Home > Salary > South Africa > Environmental Scientist
An environmental scientist is a professional who studies the environment and its various components, such as air, water, land, and living organisms. They conduct research, collect samples, and analyze data to understand the impact of human activities on the environment. Environmental scientists also develop strategies to mitigate environmental issues and promote sustainable practices.
Their work involves fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and computer modeling. They may specialize in areas such as pollution control, climate change, biodiversity, or natural resource management. Environmental scientists often collaborate with other professionals, including engineers, policymakers, and community organizations, to address environmental challenges.
Estimated Yearly Salary: 143,376 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 11,948 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,757 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 69 ZAR per hour
Values are pre-tax
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Estimated Monthly Salary: 11,578 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,672 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 67 ZAR per hour
Last revision of data: 2024-01-08
Estimated Yearly Salary: 7,195 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 600 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 138 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 3 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: 143,376 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 11,948 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,757 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 69 ZAR per hour
By working as Environmental Scientist a person can save up to 328 USD per month or 3,941 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 Environmental Scientist
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Data as of 2025
Random salary:
Transmission mechanic (105,772 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Radio mechanic (130,060 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Sarbanes-oxley (sox), compliance manager it (232,215 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Room service order taker (61,184 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Medical assistant (65,057 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Environmental Scientist salary in South Africa
Average Yearly Salary of Environmental Scientist in South Africa is approximately 143,376 ZAR (7,195 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 Environmental Scientist do?

Skills: Environmental scientist, Research, Data analysis, Fieldwork, Sustainable practices, Pollution control, Climate change, Biodiversity, Natural resource management.
Job industry: Environmental services
Job industry: Environmental services
How much does Environmental Scientist make?
Salary details
How much does Environmental Scientist make?Estimated Yearly Salary: 143,376 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 11,948 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,757 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 69 ZAR per hour
Comparing salary to last year:
Estimated Yearly Salary: 138,940 ZAREstimated Monthly Salary: 11,578 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,672 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 67 ZAR per hour
Environmental Scientist estimated salary in USD
For easier comparison here is an estimated salary in USD:Estimated Yearly Salary: 7,195 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 600 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 138 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 3 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 Environmental Scientist job salary compared to average salary in South Africa.
Comparison shows that a person working as Environmental Scientist in South Africa earns on average:
1.13 times the average salary (or 113% of average salary).
Estimated national average yearly salary is 126,956 ZAR (6,780 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Environmental Scientist job salary compared to average salary in South Africa.
Comparison shows that a person working as Environmental Scientist in South Africa earns on average:
1.13 times the average salary (or 113% of average salary).
Is Environmental Scientist a well paid job?
Yes, our data show that Environmental Scientist 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 Environmental Scientist?
High salary for Environmental Scientist would be somewhere between 157,714 ZAR and 207,895 ZAR. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.How much can you save working as Environmental Scientist 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: 143,376 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 11,948 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,757 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 69 ZAR per hour
By working as Environmental Scientist a person can save up to 328 USD per month or 3,941 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 Environmental Scientist
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:
Transmission mechanic (105,772 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Radio mechanic (130,060 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Sarbanes-oxley (sox), compliance manager it (232,215 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Room service order taker (61,184 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Medical assistant (65,057 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Feedback about these results
Please provide feedback by clicking buttons below if you find any of our salaries erroneous.

Salary information displayed on this site is informational exclusively.
optisalary.com provides salary data exclusively for informational purposes. While we endeavor for correctness, we do not ensure the precision of all figures. Users should double-check salary details with official organizations before making financial plans. Salary amounts may fluctuate based on numerous factors, such as company size, negotiation tactics, and industry demand. We accept no liability for errors in the pay estimates provided. By accessing optisalary.com, you accept that salary data is not absolute.
This website aggregates salary data for educational use exclusively. While we endeavor to present correct figures, we do not ensure their full precision. Users are highly encouraged to check with additional databases before finalizing career-related plans. Salary amounts fluctuate based on multiple conditions, such as location, job role, and individual qualifications. We make no guarantees as to the validity of the listed information. Your access of this site acknowledges agreement of this notice.