Home > Salary > South Africa > Principal Mechanical Engineer
A principal mechanical engineer is a highly skilled professional responsible for leading and overseeing mechanical engineering projects. They play a crucial role in the design, development, and implementation of mechanical systems and components. Their main tasks include conducting research, analyzing data, and creating technical specifications. They collaborate closely with other engineers and professionals to ensure that projects meet quality standards and adhere to safety regulations. Additionally, they provide guidance and mentorship to junior engineers, review and approve project plans, and manage budgets and resources. This occupation requires strong analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as a deep understanding of mechanical engineering principles and practices.
Estimated Yearly Salary: 320,849 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 26,737 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 6,170 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 154 ZAR per hour
Values are pre-tax
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Estimated Monthly Salary: 25,865 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 5,969 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 149 ZAR per hour
Last revision of data: 2024-01-06
Estimated Yearly Salary: 16,050 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 1,338 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 309 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 8 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: 320,849 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 26,737 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 6,170 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 154 ZAR per hour
By working as Principal Mechanical Engineer a person can save up to 1,066 USD per month or 12,796 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 Principal Mechanical Engineer
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Data as of 2025
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Principal Mechanical Engineer salary in South Africa
Average Yearly Salary of Principal Mechanical Engineer in South Africa is approximately 320,849 ZAR (16,050 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 Principal Mechanical Engineer do?
A principal mechanical engineer is a highly skilled professional responsible for leading and overseeing mechanical engineering projects. They play a crucial role in the design, development, and implementation of mechanical systems and components. Their main tasks include conducting research, analyzing data, and creating technical specifications. They collaborate closely with other engineers and professionals to ensure that projects meet quality standards and adhere to safety regulations. Additionally, they provide guidance and mentorship to junior engineers, review and approve project plans, and manage budgets and resources. This occupation requires strong analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as a deep understanding of mechanical engineering principles and practices.
Skills: Principal Mechanical Engineer, Mechanical Engineering, Project Management, Design and Development, Technical Specifications, Leadership
Job industry: Engineering
Job industry: Engineering
How much does Principal Mechanical Engineer make?
Salary details
How much does Principal Mechanical Engineer make?Estimated Yearly Salary: 320,849 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 26,737 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 6,170 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 154 ZAR per hour
Values are pre-tax Last revision of data: 2025-01-04Comparing salary to last year:
Estimated Yearly Salary: 310,380 ZAREstimated Monthly Salary: 25,865 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 5,969 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 149 ZAR per hour
Last revision of data: 2024-01-06Principal Mechanical Engineer estimated salary in USD
For easier comparison here is an estimated salary in USD:Estimated Yearly Salary: 16,050 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 1,338 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 309 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 8 USD per hour
Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately
3 %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 Principal Mechanical Engineer job salary compared to average salary in South Africa.
Comparison shows that a person working as Principal Mechanical Engineer in South Africa earns on average:
2.53 times the average salary (or 253% of average salary).
Estimated national average yearly salary is 126,956 ZAR (6,780 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Principal Mechanical Engineer job salary compared to average salary in South Africa.
Comparison shows that a person working as Principal Mechanical Engineer in South Africa earns on average:
2.53 times the average salary (or 253% of average salary).
Is Principal Mechanical Engineer a well paid job?
Yes, our data show that Principal Mechanical Engineer is a very well paid job. With years and experience the salary might increase even further, resulting in higher satisfaction.What is considered a high salary for Principal Mechanical Engineer?
High salary for Principal Mechanical Engineer would be somewhere between 352,934 ZAR and 465,231 ZAR. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.How much can you save working as Principal Mechanical 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: 320,849 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 26,737 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 6,170 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 154 ZAR per hour
By working as Principal Mechanical Engineer a person can save up to 1,066 USD per month or 12,796 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 Principal Mechanical Engineer
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:
Cartoonist (81,300 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Facility electrician (120,608 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Security coordinator bank (physical personnel grounds security) (77,399 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Applications development manager (232,215 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Laboratory services director (215,824 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
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