Home > Salary > South Africa > Development Engineer
A development engineer is a professional who specializes in the research, design, and implementation of new products or technologies. They work across various industries, such as manufacturing, electronics, software development, and automotive. Development engineers are responsible for analyzing customer needs and market trends to develop innovative solutions. They collaborate with cross-functional teams, including designers, technicians, and project managers, to create prototypes and test them for performance and functionality. They also conduct feasibility studies, cost analysis, and risk assessments to ensure the successful implementation of new products. Additionally, development engineers may be involved in improving existing products, optimizing production processes, and troubleshooting technical issues.
Estimated Yearly Salary: 219,665 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 18,305 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 4,224 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 106 ZAR per hour
Values are pre-tax
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Estimated Monthly Salary: 17,737 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 4,093 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 102 ZAR per hour
Last revision of data: 2024-01-06
Estimated Yearly Salary: 10,988 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 916 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 211 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.
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Estimated Yearly Salary: 219,665 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 18,305 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 4,224 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 106 ZAR per hour
By working as Development Engineer a person can save up to 644 USD per month or 7,734 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 Development Engineer
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Data as of 2025
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Development Engineer salary in South Africa
Average Yearly Salary of Development Engineer in South Africa is approximately 219,665 ZAR (10,988 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 Development Engineer do?

Skills: Development Engineer, Research and Development, Product Design, Prototyping, Innovation, Feasibility Analysis
Job industry: Engineering
Job industry: Engineering
How much does Development Engineer make?
Salary details
How much does Development Engineer make?Estimated Yearly Salary: 219,665 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 18,305 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 4,224 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 106 ZAR per hour
Comparing salary to last year:
Estimated Yearly Salary: 212,840 ZAREstimated Monthly Salary: 17,737 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 4,093 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 102 ZAR per hour
Development Engineer estimated salary in USD
For easier comparison here is an estimated salary in USD:Estimated Yearly Salary: 10,988 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 916 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 211 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
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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 Development Engineer job salary compared to average salary in South Africa.
Comparison shows that a person working as Development Engineer in South Africa earns on average:
1.73 times the average salary (or 173% of average salary).
Estimated national average yearly salary is 126,956 ZAR (6,780 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Development Engineer job salary compared to average salary in South Africa.
Comparison shows that a person working as Development Engineer in South Africa earns on average:
1.73 times the average salary (or 173% of average salary).
Is Development Engineer a well paid job?
Yes, our data shows that Development 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 Development Engineer?
High salary for Development Engineer would be somewhere between 241,632 ZAR and 318,514 ZAR. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.How much can you save working as Development 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: 219,665 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 18,305 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 4,224 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 106 ZAR per hour
By working as Development Engineer a person can save up to 644 USD per month or 7,734 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 Development 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
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Random salary:
Energy engineer (140,222 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Senior loan processor (101,564 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Full stack developer (296,265 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
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Chiropractic rehabilitation specialist (208,400 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
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