It is possible to enter the NZ Army as a full or part-time recruit (soldier) or an officer. Full-time recruits training on the All Arms Recruit Course (AARC) receive $561.18 a fortnight if they are under 18 years old and $740.75 a fortnight if they are 18 years old or over. On completion of the AARC, full-time soldiers receive $875.44 a fortnight. Deductions are made for tax, superannuation, meals and accommodation. Soldiers receive pay rises when they complete courses or gain promotions. Part-time (Territorial Force) soldiers are paid a daily rate. Officer cadets receive $718.31 a fortnight on the eight-week basic course. They then move to a 15-week junior term with a salary of $808.09 a fortnight, followed by a 15-week senior term at $852.99 a fortnight. NZ Army personnel are also entitled to free medical and dental treatment, allowances for working away from their usual workplace, superannuation, free work clothing, subsidised rental accommodation, free travel using the defence force scheduled air travel service, retail discounts and membership to military camp gymnasiums.

Army physical training instructors can progress through the ranks in the NZ Army to officer level. Promotion is based on time spent in the NZ Army and course completion.