Top 40 highest paying jobs in south Africa
Neurosurgeon
Monthly Salary: R250,000 – R416,666
Work Hours: 60–80 hours/week
Qualifications: MBChB, 2-year internship, 1-year community service, 6 years specialization
Cardiothoracic Surgeon
Monthly Salary: R233,333 – R375,000
Work Hours: 60–80 hours/week
Qualifications: MBChB, 2-year internship, 1-year community service, 6 years specialization
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Monthly Salary: R208,333 – R833,333+
Work Hours: 50–70 hours/week
Qualifications: Bachelor's degree, MBA or equivalent, extensive executive experience
Ship Captain (Deep Sea/Specialized Cargo)
Monthly Salary: R166,666 – R291,666
Work Hours: 4–6 weeks on duty, 4–6 weeks off
Qualifications: Maritime degree, extensive sea experience
Actuary (Experienced)
Monthly Salary: R150,000 – R250,000
Work Hours: 40–50 hours/week
Qualifications: Actuarial degree, professional exams
Mining Engineer (Deep Level)
Monthly Salary: R125,000 – R183,333
Work Hours: 40–50 hours/week
Qualifications: BEng in Mining Engineering, relevant experience
Legal Partner (Corporate Law)
Monthly Salary: R100,000 – R166,666
Work Hours: 50–60 hours/week
Qualifications: LLB, extensive legal experience
Software Architect (Specialized Skills – Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing)
Monthly Salary: R83,333 – R150,000
Work Hours: 40–50 hours/week
Qualifications: Degree in Computer Science, specialized certifications
Airline Pilot (Senior Captain – Long Haul)
Monthly Salary: R75,000 – R125,000
Work Hours: Variable, based on flight schedules
Qualifications: Commercial pilot license, extensive flying hours
Petroleum Engineer
Monthly Salary: R70,833 – R116,666
Work Hours: 40–50 hours/week
Qualifications: BEng in Petroleum Engineering, relevant experience
Financial Manager
Monthly Salary: R61,600 – R103,000
Work Hours: 40–50 hours/week
Qualifications: BCom Accounting, CA(SA) or equivalent
Chartered Accountant (CA)
Monthly Salary: R49,000 – R80,000
Work Hours: 40–50 hours/week
Qualifications: BCom Accounting, completed articles
Data Scientist
Monthly Salary: R45,833 – R75,000
Work Hours: 40–50 hours/week
Qualifications: Degree in Computer Science or Statistics, specialized training
Software Engineer
Monthly Salary: R50,000 – R70,000
Work Hours: 40–50 hours/week
Qualifications: Degree in Computer Science, programming skills
IT Manager
Monthly Salary: R45,000 – R70,000
Work Hours: 40–50 hours/week
Qualifications: Degree in Information Technology, management experience
Legal Counsel (In-House)
Monthly Salary: R40,000 – R65,000
Work Hours: 40–50 hours/week
Qualifications: LLB, corporate legal experience
Civil Engineer
Monthly Salary: R40,000 – R60,000
Work Hours: 40–50 hours/week
Qualifications: BEng in Civil Engineering, relevant experience
Electrical Engineer
Monthly Salary: R35,000 – R55,000
Work Hours: 40–50 hours/week
Qualifications: BEng in Electrical Engineering, relevant experience
Mechanical Engineer
Monthly Salary: R35,000 – R55,000
Work Hours: 40–50 hours/week
Qualifications: BEng in Mechanical Engineering, relevant experience
Mining Manager
Monthly Salary: R40,000 – R60,000
Work Hours: 40–50 hours/week
Qualifications: Degree in Mining Engineering, management experience
Petroleum Geologist
Monthly Salary: R45,000 – R70,000
Work Hours: 40–50 hours/week
Qualifications: Degree in Geology, specialized training
Quantitative Analyst (Quant)
Monthly Salary: R50,000 – R80,000
Work Hours: 40–50 hours/week
Qualifications: Degree in Mathematics or Physics, financial modeling skills
Investment Banker
Monthly Salary: R50,000 – R80,000
Work Hours: 50–60 hours/week
Qualifications: Degree in Finance or Economics, investment banking experience
Corporate Strategist
Monthly Salary: R45,000 – R70,000
Work Hours: 40–50 hours/week
Qualifications: MBA, strategic planning experience
Marketing Director
Monthly Salary: R40,000 – R65,000
Work Hours: 40–50 hours/week
Qualifications: Degree in Marketing, leadership experience
Sales Director
Monthly Salary: R40,000 – R65,000
Work Hours: 40–50 hours/week
Qualifications: Degree in Business, sales management experience
Human Resources Director
Monthly Salary: R40,000 – R60,000
Work Hours: 40–50 hours/week
Qualifications: Degree in Human Resources, leadership experience
Supply Chain Manager
Monthly Salary: R62,500
Work Hours: 40–50 hours/week
Qualifications: Degree in Supply Chain Management, logistics experience
Project Manager (Construction)
Monthly Salary: R45,000 – R70,000
Work Hours: 40–50 hours/week
Qualifications: Degree in Construction Management, project management experience
Construction Manager
Monthly Salary: R45,000 – R70,000
Work Hours: 40–50 hours/week
Qualifications: Degree in Construction Management, leadership experience
Urban Planner
Monthly Salary: R35,000 – R55,000
Work Hours: 40–50 hours/week
Qualifications: Degree in Urban Planning, relevant experience
Architect
Monthly Salary: R35,000 – R55,000
Work Hours: 40–50 hours/week
Qualifications: Degree in Architecture, design experience
Interior Designer
Monthly Salary: R30,000 – R50,000
Work Hours: 40–50 hours/week
Qualifications: Degree in Interior Design, creative portfolio
Industrial Designer
Monthly Salary: R30,000 – R50,000
Work Hours: 40–50 hours/week
Qualifications: Degree in Industrial Design, product development experience
Graphic Designer
Monthly Salary: R25,000 – R45,000
Work Hours: 40–50 hours/week
Qualifications: Degree in Graphic Design, design portfolio
Web Developer
Monthly Salary: R25,000 – R45,000
Work Hours: 40–50 hours/week
Qualifications: Degree in Computer Science, web development skills
Content Manager
Monthly Salary: R30,000 – R50,000
Work Hours: 40–50 hours/week
Qualifications: Degree in Communications, content strategy experience
Public Relations Manager
Monthly Salary: R30,000 – R50,000
Work Hours: 40–50 hours/week
Qualifications: Degree in Public Relations, media relations experience
Event Manager
Monthly Salary: R25,000 – R45,000
Work Hours: 40–50 hours/week
Qualifications: Degree in Event Management, organizational skills
Hotel Manager
Monthly Salary: R30,000 – R50,000
Work Hours: 40–50 hours/week
Qualifications: Degree in Hospitality Management, leadership experience