Home > Salary > South Africa > Research Engineer
A research engineer is a professional who conducts scientific investigations and experiments to develop new technologies, improve existing products, or solve complex engineering problems. They work in various industries such as automotive, aerospace, electronics, and renewable energy. Research engineers are responsible for designing and implementing experiments, analyzing and interpreting data, and documenting their findings. They collaborate with other engineers and scientists to develop innovative solutions and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in their field. Research engineers may also be involved in writing research proposals, securing funding, and presenting their work at conferences or in scientific publications.
Estimated Yearly Salary: 227,000 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 18,917 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 4,365 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 109 ZAR per hour
Values are pre-tax
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Estimated Monthly Salary: 18,228 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 4,207 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 105 ZAR per hour
Last revision of data: 2024-01-03
Estimated Yearly Salary: 11,290 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 941 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 217 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 5 USD per hour
Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately
4 %
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: 227,000 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 18,917 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 4,365 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 109 ZAR per hour
By working as Research Engineer a person can save up to 670 USD per month or 8,036 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 Research Engineer
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Data as of 2025
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Research Engineer salary in South Africa
Average Yearly Salary of Research Engineer in South Africa is approximately 227,000 ZAR (11,290 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 Research Engineer do?

Skills: Research engineer, Scientific investigations, Experimental design, Data analysis, Innovative solutions, Engineering problems.
Job industry: Engineering
Job industry: Engineering
How much does Research Engineer make?
Salary details
How much does Research Engineer make?Estimated Yearly Salary: 227,000 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 18,917 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 4,365 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 109 ZAR per hour
Comparing salary to last year:
Estimated Yearly Salary: 218,740 ZAREstimated Monthly Salary: 18,228 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 4,207 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 105 ZAR per hour
Research Engineer estimated salary in USD
For easier comparison here is an estimated salary in USD:Estimated Yearly Salary: 11,290 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 941 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 217 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 5 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
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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 Research Engineer job salary compared to average salary in South Africa.
Comparison shows that a person working as Research Engineer in South Africa earns on average:
1.79 times the average salary (or 179% of average salary).
Estimated national average yearly salary is 126,956 ZAR (6,780 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Research Engineer job salary compared to average salary in South Africa.
Comparison shows that a person working as Research Engineer in South Africa earns on average:
1.79 times the average salary (or 179% of average salary).
Is Research Engineer a well paid job?
Yes, our data shows that Research 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 Research Engineer?
High salary for Research Engineer would be somewhere between 249,700 ZAR and 329,150 ZAR. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.How much can you save working as Research 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: 227,000 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 18,917 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 4,365 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 109 ZAR per hour
By working as Research Engineer a person can save up to 670 USD per month or 8,036 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 Research Engineer
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:
Shop laborer (64,751 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Psychiatric aide (75,380 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Building manager (128,229 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
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Pawnbroker (50,782 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
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