Home > Salary > South Africa > Criminalist
A criminalist is a professional who applies scientific knowledge and techniques to analyze and interpret physical evidence in criminal investigations. They work closely with law enforcement agencies to gather and process evidence found at crime scenes, such as fingerprints, DNA samples, fibers, and ballistics. Criminalists use various tools and technologies, including microscopes, chromatographs, and computer software, to examine and compare evidence, reconstruct crime scenes, and provide expert testimony in court.
Estimated Yearly Salary: 151,528 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 12,627 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,914 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 73 ZAR per hour
Values are pre-tax
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Estimated Monthly Salary: 12,193 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,814 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 70 ZAR per hour
Last revision of data: 2024-01-05
Estimated Yearly Salary: 7,579 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 632 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 146 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 4 USD per hour
Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately
4 %
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: 151,528 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 12,627 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,914 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 73 ZAR per hour
By working as Criminalist a person can save up to 360 USD per month or 4,325 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 Criminalist
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Data as of 2025
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Criminalist salary in South Africa
Average Yearly Salary of Criminalist in South Africa is approximately 151,528 ZAR (7,579 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 Criminalist do?
A criminalist is a professional who applies scientific knowledge and techniques to analyze and interpret physical evidence in criminal investigations. They work closely with law enforcement agencies to gather and process evidence found at crime scenes, such as fingerprints, DNA samples, fibers, and ballistics. Criminalists use various tools and technologies, including microscopes, chromatographs, and computer software, to examine and compare evidence, reconstruct crime scenes, and provide expert testimony in court.
Skills: Criminalist, Forensic Science, Evidence Analysis, Crime Scene Investigation, Scientific Expertise, Law Enforcement
Job industry: Forensic science
Job industry: Forensic science
How much does Criminalist make?
Salary details
How much does Criminalist make?Estimated Yearly Salary: 151,528 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 12,627 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,914 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 73 ZAR per hour
Values are pre-tax Last revision of data: 2025-01-04Comparing salary to last year:
Estimated Yearly Salary: 146,320 ZAREstimated Monthly Salary: 12,193 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,814 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 70 ZAR per hour
Last revision of data: 2024-01-05Criminalist estimated salary in USD
For easier comparison here is an estimated salary in USD:Estimated Yearly Salary: 7,579 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 632 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 146 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 4 USD per hour
Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately
4 %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
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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 Criminalist job salary compared to average salary in South Africa.
Comparison shows that a person working as Criminalist in South Africa earns on average:
1.19 times the average salary (or 119% of average salary).
Estimated national average yearly salary is 126,956 ZAR (6,780 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Criminalist job salary compared to average salary in South Africa.
Comparison shows that a person working as Criminalist in South Africa earns on average:
1.19 times the average salary (or 119% of average salary).
Is Criminalist a well paid job?
Yes, our data show that Criminalist is an averagely well paid job that still allows for some yearly savings. With years and experience the salary might increase even further, resulting in higher satisfaction.What is considered a high salary for Criminalist?
High salary for Criminalist would be somewhere between 166,681 ZAR and 219,716 ZAR. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.How much can you save working as Criminalist 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: 151,528 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 12,627 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,914 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 73 ZAR per hour
By working as Criminalist a person can save up to 360 USD per month or 4,325 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 Criminalist
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04Salary 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
+12% salary increase- 6 to 10 years of experience yields
+25% salary increase- 11 to 15 years of experience yields
+16% salary increase- 16 to 25 years of experience yields
+9% salary increase- more than 25 years of experience yields
+10% salary increaseTop 10 highest salaries in South Africa
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9. Oncologist
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Data as of 2025Random salary:
School-based occupational therapist (157,657 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Welding technician (77,399 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Physician doctor emergency room (er) (553,530 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Accounts receivable manager (137,104 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Raw material planner (125,682 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
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