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The Association of Scientists says students are missing out on highly paid jobs due to their low performance in maths and science.
The ratings of New Zealand high school pupils in these subjects have slumped on an international league table assessed by the OECD.
The Government has repeatedly said the key to securing more high paying jobs in the country is better performance in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
The association says the poor performance by students in maths and science means they risk missing out on lucrative careers.
Secondary Principals Association former president Patrick Walsh said teachers with skills in those areas are hard to find as they can get more highly paid jobs elsewhere and the government should consider paying science and maths teachers more.