Actuarial Scientist vs Chartered Accountant
Salary Comparison.
Side-by-side monthly salary breakdown for South Africa in 2026 — entry to senior level, gross before tax.
Actuarial Scientist earns 26% more than Chartered Accountant
Median R 78 000/month vs R 62 000/month — a R 16 000/month difference
Actuarial Scientist
R 936 000/year
255% above SA workforce median
Chartered Accountant
R 744 000/year
182% above SA workforce median
Salary by experience level
| Level | Actuarial Scientist | Chartered Accountant |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level(0–2 yrs) | R 28 000 | R 35 000 |
| Mid-level(3–6 yrs) | R 78 000 | R 62 000 |
| Senior(7+ yrs) | R 145 000 | R 130 000 |
Median monthly gross before PAYE tax · South Africa 2026
Salary range comparison
Entry-level
Mid-level
Senior
Key differences
Actuarial Scientist
Actuaries are in extremely short supply in South Africa, and demand from both traditional insurance and new fields (fintech, data science) is accelerating.
Chartered Accountant
CA(SA) remains one of South Africa's most sought-after qualifications, with particularly strong demand from investment banking, private equity, and international companies.
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Frequently asked questions
Which earns more — a Actuarial Scientist or a Chartered Accountant in South Africa?▾
A Actuarial Scientist earns more on average. The median monthly salary for a Actuarial Scientist is R 78 000/month, compared to R 62 000/month for a Chartered Accountant — a difference of R 16 000/month (26% higher).
What is the Actuarial Scientist salary in South Africa in 2026?▾
The median Actuarial Scientist salary in South Africa is R 78 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 22 000–R 35 000/month, mid-level pays R 60 000–R 100 000/month, and senior roles pay R 100 000–R 250 000/month.
What is the Chartered Accountant salary in South Africa in 2026?▾
The median Chartered Accountant salary in South Africa is R 62 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 28 000–R 45 000/month, mid-level pays R 50 000–R 85 000/month, and senior roles pay R 90 000–R 250 000/month.
How do I calculate take-home pay for a Actuarial Scientist or Chartered Accountant?▾
Use the Rand Tools PAYE calculator. Enter the gross monthly salary and it will calculate your exact take-home pay after PAYE income tax, UIF (1% of gross, capped at R177.12/month), and any pension or medical aid contributions.