Latest Salary Trends in South Africa [By Industry] – 2025 Guide
Latest Salary Trends in South Africa, Wondering how much you should be earning in your role? Or planning your next career move? Understanding current salary trends in South Africa can give you the edge when negotiating a raise or choosing a job path.
This 2025 guide breaks down the latest salary benchmarks by industry, role, and location—so you know where you stand.
Why Salary Trends Matter in South Africa
In a country facing a complex mix of inflation, youth unemployment, and evolving skills demand, salary insights help both job seekers and employers make informed decisions.
Whether you’re:
- A graduate looking to enter the market
- A professional planning a move
- Or an employer benchmarking offers
You’ll find up-to-date salary guidance here.
South African Salary Trends Overview (2025)
National Average Monthly Salary:
R26,000 – R30,000 (as of Q2 2025, across all industries)
Sources: Careers24, PNet Salary Reports, CareerJunction Index, PayScale
Key Influencing Factors:
- Sector demand and digital skills
- Region (Gauteng typically pays higher)
- Experience level
- Company size
Salary Trends by Industry
Here’s a breakdown of average monthly salaries in 2025 across major South African sectors:
1. Information Technology (IT)
| Role | Avg. Monthly Salary |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | R40,000 – R75,000 |
| Data Analyst | R30,000 – R60,000 |
| IT Support Technician | R15,000 – R28,000 |
| Cybersecurity Specialist | R45,000 – R80,000 |
Trend: High demand for AI, cloud, and cybersecurity skills. Remote work expanding opportunities.
2. Finance & Accounting
| Role | Avg. Monthly Salary |
|---|---|
| Accountant | R25,000 – R45,000 |
| Chartered Accountant (CA) | R50,000 – R85,000 |
| Financial Analyst | R30,000 – R60,000 |
| Payroll Administrator | R18,000 – R28,000 |
Trend: FinTech and risk management skills are in demand.
3. Engineering
| Role | Avg. Monthly Salary |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineer | R35,000 – R60,000 |
| Mechanical Engineer | R32,000 – R58,000 |
| Electrical Engineer | R30,000 – R55,000 |
| Junior Technician | R15,000 – R25,000 |
Trend: Engineering remains a high-paying, in-demand sector—especially in infrastructure and renewable energy.
4. Sales & Marketing
| Role | Avg. Monthly Salary |
|---|---|
| Sales Executive | R18,000 – R35,000 |
| Digital Marketing Manager | R30,000 – R60,000 |
| Brand Manager | R25,000 – R50,000 |
| Retail Sales Assistant | R5,500 – R9,000 |
Trend: Digital marketing salaries growing fast; retail pay remains modest.
5. Healthcare
| Role | Avg. Monthly Salary |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | R25,000 – R38,000 |
| Pharmacist | R35,000 – R55,000 |
| General Practitioner (GP) | R50,000 – R80,000 |
| Caregiver | R5,000 – R8,000 |
Trend: Healthcare professionals remain essential, with nurses and doctors in high demand in public and private sectors.
6. Education
| Role | Avg. Monthly Salary |
|---|---|
| Foundation Phase Teacher | R13,000 – R22,000 |
| High School Teacher | R18,000 – R28,000 |
| University Lecturer | R28,000 – R50,000 |
| Tutor (part-time) | R100 – R300/hour |
Trend: Salaries vary greatly between public and private institutions. e-Learning is growing.
7. Construction & Skilled Trades
| Role | Avg. Monthly Salary |
|---|---|
| Electrician | R18,000 – R30,000 |
| Plumber | R15,000 – R28,000 |
| General Labourer | R5,000 – R8,500 |
| Site Supervisor | R20,000 – R35,000 |
Trend: Strong demand in housing and infrastructure projects; skilled artisans in short supply.
8. Legal & Compliance
| Role | Avg. Monthly Salary |
|---|---|
| Legal Secretary | R15,000 – R25,000 |
| Junior Attorney | R25,000 – R35,000 |
| Compliance Officer | R30,000 – R50,000 |
| Advocate | R40,000 – R90,000+ |
Trend: Corporate compliance roles seeing salary spikes post-POPIA and FICA regulations.
9. Admin & Office Support
| Role | Avg. Monthly Salary |
|---|---|
| Receptionist | R8,000 – R14,000 |
| Admin Clerk | R10,000 – R18,000 |
| Executive Assistant | R18,000 – R28,000 |
| Data Capturer | R9,000 – R15,000 |
Trend: Salaries steady, but hybrid and remote admin jobs are increasing.
10. Transport, Logistics & Warehousing
| Role | Avg. Monthly Salary |
|---|---|
| Truck Driver | R12,000 – R22,000 |
| Logistics Coordinator | R20,000 – R35,000 |
| Warehouse Manager | R25,000 – R45,000 |
| Forklift Operator | R9,000 – R13,000 |
Trend: eCommerce growth is driving logistics demand and higher pay.
Salary Negotiation Tips (South Africa-Specific)
- Do market research before interviews.
- Use job titles and cities when searching for salary data (e.g., “Junior Graphic Designer Cape Town salary”).
- Don’t reveal your current salary—focus on market value.
- Factor in benefits: medical aid, pension, leave days, bonus.
Top-Paying Cities in South Africa (2025)
- Johannesburg – Financial & tech capital
- Cape Town – Creative & IT hub
- Pretoria – Government and engineering focus
- Durban – Retail, logistics, and manufacturing
Where to Find Salary Data in SA
Final Thoughts
Knowing your worth is crucial in today’s evolving job market. Whether you’re aiming for a salary increase, a new career path, or your first job—use this guide to benchmark your expectations.
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