Home > Salary > South Africa > Roughneck
A roughneck is a crucial role in the oil and gas industry, responsible for assisting in drilling operations on offshore or onshore rigs. This physically demanding occupation involves manual labor and heavy machinery operation to ensure smooth drilling operations. Roughnecks work as part of a team under the supervision of drillers and are involved in tasks such as assembling and disassembling drilling equipment, maintaining drilling mud systems, and operating machinery like pumps and derricks. They also assist with the installation and maintenance of wellhead equipment, perform routine maintenance on drilling equipment, and handle general rig maintenance duties.
Estimated Yearly Salary: 111,400 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 9,283 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,142 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 54 ZAR per hour
Values are pre-tax
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Estimated Monthly Salary: 8,992 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,075 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 52 ZAR per hour
Last revision of data: 2024-01-06
Estimated Yearly Salary: 5,589 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 466 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 107 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 3 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: 111,400 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 9,283 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,142 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 54 ZAR per hour
By working as Roughneck a person can save up to 195 USD per month or 2,335 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 Roughneck
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Data as of 2025
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Roughneck salary in South Africa
Average Yearly Salary of Roughneck in South Africa is approximately 111,400 ZAR (5,589 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 Roughneck do?

Skills: roughneck, oil and gas industry, drilling operations, offshore rigs, onshore rigs, heavy machinery operation
Job industry: Oil and gas
Job industry: Oil and gas
How much does Roughneck make?
Salary details
How much does Roughneck make?Estimated Yearly Salary: 111,400 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 9,283 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,142 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 54 ZAR per hour
Comparing salary to last year:
Estimated Yearly Salary: 107,900 ZAREstimated Monthly Salary: 8,992 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,075 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 52 ZAR per hour
Roughneck estimated salary in USD
For easier comparison here is an estimated salary in USD:Estimated Yearly Salary: 5,589 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 466 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 107 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 3 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 Roughneck job salary compared to average salary in South Africa.
Comparison shows that a person working as Roughneck in South Africa earns on average:
0.88 times the average salary (or 88% of average salary).
Estimated national average yearly salary is 126,956 ZAR (6,780 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Roughneck job salary compared to average salary in South Africa.
Comparison shows that a person working as Roughneck in South Africa earns on average:
0.88 times the average salary (or 88% of average salary).
Is Roughneck a well paid job?
Yes, our data show that Roughneck is an averagely well paid job that still allows for some yearly savings. With years and experience the salary might increase even further, resulting in higher satisfaction.What is considered a high salary for Roughneck?
High salary for Roughneck would be somewhere between 122,540 ZAR and 161,530 ZAR. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.How much can you save working as Roughneck 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: 111,400 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 9,283 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,142 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 54 ZAR per hour
By working as Roughneck a person can save up to 195 USD per month or 2,335 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 Roughneck
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:
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