Lab Lead salary in South Africa

Average Yearly Salary of Lab Lead in South Africa is approximately 88,746 ZAR (4,440 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 Lab Lead do?

A lab lead is responsible for overseeing the daily operations and management of a laboratory. They play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth functioning of the lab, maintaining quality standards, and promoting a safe working environment. Lab leads supervise and coordinate the activities of lab technicians and scientists, ensuring that experiments and tests are conducted accurately and efficiently. They also develop and implement protocols and procedures, analyze data, and interpret results. Lab leads may be involved in training and mentoring junior staff, as well as collaborating with other departments or external partners on research projects. Strong leadership skills, attention to detail, and excellent communication abilities are essential for success in this role.

Skills: Lab Lead, Laboratory Supervisor, Research Manager, Quality Control, Scientific Analysis, Team Leadership
Job industry: Research and development

How much does Lab Lead make?

Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately 4 %


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Salary comparison to National average

Is Lab Lead a well paid job?

No, our data shows that Lab Lead is typically not a well-paid job. The salary varies based on experience. Meaning that even though Lab Lead might be a low paying job, with experience the salary might increase to satisfactory levels.

What is considered a high salary for Lab Lead?

High salary for Lab Lead would be somewhere between 97,621 ZAR and 128,682 ZAR. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.

How much can you save working as Lab Lead 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: 88,746 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 7,396 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,707 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 43 ZAR per hour
By working as Lab Lead a person can save up to 99 USD per month or 1,186 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 Lab Lead

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.

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Data as of 2025

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