Home > Salary > South Africa > Planer Operator
A planer operator is responsible for operating and maintaining planing machines used in the woodworking industry. Their primary task is to shape and smooth wooden surfaces by removing excess material, such as rough edges or imperfections. Planer operators set up the machine, adjust settings, and feed the wood through the planer to achieve the desired thickness and smoothness. They must have a good understanding of woodworking techniques and be skilled in using hand tools for precise measurements. Additionally, planer operators are responsible for regular maintenance and cleaning of the machine to ensure optimal performance and prevent any potential hazards.
Estimated Yearly Salary: 100,902 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 8,409 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,940 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 49 ZAR per hour
Values are pre-tax
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Estimated Monthly Salary: 8,130 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,876 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 47 ZAR per hour
Last revision of data: 2024-01-02
Estimated Yearly Salary: 5,062 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 422 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 97 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 2 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.
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Estimated Yearly Salary: 100,902 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 8,409 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,940 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 49 ZAR per hour
By working as Planer Operator a person can save up to 151 USD per month or 1,808 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 Planer Operator
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Data as of 2025
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Planer Operator salary in South Africa
Average Yearly Salary of Planer Operator in South Africa is approximately 100,902 ZAR (5,062 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 Planer Operator do?

Skills: planer operator, woodworking, machine operation, surface finishing, wood shaping, maintenance.
Job industry: Construction
Job industry: Construction
How much does Planer Operator make?
Salary details
How much does Planer Operator make?Estimated Yearly Salary: 100,902 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 8,409 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,940 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 49 ZAR per hour
Comparing salary to last year:
Estimated Yearly Salary: 97,560 ZAREstimated Monthly Salary: 8,130 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,876 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 47 ZAR per hour
Planer Operator estimated salary in USD
For easier comparison here is an estimated salary in USD:Estimated Yearly Salary: 5,062 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 422 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 97 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 2 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
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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 Planer Operator job salary compared to average salary in South Africa.
Comparison shows that a person working as Planer Operator in South Africa earns on average:
0.79 times the average salary (or 79% of average salary).
Estimated national average yearly salary is 126,956 ZAR (6,780 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Planer Operator job salary compared to average salary in South Africa.
Comparison shows that a person working as Planer Operator in South Africa earns on average:
0.79 times the average salary (or 79% of average salary).
Is Planer Operator a well paid job?
No, our data shows that Planer Operator is typically not a well-paid job. The salary varies based on experience. Meaning that even though Planer Operator might be a low paying job, with experience the salary might increase to satisfactory levels.What is considered a high salary for Planer Operator?
High salary for Planer Operator would be somewhere between 110,992 ZAR and 146,308 ZAR. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.How much can you save working as Planer Operator 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: 100,902 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 8,409 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,940 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 49 ZAR per hour
By working as Planer Operator a person can save up to 151 USD per month or 1,808 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 Planer Operator
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
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Random salary:
Medical director occupational medicine (544,635 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
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