Forensic Detective salary in South Africa

Average Yearly Salary of Forensic Detective in South Africa is approximately 187,985 ZAR (9,382 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 Forensic Detective do?

A forensic detective is a highly skilled professional responsible for investigating and solving crimes by collecting and analyzing evidence. They work closely with law enforcement agencies to examine crime scenes, gather information, and piece together the sequence of events leading to a crime. Using their expertise in forensic science, they meticulously collect and preserve physical evidence such as fingerprints, DNA samples, and fibers for analysis in laboratories. They also conduct interviews and interrogations to obtain crucial information and collaborate with other experts such as forensic toxicologists or ballistics experts.

Skills: Forensic detective, Crime scene investigation, Evidence collection, Forensic science, Criminal investigation, Crime-solving
Job industry: Law enforcement

How much does Forensic Detective make?

Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately 3 %


Want to check how your salary compares? Submit your own salary here

Salary comparison to National average

Is Forensic Detective a well paid job?

Yes, our data shows that Forensic Detective 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 Forensic Detective?

High salary for Forensic Detective would be somewhere between 206,784 ZAR and 272,578 ZAR. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.

How much can you save working as Forensic Detective 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: 187,985 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 15,665 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 3,615 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 90 ZAR per hour
By working as Forensic Detective a person can save up to 511 USD per month or 6,128 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 Forensic Detective

Last revision of data: 2025-01-04

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 +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 increase

NOTE: Details based on limited set of data. Percentages may vary. The salary increase over years of experience can vary widely based on factors such as job industry, job role, location, company size, and individual performance. To gain even larger increase in salary one is advised to switch jobs and / or employer.

Top 10 highest salaries in South Africa

Data as of 2025

Random salary:
Press set up (83,794 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Senior environmental compliance specialist (236,427 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Assistant manager (75,380 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Senior sap consultant (300,040 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
General merchandise manager (89,056 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)

Feedback about these results