Free Sick Leave Pay Calculator for New Zealanders
NZ employees are entitled to up to 10 days paid sick leave per year, paid at their relevant daily pay rate. This estimator uses an hourly-rate proxy and applies PAYE, ACC, and KiwiSaver.
Your sick pay
Based on 5 days at $30/hr (8 hrs/day).
About our Sick Leave Pay Calculator
NZ’s sick-leave minimum was lifted from 5 to 10 days per year on 24 July 2021. The 10 days vest after 6 months of continuous employment and refresh on each work anniversary. Up to 20 unused days carry over, capping the total balance at 30 days.
Sick leave is paid at "relevant daily pay" (the amount you would have earned for that day) or "average daily pay" for variable-hours workers. PAYE, ACC, KiwiSaver, and student loan deductions apply as for ordinary wages.
How to use it
Enter your hourly rate, daily hours, and days taken. The calculator returns gross sick pay plus an after-tax estimate at the appropriate PAYE bracket.
Why use it
For checking the figure on your payslip during a sick-leave period, or budgeting around an upcoming planned absence (e.g., a hospital stay or family caring period). The 10-day entitlement is one of the most-asked-about NZ employment numbers, and the calculator surfaces both gross and net.
The maths behind it
Sick leave pay = Days taken × Relevant daily pay (or Average daily pay) NZ employees get 10 days paid sick leave per year, accruing on each anniversary after 6 months of service. Pay is calculated at "relevant daily pay" (what you would have earned that day) or "average daily pay" (12-month average) for variable-hours workers. The calculator uses an hourly-rate proxy: hours × rate per day, multiplied by days taken. PAYE, ACC, and KiwiSaver apply as on ordinary wages.
Worked example
Bryn, social worker in Hokitika, taking 9 days sick leave on a $32.50/hour rate.
Bryn works 8 hours/day. His relevant daily pay is 8 × $32.50 = $260/day. Over 9 days of sick leave (caring for his son for 4 days, then his own flu for 5 days), gross sick pay is $260 × 9 = $2,340.
PAYE on the $2,340 (annualised at his $54,080 salary, sits in the 17.5% bracket): $410. ACC: $41. KiwiSaver at 3.5%: $82.
Net sick pay reaching his bank: about $1,807. The calculation is the same as ordinary wages; sick leave is paid as if Bryn had worked those days.
Things to keep in mind
- 10 days per year, after 6 months service. NZ’s minimum is 10 days paid sick leave per year. The 10 days vest after 6 months of continuous employment, then refresh on each anniversary. Some employers offer more as a benefit.
- Carryover capped at 20 days. Unused sick leave carries over each anniversary, but only up to 20 unused days. Maximum balance is 30 days (10 fresh + 20 carried). Use it or lose it above the cap.
- Caring for family is included. Sick leave can be used for the employee’s own illness OR caring for a sick spouse, partner, child, parent, or other dependent family member living in the household.
- Pay rate methodology. Most salaried workers get sick leave at "relevant daily pay" (regular daily rate). Variable-hours workers may use "average daily pay" (gross earnings ÷ paid days over 52 weeks). Employer must use the appropriate method.
NZ-specific notes
FAQs
How much sick leave do I get in NZ?
10 days per year, paid at your relevant daily pay rate. Vesting is after 6 months of continuous employment, then refreshing on each work anniversary.
Can I save up unused sick leave?
Yes, up to 20 unused days carry over each anniversary, with a maximum balance of 30 days (10 fresh + 20 carried).
What if I run out of sick leave?
Discuss with the employer. Options include using annual leave, taking unpaid leave, or applying for ACC if the illness is work-related.
Does sick leave cover mental-health days?
Yes. Mental health is treated like any other illness under the Holidays Act. Some employers require a medical certificate after 3 consecutive days regardless of cause.
References & sources
- Employment NZ, "Sick leave". employment.govt.nz
- Employment NZ, "Calculating payments for leave and holidays". employment.govt.nz
- Employment NZ, "Who can use sick leave". employment.govt.nz
- Inland Revenue, "Payday filing". ird.govt.nz