Home > Salary > South Africa > Principal Researcher
The occupation of a principal researcher involves leading and overseeing research projects within an organization. They are responsible for designing research studies, developing research methodologies, and analyzing data to draw meaningful insights and conclusions. Principal researchers also collaborate with other team members, such as research assistants and analysts, to ensure the successful execution of research projects. They may be required to present research findings to stakeholders, write reports, and make recommendations based on their research.
Estimated Yearly Salary: 357,259 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 29,772 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 6,870 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 172 ZAR per hour
Values are pre-tax
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Estimated Monthly Salary: 28,822 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 6,651 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 166 ZAR per hour
Last revision of data: 2024-01-08
Estimated Yearly Salary: 17,918 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 1,493 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 345 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 9 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: 357,259 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 29,772 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 6,870 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 172 ZAR per hour
By working as Principal Researcher a person can save up to 1,222 USD per month or 14,664 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 Researcher
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Data as of 2025
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Principal Researcher salary in South Africa
Average Yearly Salary of Principal Researcher in South Africa is approximately 357,259 ZAR (17,918 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 Researcher do?
The occupation of a principal researcher involves leading and overseeing research projects within an organization. They are responsible for designing research studies, developing research methodologies, and analyzing data to draw meaningful insights and conclusions. Principal researchers also collaborate with other team members, such as research assistants and analysts, to ensure the successful execution of research projects. They may be required to present research findings to stakeholders, write reports, and make recommendations based on their research.
Skills: Principal Researcher, Research Project Leader, Data Analysis, Research Methodology, Research Design, Research Findings
Job industry: Research and development
Job industry: Research and development
How much does Principal Researcher make?
Salary details
How much does Principal Researcher make?Estimated Yearly Salary: 357,259 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 29,772 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 6,870 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 172 ZAR per hour
Values are pre-tax Last revision of data: 2025-01-04Comparing salary to last year:
Estimated Yearly Salary: 345,860 ZAREstimated Monthly Salary: 28,822 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 6,651 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 166 ZAR per hour
Last revision of data: 2024-01-08Principal Researcher estimated salary in USD
For easier comparison here is an estimated salary in USD:Estimated Yearly Salary: 17,918 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 1,493 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 345 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 9 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
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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 Researcher job salary compared to average salary in South Africa.
Comparison shows that a person working as Principal Researcher in South Africa earns on average:
2.81 times the average salary (or 281% 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 Researcher job salary compared to average salary in South Africa.
Comparison shows that a person working as Principal Researcher in South Africa earns on average:
2.81 times the average salary (or 281% of average salary).
Is Principal Researcher a well paid job?
Yes, our data show that Principal Researcher 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 Researcher?
High salary for Principal Researcher would be somewhere between 392,985 ZAR and 518,026 ZAR. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.How much can you save working as Principal Researcher 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: 357,259 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 29,772 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 6,870 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 172 ZAR per hour
By working as Principal Researcher a person can save up to 1,222 USD per month or 14,664 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 Researcher
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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9. Oncologist
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Data as of 2025Random salary:
Christian counselor (138,378 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Radiographic technologist (124,160 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Steamfitter (228,598 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Pediatric physical therapist (132,363 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Personal chef (89,742 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
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This website displays salary data exclusively for informational purposes. While we strive for correctness, we cannot guarantee the validity of all figures. Users must double-check salary details with official sources before making financial decisions. Salary estimates may vary based on numerous elements, such as company size, negotiation tactics, and industry demand. We accept no responsibility for misinterpretations in the salary estimates provided. By accessing optisalary.com, you accept that salary data is subject to change.