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Theoretical Physicist salary in South Africa

Average Yearly Salary of Theoretical Physicist in South Africa is approximately 215,566 ZAR (10,774 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 Theoretical Physicist do?

occupation personasA theoretical physicist is a scientist who specializes in studying and developing theories that explain the fundamental laws of nature. They use mathematical models and concepts to understand the behavior of matter and energy at the smallest scales, such as subatomic particles and the universe as a whole. Theoretical physicists work on various areas, including quantum mechanics, relativity, particle physics, cosmology, and condensed matter physics. They conduct research, perform calculations, and develop mathematical equations to predict and explain physical phenomena. The occupation of a theoretical physicist requires strong analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as a deep understanding of mathematics and physics. They often collaborate with experimental physicists to test and validate their theories through experiments. Theoretical physicists also contribute to technological advancements and scientific discoveries, such as the development of new materials, quantum computing, and the understanding of the origins of the universe.

Skills: theoretical physicist, science, physics, mathematics, research, quantum mechanics
Job industry: Education/research


How much does Theoretical Physicist make?

Salary details
How much does Theoretical Physicist make?
Estimated Yearly Salary: 215,566 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 17,964 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 4,146 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 104 ZAR per hour
Values are pre-tax
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04

Comparing salary to last year:
Estimated Yearly Salary: 208,400 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 17,367 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 4,008 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 100 ZAR per hour
Last revision of data: 2024-01-05



Theoretical Physicist estimated salary in USD
For easier comparison here is an estimated salary in USD:
Estimated Yearly Salary: 10,774 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 898 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 207 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 5 USD per hour


Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately up arrow 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.

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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 Theoretical Physicist job salary compared to average salary in South Africa.
Comparison shows that a person working as Theoretical Physicist in South Africa earns on average:
1.7 times the average salary (or 170% of average salary).

Is Theoretical Physicist a well paid job?

Yes, our data shows that Theoretical Physicist 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 Theoretical Physicist?

High salary for Theoretical Physicist would be somewhere between 237,123 ZAR and 312,571 ZAR. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.

How much can you save working as Theoretical Physicist 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: 215,566 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 17,964 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 4,146 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 104 ZAR per hour
By working as Theoretical Physicist a person can save up to 627 USD per month or 7,520 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 Theoretical Physicist

Last revision of data: 2025-01-04

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 up arrow+12% salary increase
    6 to 10 years of experience yields up arrow+25% salary increase
    11 to 15 years of experience yields up arrow+16% salary increase
    16 to 25 years of experience yields up arrow+9% salary increase
    more than 25 years of experience yields up arrow+10% salary increase
NOTE: Details based on limited set of data. Percentages may vary. The salary increase over years of experience can vary widely based on factors such as job industry, job role, location, company size, and individual performance. To gain even larger increase in salary one is advised to switch jobs and / or employer.

Top 10 highest salaries in South Africa

(1,412,867 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
(1,176,011 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
(1,138,908 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
(1,102,268 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
(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.)
(1,071,922 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
(1,071,632 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)

Data as of 2025

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