Home > Salary > South Africa > Manual Machinist
A manual machinist is a skilled professional who operates and maintains various types of manual machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, grinders, and drill presses. They read and interpret blueprints or technical drawings to determine the specifications of the required part, select the appropriate materials, and set up the machine accordingly. Manual machinists use their expertise to accurately measure and shape metal or plastic components to meet precise specifications, often working with tight tolerances. They are responsible for monitoring the machine's performance, making adjustments as needed, and ensuring the quality and accuracy of the finished product. Manual machinists may also perform routine maintenance on the machines to ensure their optimal functioning. This occupation requires strong technical skills, attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and the ability to work independently.
Estimated Yearly Salary: 111,253 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 9,271 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,139 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 53 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: 2024-01-05
Estimated Yearly Salary: 5,598 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 467 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 108 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: 111,253 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 9,271 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,139 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 53 ZAR per hour
By working as Manual Machinist a person can save up to 195 USD per month or 2,344 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 Manual Machinist
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Data as of 2025
Random salary:
Assistant plant manageroperations (139,097 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Cocktail server (41,888 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Casino host (89,742 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Regional manager retail (173,937 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Desktop support manager (202,500 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Manual Machinist salary in South Africa
Average Yearly Salary of Manual Machinist in South Africa is approximately 111,253 ZAR (5,598 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 Manual Machinist do?

Skills: manual machinist, machine tools, metalworking, precision machining, technical drawings, problem-solving
Job industry: Manufacturing
Job industry: Manufacturing
How much does Manual Machinist make?
Salary details
How much does Manual Machinist make?Estimated Yearly Salary: 111,253 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 9,271 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,139 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 53 ZAR per hour
Comparing 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
Manual Machinist estimated salary in USD
For easier comparison here is an estimated salary in USD:Estimated Yearly Salary: 5,598 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 467 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 108 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 Manual Machinist job salary compared to average salary in South Africa.
Comparison shows that a person working as Manual 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 Manual Machinist job salary compared to average salary in South Africa.
Comparison shows that a person working as Manual Machinist in South Africa earns on average:
0.88 times the average salary (or 88% of average salary).
Is Manual Machinist a well paid job?
Yes, our data show that Manual 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 Manual Machinist?
High salary for Manual Machinist would be somewhere between 122,378 ZAR and 161,317 ZAR. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.How much can you save working as Manual 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: 111,253 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 9,271 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,139 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 53 ZAR per hour
By working as Manual Machinist a person can save up to 195 USD per month or 2,344 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 Manual Machinist
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:
Assistant plant manageroperations (139,097 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Cocktail server (41,888 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Casino host (89,742 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Regional manager retail (173,937 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Desktop support manager (202,500 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Feedback about these results
Please provide feedback by clicking buttons below if you find any of our salaries erroneous.

This website offers salary insights for informational purposes only.
optisalary.com displays salary data exclusively for reference use. While we endeavor for correctness, we do not ensure the validity of all figures. Users must double-check salary details with reliable organizations before making career-related plans. Salary amounts can vary based on multiple elements, such as geographic location, experience, and job role. We accept no responsibility for errors in the pay figures provided. By using this website, you acknowledge that salary data is subject to change.
optisalary.com compiles salary information for reference use exclusively. While we endeavor to deliver correct estimates, we do not ensure their absolute reliability. Users are highly encouraged to check with additional databases before finalizing career-related plans. Salary figures vary based on several conditions, such as location, job role, and individual qualifications. We make no claims as to the correctness of the provided data. Your use of this site indicates acceptance of this disclaimer.