Home > Salary > South Africa > Machinist
A machinist is a skilled professional who operates and maintains various types of machines to produce precision metal parts. They work in manufacturing industries such as automotive, aerospace, and engineering. Machinists read blueprints, set up and adjust machines, and use tools like lathes, milling machines, and grinders to shape and finish metal components. They are responsible for ensuring that the parts they produce meet the required specifications and tolerances.
Machinists possess a strong understanding of different metals and their properties, as well as proficiency in using measuring instruments like micrometers and calipers. They are adept at interpreting technical drawings and possess problem-solving skills to troubleshoot machine issues. Attention to detail, manual dexterity, and a commitment to safety are crucial qualities for a machinist.
Estimated Yearly Salary: 111,889 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 9,324 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,152 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 54 ZAR per hour
Values are pre-tax
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Estimated Monthly Salary: 8,992 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,075 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 52 ZAR per hour
Last revision of data: 2024-01-08
Estimated Yearly Salary: 5,577 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 465 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 107 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 3 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: 111,889 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 9,324 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,152 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 54 ZAR per hour
By working as Machinist a person can save up to 194 USD per month or 2,323 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 Machinist
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Data as of 2025
Random salary:
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Machinist salary in South Africa
Average Yearly Salary of Machinist in South Africa is approximately 111,889 ZAR (5,577 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 Machinist do?
A machinist is a skilled professional who operates and maintains various types of machines to produce precision metal parts. They work in manufacturing industries such as automotive, aerospace, and engineering. Machinists read blueprints, set up and adjust machines, and use tools like lathes, milling machines, and grinders to shape and finish metal components. They are responsible for ensuring that the parts they produce meet the required specifications and tolerances.
Machinists possess a strong understanding of different metals and their properties, as well as proficiency in using measuring instruments like micrometers and calipers. They are adept at interpreting technical drawings and possess problem-solving skills to troubleshoot machine issues. Attention to detail, manual dexterity, and a commitment to safety are crucial qualities for a machinist.
Skills: Machinist, Metalworking, Precision Manufacturing, Machine Operation, Technical Drawing, Quality Control.
Job industry: Manufacturing
Job industry: Manufacturing
How much does Machinist make?
Salary details
How much does Machinist make?Estimated Yearly Salary: 111,889 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 9,324 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,152 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 54 ZAR per hour
Values are pre-tax Last revision of data: 2025-01-04Comparing salary to last year:
Estimated Yearly Salary: 107,900 ZAREstimated Monthly Salary: 8,992 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,075 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 52 ZAR per hour
Last revision of data: 2024-01-08Machinist estimated salary in USD
For easier comparison here is an estimated salary in USD:Estimated Yearly Salary: 5,577 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 465 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 107 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 3 USD per hour
Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately
4 %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 Machinist job salary compared to average salary in South Africa.
Comparison shows that a person working as Machinist in South Africa earns on average:
0.88 times the average salary (or 88% of average salary).
Estimated national average yearly salary is 126,956 ZAR (6,780 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Machinist job salary compared to average salary in South Africa.
Comparison shows that a person working as Machinist in South Africa earns on average:
0.88 times the average salary (or 88% of average salary).
Is Machinist a well paid job?
Yes, our data show that Machinist 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 Machinist?
High salary for Machinist would be somewhere between 123,078 ZAR and 162,239 ZAR. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.How much can you save working as Machinist 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: 111,889 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 9,324 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,152 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 54 ZAR per hour
By working as Machinist a person can save up to 194 USD per month or 2,323 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 Machinist
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04Salary 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 increaseTop 10 highest salaries in South Africa
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Data as of 2025Random salary:
Security officer armed (88,783 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Newscaster (156,148 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Wire draw operator (73,627 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Cable installation technician (64,751 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Employment manager (123,154 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
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