Home > Salary > South Africa > Biochemical Engineer
A biochemical engineer is a professional who applies principles of engineering, biology, and chemistry to design and develop processes for the production of pharmaceuticals, biofuels, and other chemicals. They work in various industries such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, and environmental engineering. Their primary role involves researching, designing, and optimizing biochemical processes, as well as developing new products and technologies. They may also be involved in scaling up laboratory processes to industrial-scale production, ensuring safety and compliance with regulations, and troubleshooting any issues that arise during manufacturing.
Estimated Yearly Salary: 212,518 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 17,710 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 4,087 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 102 ZAR per hour
Values are pre-tax
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Estimated Monthly Salary: 17,120 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 3,951 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 99 ZAR per hour
Last revision of data: 2024-01-02
Estimated Yearly Salary: 10,602 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 884 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 204 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 5 USD per hour
Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately
3 %
Data confidence is - relatively high
Data fetched from dabase: 14 submissions.
Results are anonymized. Amounts indicated are pre-tax, meaning no deductionts yet have been made to the basic salary. Salaries where there are less than 3 entries are not displayed.
Want to check how your salary compares? Submit your own salary here
Estimated Yearly Salary: 212,518 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 17,710 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 4,087 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 102 ZAR per hour
By working as Biochemical Engineer a person can save up to 612 USD per month or 7,348 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.
NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.
For more information regarding expenses in South Africa, see costs of living in South Africa.
Estimated Yearly Salary for Biochemical Engineer
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Data as of 2025
Random salary:
Audiovisual specialist (114,260 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Student advisor (85,258 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Senior business development manager (208,654 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Test technician (89,742 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Senior optometrist (260,259 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Biochemical Engineer salary in South Africa
Average Yearly Salary of Biochemical Engineer in South Africa is approximately 212,518 ZAR (10,602 USD). Data is for 2025 and indicates a pre-tax value. The salary itself depends on multiple factors such as seniority, job performance, certifications, experience or any other bonuses. The value indicated is an average amount based on records we have in database. Real values may vary. The data is for orientational purposes.
What does Biochemical Engineer do?

Skills: Biochemical engineering, Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical industry, Chemical process optimization, Industrial-scale production, Product development
Job industry: Biotechnology
Job industry: Biotechnology
How much does Biochemical Engineer make?
Salary details
How much does Biochemical Engineer make?Estimated Yearly Salary: 212,518 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 17,710 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 4,087 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 102 ZAR per hour
Comparing salary to last year:
Estimated Yearly Salary: 205,440 ZAREstimated Monthly Salary: 17,120 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 3,951 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 99 ZAR per hour
Biochemical Engineer estimated salary in USD
For easier comparison here is an estimated salary in USD:Estimated Yearly Salary: 10,602 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 884 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 204 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 5 USD per hour
Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately
About these results
Data confidence is - relatively high Data fetched from dabase: 14 submissions.
Results are anonymized. Amounts indicated are pre-tax, meaning no deductionts yet have been made to the basic salary. Salaries where there are less than 3 entries are not displayed.
Want to check how your salary compares? Submit your own salary here
Compare salary to other countries
Please type in your occupation and select desired country to see latest trends in salaries.
Country:
Salary comparison to National average
South Africa is a diverse and vibrant country located at the southernmost tip of the African continent. It has a population of approximately 59 million people and covers an area of around 1.2 million square kilometers. The country is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and abundant wildlife.
Estimated national average yearly salary is 126,956 ZAR (6,780 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Biochemical Engineer job salary compared to average salary in South Africa.
Comparison shows that a person working as Biochemical Engineer in South Africa earns on average:
1.67 times the average salary (or 167% of average salary).
Estimated national average yearly salary is 126,956 ZAR (6,780 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Biochemical Engineer job salary compared to average salary in South Africa.
Comparison shows that a person working as Biochemical Engineer in South Africa earns on average:
1.67 times the average salary (or 167% of average salary).
Is Biochemical Engineer a well paid job?
Yes, our data shows that Biochemical Engineer is a well paid job. With years and experience the salary might increase even further, resulting in higher satisfaction.What is considered a high salary for Biochemical Engineer?
High salary for Biochemical Engineer would be somewhere between 233,770 ZAR and 308,151 ZAR. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.How much can you save working as Biochemical Engineer in South Africa?
Living in South Africa the approximate monthly expenses are: 271 USD. This amount covers basic needs such as food, housing, clothing, healthcare and education costs for a single person. No luxury expenses such as traveling, leisure, hobbies are included in the estimation.Estimated Yearly Salary: 212,518 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 17,710 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 4,087 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 102 ZAR per hour
By working as Biochemical Engineer a person can save up to 612 USD per month or 7,348 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.
NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.
For more information regarding expenses in South Africa, see costs of living in South Africa.
Salary comparison to region and neighbouring coutries
Country's neighbours are: Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Eswatini, Lesotho. To make it easier for comparison a conversion from local currency to USD has been made (conversion rates may vary).Estimated Yearly Salary for Biochemical Engineer
Salary increase per years of experience
Based on data available the salary increase per years of experience is as following- 0 years (beginner) equals base salary
- 1 to 5 years of experience yields
- 6 to 10 years of experience yields
- 11 to 15 years of experience yields
- 16 to 25 years of experience yields
- more than 25 years of experience yields
Top 10 highest salaries in South Africa
(1,412,867 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
2. Cardiologist
(1,176,011 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
(1,138,908 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
(1,102,268 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
5. Neurosurgeon
(1,100,784 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
(1,077,960 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
(1,073,792 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
(1,073,439 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
9. Oncologist
(1,071,922 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
10. Urologist
(1,071,632 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Random salary:
Audiovisual specialist (114,260 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Student advisor (85,258 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Senior business development manager (208,654 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Test technician (89,742 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Senior optometrist (260,259 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Feedback about these results
Please provide feedback by clicking buttons below if you find any of our salaries erroneous.

The salary figures on this website are meant for informational use exclusively.
The salary figures on optisalary.com are meant for reference use exclusively. We compile salary data from multiple providers, but do not ensure absolute precision. Users must independently verify salaries before making career decisions. Salary fluctuations occur due to company policies, negotiation skills, and experience levels. We deny any warranty regarding the validity of the listed salary data. By accessing this site, you acknowledge that salary data is subject to updates.
All salary data on this website are for informational purposes only. We gather data from numerous reliable databases, yet cannot ensure complete precision. Before making financial decisions, visitors should cross-check with additional verified sources. Salaries fluctuate due to several influences, including negotiation skills, industry demand, and experience levels. We disclaim any liability for misrepresentations in the salary information provided here. Your engagement with this website indicates acceptance of this disclaimer.