Plant Engineer salary in South Africa

Average Yearly Salary of Plant Engineer in South Africa is approximately 220,920 ZAR (11,028 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 Plant Engineer do?

A plant engineer is responsible for overseeing the design, installation, and maintenance of industrial machinery and equipment in a manufacturing facility. They ensure that the machinery operates efficiently and safely, optimizing production processes. Plant engineers collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify and resolve technical issues, develop preventive maintenance plans, and implement improvements to enhance productivity and reduce downtime. They also play a crucial role in managing capital projects, including equipment upgrades or replacements, and ensure compliance with relevant safety and environmental regulations. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are essential for plant engineers to troubleshoot equipment failures and develop innovative solutions. Effective communication and leadership abilities are necessary to coordinate with maintenance staff, operators, and management to achieve operational goals.

Skills: Plant Engineer, Industrial Machinery, Equipment Maintenance, Process Optimization, Capital Projects, Safety and Compliance.
Job industry: Engineering

How much does Plant Engineer make?

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


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Salary comparison to National average

Is Plant Engineer a well paid job?

Yes, our data shows that Plant Engineer 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 Plant Engineer?

High salary for Plant Engineer would be somewhere between 243,012 ZAR and 320,334 ZAR. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.

How much can you save working as Plant Engineer 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: 220,920 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 18,410 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 4,248 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 106 ZAR per hour
By working as Plant Engineer a person can save up to 648 USD per month or 7,774 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 Plant Engineer

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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