Actuarial Scientist vs Detective (SAPS)
Salary Comparison.
Side-by-side monthly salary breakdown for South Africa in 2026 — entry to senior level, gross before tax.
Actuarial Scientist earns 271% more than Detective (SAPS)
Median R 78 000/month vs R 21 000/month — a R 57 000/month difference
Actuarial Scientist
R 936 000/year
255% above SA workforce median
Detective (SAPS)
R 252 000/year
5% below SA workforce median
Salary by experience level
| Level | Actuarial Scientist | Detective (SAPS) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level(0–2 yrs) | R 28 000 | R 14 000 |
| Mid-level(3–6 yrs) | R 78 000 | R 21 000 |
| Senior(7+ yrs) | R 145 000 | R 33 000 |
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.
Detective (SAPS)
SAPS detective posts are government-funded; growth is tied to budget allocations. The SAPS is chronically understaffed in detective capacity, with slow resolution of this gap.
See your actual take-home pay
Enter any gross salary to calculate PAYE, UIF, and net pay after deductions.
Frequently asked questions
Which earns more — a Actuarial Scientist or a Detective (SAPS) 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 21 000/month for a Detective (SAPS) — a difference of R 57 000/month (271% 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 Detective (SAPS) salary in South Africa in 2026?▾
The median Detective (SAPS) salary in South Africa is R 21 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 12 000–R 17 000/month, mid-level pays R 17 000–R 26 000/month, and senior roles pay R 25 000–R 45 000/month.
How do I calculate take-home pay for a Actuarial Scientist or Detective (SAPS)?▾
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.