Home > Salary > South Africa > Scientist
A scientist is a professional who conducts research and experiments to gain knowledge and understanding in a specific field of study. They use the scientific method to formulate hypotheses, design experiments, collect data, and analyze results. Scientists work in various fields such as biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science, and more.
Their occupation involves conducting observations and experiments, analyzing data, and drawing conclusions based on evidence. Scientists often collaborate with other researchers, write scientific papers, and present their findings at conferences. They may also teach and mentor students, as well as apply for grants to fund their research.
Estimated Yearly Salary: 256,240 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 21,353 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 4,928 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 123 ZAR per hour
Values are pre-tax
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Estimated Monthly Salary: 20,570 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 4,747 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 119 ZAR per hour
Last revision of data: 2024-01-09
Estimated Yearly Salary: 12,792 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 1,066 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 246 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 6 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: 256,240 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 21,353 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 4,928 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 123 ZAR per hour
By working as Scientist a person can save up to 795 USD per month or 9,538 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 Scientist
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Data as of 2025
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Scientist salary in South Africa
Average Yearly Salary of Scientist in South Africa is approximately 256,240 ZAR (12,792 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 Scientist do?

Skills: Scientist, Researcher, Experimentation, Data Analysis, Scientific Method, Collaboration
Job industry: Research and development
Job industry: Research and development
How much does Scientist make?
Salary details
How much does Scientist make?Estimated Yearly Salary: 256,240 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 21,353 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 4,928 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 123 ZAR per hour
Comparing salary to last year:
Estimated Yearly Salary: 246,840 ZAREstimated Monthly Salary: 20,570 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 4,747 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 119 ZAR per hour
Scientist estimated salary in USD
For easier comparison here is an estimated salary in USD:Estimated Yearly Salary: 12,792 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 1,066 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 246 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 6 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 Scientist job salary compared to average salary in South Africa.
Comparison shows that a person working as Scientist in South Africa earns on average:
2.02 times the average salary (or 202% of average salary).
Estimated national average yearly salary is 126,956 ZAR (6,780 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Scientist job salary compared to average salary in South Africa.
Comparison shows that a person working as Scientist in South Africa earns on average:
2.02 times the average salary (or 202% of average salary).
Is Scientist a well paid job?
Yes, our data show that Scientist 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 Scientist?
High salary for Scientist would be somewhere between 281,864 ZAR and 371,548 ZAR. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.How much can you save working as Scientist 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: 256,240 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 21,353 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 4,928 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 123 ZAR per hour
By working as Scientist a person can save up to 795 USD per month or 9,538 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 Scientist
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
Top 10 highest salaries in South Africa
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5. Neurosurgeon
(1,100,784 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
(1,077,960 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
(1,073,792 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
(1,073,439 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
9. Oncologist
(1,071,922 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
10. Urologist
(1,071,632 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Random salary:
Scheduling coordinator (94,770 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Crm integration specialist (221,700 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Cameraman (131,706 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Cio (345,501 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Geographic information systems (gis), programmer analyst (163,769 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
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