Home > Salary > South Africa > Senior Mechanical Engineer
A senior mechanical engineer is responsible for overseeing and leading the design, development, and implementation of mechanical systems and processes. They work on various projects, from concept to completion, ensuring that all mechanical components meet quality standards and adhere to safety regulations. Senior mechanical engineers collaborate with cross-functional teams, including other engineers and technicians, to solve complex problems and optimize designs. They conduct thorough research, analyze data, and perform calculations to develop innovative solutions and improve existing systems. Additionally, senior mechanical engineers provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers, review project proposals and specifications, and monitor project progress to ensure timely delivery.
Estimated Yearly Salary: 271,963 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 22,664 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 5,230 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 131 ZAR per hour
Values are pre-tax
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Estimated Monthly Salary: 21,925 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 5,060 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 126 ZAR per hour
Last revision of data: 2024-01-09
Estimated Yearly Salary: 13,579 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 1,132 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 261 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 7 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: 271,963 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 22,664 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 5,230 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 131 ZAR per hour
By working as Senior Mechanical Engineer a person can save up to 860 USD per month or 10,325 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 Senior Mechanical Engineer
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Data as of 2025
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Senior Mechanical Engineer salary in South Africa
Average Yearly Salary of Senior Mechanical Engineer in South Africa is approximately 271,963 ZAR (13,579 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 Senior Mechanical Engineer do?

Skills: Senior Mechanical Engineer, Mechanical Engineering, Design and Development, Project Management, Problem Solving, Technical Guidance
Job industry: Mechanical engineering
Job industry: Mechanical engineering
How much does Senior Mechanical Engineer make?
Salary details
How much does Senior Mechanical Engineer make?Estimated Yearly Salary: 271,963 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 22,664 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 5,230 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 131 ZAR per hour
Comparing salary to last year:
Estimated Yearly Salary: 263,100 ZAREstimated Monthly Salary: 21,925 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 5,060 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 126 ZAR per hour
Senior Mechanical Engineer estimated salary in USD
For easier comparison here is an estimated salary in USD:Estimated Yearly Salary: 13,579 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 1,132 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 261 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 7 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 Senior Mechanical Engineer job salary compared to average salary in South Africa.
Comparison shows that a person working as Senior Mechanical Engineer in South Africa earns on average:
2.14 times the average salary (or 214% of average salary).
Estimated national average yearly salary is 126,956 ZAR (6,780 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Senior Mechanical Engineer job salary compared to average salary in South Africa.
Comparison shows that a person working as Senior Mechanical Engineer in South Africa earns on average:
2.14 times the average salary (or 214% of average salary).
Is Senior Mechanical Engineer a well paid job?
Yes, our data show that Senior 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 Senior Mechanical Engineer?
High salary for Senior Mechanical Engineer would be somewhere between 299,159 ZAR and 394,346 ZAR. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.How much can you save working as Senior 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: 271,963 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 22,664 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 5,230 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 131 ZAR per hour
By working as Senior Mechanical Engineer a person can save up to 860 USD per month or 10,325 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 Senior Mechanical 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:
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