South African Salaries by Job Title (2026)
Compare salaries for 93 careers across 10 industries in South Africa. Each listing includes monthly and annual pay ranges, take-home pay calculators, qualifications, and job market demand.
See the ranking: Highest paying jobs in South Africa 2026 → · All jobs resources
Showing 93 of 93 jobs
Creative & Media
Education
Engineering & IT
Finance & Business
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Healthcare
Hospitality & Retail
Security & Law
Trades & Technical
Transport & Logistics
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary in South Africa in 2026?
The average salary in South Africa varies widely by profession. Entry-level jobs start from around R5,000/month (minimum wage) while experienced professionals in fields like medicine, actuarial science, and aviation can earn over R100,000/month. The median salary across all sectors is approximately R25,000/month.
Which jobs pay the most in South Africa?
The highest-paying jobs in South Africa include Pilots (up to R180,000/mo), Doctors (up to R160,000/mo), Actuaries (up to R160,000/mo), Dentists (up to R140,000/mo), and Lawyers (up to R120,000/mo). Engineering and IT roles also offer strong salaries, with Software Developers earning up to R95,000/mo.
How is PAYE tax calculated on my salary?
South Africa uses a progressive tax system with brackets ranging from 18% to 45%. For 2025/2026, the first R237,100 is taxed at 18%, with higher rates applying to income above that. A primary rebate of R17,235 is deducted. Use our individual salary pages for a take-home pay calculator.
Are these salaries for public or private sector?
Our salary data covers both public and private sector positions. Each job listing indicates whether it is primarily public sector, private sector, or available in both. Public sector salaries follow government pay scales (OSD, DPSA levels), while private sector salaries are based on industry surveys and job listings.
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Salary data is compiled from public sector pay scales, industry surveys, and job listing aggregates. Figures are estimates for 2026 and may vary by location, company, and individual qualifications.
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