Home > Salary > South Africa > Chief Science Officer
A Chief Science Officer (CSO) is a high-level executive responsible for overseeing the scientific research and development activities within an organization. This role typically exists in scientific and technology-driven companies, research institutions, and government agencies. The CSO plays a critical role in shaping the company's scientific strategy, driving innovation, and ensuring the organization remains at the forefront of scientific advancements.
As a CSO, key responsibilities include leading research and development teams, managing scientific projects, collaborating with internal and external stakeholders, identifying emerging technologies and trends, securing funding for research initiatives, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. The CSO also plays a crucial role in establishing partnerships and collaborations with academic institutions and industry leaders.
Estimated Yearly Salary: 449,643 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 37,470 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 8,647 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 216 ZAR per hour
Values are pre-tax
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Estimated Monthly Salary: 36,335 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 8,385 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 210 ZAR per hour
Last revision of data: 2024-01-02
Estimated Yearly Salary: 22,617 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 1,885 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 435 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 11 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: 449,643 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 37,470 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 8,647 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 216 ZAR per hour
By working as Chief Science Officer a person can save up to 1,614 USD per month or 19,363 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 Chief Science Officer
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Data as of 2025
Random salary:
Director business operations (306,042 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Lead applications developer (297,429 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Administrative specialist (74,041 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Attorney lawyer (corporate in-house) (241,215 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Nutritional services director (105,444 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Chief Science Officer salary in South Africa
Average Yearly Salary of Chief Science Officer in South Africa is approximately 449,643 ZAR (22,617 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 Chief Science Officer do?

Skills: Chief Science Officer, Research and Development, Scientific Strategy, Innovation, Emerging Technologies, Regulatory Compliance.
Job industry: Research and development
Job industry: Research and development
How much does Chief Science Officer make?
Salary details
How much does Chief Science Officer make?Estimated Yearly Salary: 449,643 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 37,470 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 8,647 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 216 ZAR per hour
Comparing salary to last year:
Estimated Yearly Salary: 436,020 ZAREstimated Monthly Salary: 36,335 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 8,385 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 210 ZAR per hour
Chief Science Officer estimated salary in USD
For easier comparison here is an estimated salary in USD:Estimated Yearly Salary: 22,617 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 1,885 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 435 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 11 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 Chief Science Officer job salary compared to average salary in South Africa.
Comparison shows that a person working as Chief Science Officer in South Africa earns on average:
3.54 times the average salary (or 354% of average salary).
Estimated national average yearly salary is 126,956 ZAR (6,780 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Chief Science Officer job salary compared to average salary in South Africa.
Comparison shows that a person working as Chief Science Officer in South Africa earns on average:
3.54 times the average salary (or 354% of average salary).
Is Chief Science Officer a well paid job?
Yes, our data show that Chief Science Officer is a very well paid job. With years and experience the salary might increase even further, resulting in higher satisfaction.What is considered a high salary for Chief Science Officer?
High salary for Chief Science Officer would be somewhere between 494,607 ZAR and 651,982 ZAR. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.How much can you save working as Chief Science Officer 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: 449,643 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 37,470 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 8,647 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 216 ZAR per hour
By working as Chief Science Officer a person can save up to 1,614 USD per month or 19,363 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 Chief Science Officer
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:
Director business operations (306,042 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Lead applications developer (297,429 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Administrative specialist (74,041 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Attorney lawyer (corporate in-house) (241,215 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Nutritional services director (105,444 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 data presented here are meant for informational purposes solely.
optisalary.com presents salary insights for educational purposes only. While we gather data from various sources, we cannot guarantee full reliability. Users are encouraged to consult trusted organizations before making major financial decisions. Salaries shift due to various elements, such as market demand, employer policies, and geographic location. We make no warranty regarding the validity of the displayed salary figures. Your continued access of this site indicates your acceptance of these conditions.
The salary figures on optisalary.com are meant for informational use exclusively. We compile salary data from multiple providers, but cannot ensure complete precision. Users should on their own confirm salaries before making career commitments. Salary variations occur due to industry standards, demand shifts, and location. We deny any guarantee regarding the correctness of the listed salary data. By accessing this site, you acknowledge that salary data is subject to updates.