data security, robotics, artificial intelligence, software development and advanced data processing applications.
New technologies, modernisation and the changing online space mean there is a soaring demand for IT professionals, including developers and data engineers, as well as people who are:
- great communicators
- problem solvers
- creators
SMARTER FUTURES: Technology
Waikato is one of New Zealand’s most rapidly growing regional tech sectors and a hub of technological advancements, with over 50 dedicated I.T. companies and I.T. specialists in most businesses in the region, along with a proud history in agritech. Waikato stands at the forefront of cutting-edge developments.
Technology Qualifications
Whether you are looking to study at the University of Waikato or Wintec, qualification options include…
UNIVERSITY OF WAIKATO
- Bachelor of Computer Science (BCompSc)
- Bachelor of Computing and Mathematical Sciences with Honours (BCMS (Hons))
- Bachelor of Design (BDes)
- Bachelor of Business (BBus) (Digital Business major)
- Bachelor of Management Studies with Honours (BMS (Hons)) (Digital Business major)
WINTEC
- Bachelor of Applied Information Technology
- NZ Certificate in Information Technology (Level 5)
- NZ Certificate in Computing (Level 3)
- Range of Graduate Diplomas
VISION COLLEGE
- NZ Diploma in Web Development and Design (Level 5)
- NZ Diploma in Software Development (Level 6)
Job and pay examples
| JOB | PAY PER YEAR | OPPORTUNITIES |
|---|---|---|
| Cloud Architect | $140K to $230K | Good |
| Cloud Engineer | $120K to $180K | Good |
| Cyber Security Analyst | $110K to $140K | Good |
| Cyber Security Engineer | $120K to $160K | Good |
| Cyber Security Manager | $130K to $180K | Good |
| Data Analyst | $80K to $125K | Good |
| Data Engineer | $110K to $160K | Good |
| Data Scientist | $110K to $160K | Good |
| Desktop Support | $60K to $80K | Good |
| Front End Developer | $100K to $135K | Good |
| Full Stack Developer | $115K to $160K | Good |
| Game Developer | $60K to $100K | Poor |
| IT Manager | $130K to $170K | Good |
| Mobile Apps Developer | $100K to $150K | Good |
| Network Engineer | $90K to $120K | Good |
| Network Architect | $130K to $160K | Good |
| Platform Engineer | $120K to $180K | Good |
| Penetration Tester | $120K to $170K | Good |
| Scrum Master | $120K to $150K | Good |
| UI/UX Designer | $100K to $145K | Good |
Rates are based on full time work and are an indication only.
Source: careers.govt.nz
CREATIVE
Creative industries generate billions of dollars and more than 100,000 jobs in New Zealand, not only in the creative sector but as a supporter of other industries.
Creative careers cover visual and performing arts, design, digital technologies, the film industry, events and much more.
Opportunities in this sector range from generating creative products within local communities to leading innovation for global businesses.
Keen on a creative career?
You could…
- Work in a creative sector (Though finding work can be challenging)
- Be creative in another sector (Like engineering or marketing)
- Start your own business (To sell your products or services)
- Work a day job (To fund your creative activities on the side)
Job and pay examples
| JOB | PAY PER YEAR | OPPORTUNITIES |
|---|---|---|
| Actor | Varies widely | Poor |
| Animator/Digital Artist | $55K to $120K | Average |
| Architect | $60K to $140K | Average |
| Artist | Varies widely | Poor |
| Artistic Director | Varies widely | Poor |
| Author | Depends on success | Poor |
| Barber/Hairdresser | $48K to $100K | Average |
| Dancer | Varies widely | Poor |
| Entertainer | Varies widely | Poor |
| Fashion Designer | $48K to $160K | Poor |
| Graphic Designer | $65K to $105K | Average |
| Interior Designer | $55K to $120K | Average |
| Industrial Designer | $60K to $120K | Average |
| Jeweller | $48K to $100K | Average |
| Journalist | $48K to $100K | Poor |
| Make-up Artist | Varies widely | Good |
| Media Producer | Varies widely | Poor |
| Musician | Varies widely | Poor |
| Radio Presenter | $48K to $90K | Poor |
| Tattoo Artist | Varies widely | Poor |
| Television Presenter | Varies widely | Poor |
| JOB | PAY PER HOUR | OPPORTUNITIES |
|---|---|---|
| Film/Video Editor | $27 | Poor |
| Photographer | $25 to $250 | Average |
*Rates are based on full time work and are an indication only.
Source: careers.govt.nz
Creative Qualifications
Whether you are looking to study at the University of Waikato or Wintec, qualification options include…
WINTEC
- Bachelor of Contemporary Art
- Bachelor of Design
- Bachelor of Media Arts (Hons)
- Bachelor of Music and Performing Arts
UNIVERSITY OF WAIKATO
- Bachelor of Arts (BA)
- Bachelor of Design (BDes)
- Bachelor of Music (BMus)
CULTURAL
Jobs requiring Te Reo Māori and mātauranga Māori (knowledge) and kaupapa/tikanga Māori continue to grow.
A variety of businesses across all sectors increasingly seek team members who bring a Māori perspective to the workplace, so they can better serve their communities and grow.
These roles might include…
- Te Reo Māori Tutors
- Research and development advisors
- Policy and strategy advisors
- Senior leadership positions
- Kaitiakitanga (environmental leadership)
- Lawyers
- Education specialists
- Health and social workers
Aotearoa also has a strong, contemporary Māori arts community. Many Māori design, create, market and sell indigenous art or products.
Sources: careers.govt.nz, beehive.govt.nz, Hays Salary Guide 2021, New Zealand Herald, nzrecreation.org.nz, seek.co.nz, sportnz.org.nz, Toi Māori Aotearoa, waikato.ac.nz, wecreate.org.nz, wintec.ac.nz, youthguarantee.education.govt.nz
Disclaimer: While the FutureForce® Team makes every effort to ensure the information on this website is correct, the editor and publisher do not assume and hereby disclaim any liability to any party for any disruption or loss caused by error or omissions. Content is designed to complement, but not replace, the advice of a career advisor.