Home > Salary > South Africa > Engineer
An engineer is a professional who applies scientific and mathematical principles to design, develop, and improve structures, systems, machines, and processes. They use their technical expertise to solve complex problems and create innovative solutions in various fields such as civil, mechanical, electrical, chemical, aerospace, and computer engineering. Engineers play a crucial role in society by designing infrastructure, developing new technologies, ensuring safety standards, and optimizing efficiency.
Estimated Yearly Salary: 248,262 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 20,689 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 4,774 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 119 ZAR per hour
Values are pre-tax
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Estimated Monthly Salary: 19,953 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 4,605 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 115 ZAR per hour
Last revision of data: 2024-01-06
Estimated Yearly Salary: 12,436 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 1,036 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 239 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 6 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: 248,262 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 20,689 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 4,774 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 119 ZAR per hour
By working as Engineer a person can save up to 765 USD per month or 9,182 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 Engineer
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Data as of 2025
Random salary:
Director preschool (113,800 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Detective (180,741 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Production worker (64,751 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Funding manager (137,972 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Product management director (387,240 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Engineer salary in South Africa
Average Yearly Salary of Engineer in South Africa is approximately 248,262 ZAR (12,436 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 Engineer do?

Skills: Engineer, Engineering, Design, Innovation, Problem-solving, Technical expertise
Job industry: Engineering
Job industry: Engineering
How much does Engineer make?
Salary details
How much does Engineer make?Estimated Yearly Salary: 248,262 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 20,689 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 4,774 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 119 ZAR per hour
Comparing salary to last year:
Estimated Yearly Salary: 239,440 ZAREstimated Monthly Salary: 19,953 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 4,605 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 115 ZAR per hour
Engineer estimated salary in USD
For easier comparison here is an estimated salary in USD:Estimated Yearly Salary: 12,436 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 1,036 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 239 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 6 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 Engineer job salary compared to average salary in South Africa.
Comparison shows that a person working as Engineer in South Africa earns on average:
1.96 times the average salary (or 196% of average salary).
Estimated national average yearly salary is 126,956 ZAR (6,780 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Engineer job salary compared to average salary in South Africa.
Comparison shows that a person working as Engineer in South Africa earns on average:
1.96 times the average salary (or 196% of average salary).
Is Engineer a well paid job?
Yes, our data shows that 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 Engineer?
High salary for Engineer would be somewhere between 273,088 ZAR and 359,980 ZAR. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.How much can you save working as 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: 248,262 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 20,689 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 4,774 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 119 ZAR per hour
By working as Engineer a person can save up to 765 USD per month or 9,182 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 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:
Director preschool (113,800 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Detective (180,741 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Production worker (64,751 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Funding manager (137,972 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Product management director (387,240 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 estimates on this website are meant for informational use exclusively.
All salary figures on this website are for reference use exclusively. We gather data from numerous reliable databases, yet cannot guarantee complete precision. Before making financial choices, users should cross-check with additional verified sources. Salaries change due to various influences, including economic conditions, job market trends, and geographic location. We disclaim any liability for misrepresentations in the salary estimates provided here. Your use with this website constitutes acceptance of this disclaimer.
optisalary.com presents salary data for reference purposes only. We attempt to provide reliable figures, but cannot assure their precision. Users are urged to consult alternative platforms before making financial decisions. Salary ranges can vary due to company policies, market demands, and skills. We accept no liability for errors in the salary information provided. Your engagement with this site confirms understanding of this disclaimer.