Free · No sign-up · Updated for 2026

Actuarial Scientist vs HR Manager
Salary Comparison.

Side-by-side monthly salary breakdown for South Africa in 2026 — entry to senior level, gross before tax.

🏆

Actuarial Scientist earns 95% more than HR Manager

Median R 78 000/month vs R 40 000/month — a R 38 000/month difference

Higher earner

Actuarial Scientist

R78k/month

R 936 000/year

255% above SA workforce median

HR Manager

R40k/month

R 480 000/year

82% above SA workforce median

Salary by experience level

LevelActuarial ScientistHR Manager
Entry-level(0–2 yrs)R 28 000R 17 500
Mid-level(3–6 yrs)R 78 000R 40 000
Senior(7+ yrs)R 145 000R 75 000

Median monthly gross before PAYE tax · South Africa 2026

Salary range comparison

Entry-level

Actuarial Scientist
R 28 000
HR Manager
R 17 500

Mid-level

Actuarial Scientist
R 78 000
HR Manager
R 40 000

Senior

Actuarial Scientist
R 145 000
HR Manager
R 75 000
Actuarial ScientistHR Manager

Key differences

Actuarial Scientist

Salary rangeR22kR250k
MedianR 78 000/month
Annual (median)R936k

Actuaries are in extremely short supply in South Africa, and demand from both traditional insurance and new fields (fintech, data science) is accelerating.

Full Actuarial Scientist salary guide →

HR Manager

Salary rangeR14kR100k
MedianR 40 000/month
Annual (median)R480k

HR Business Partners and HR professionals with strong labour relations and EE compliance expertise are consistently in demand. Digital HR (HRIS, people analytics) is an emerging premium skill.

Full HR Manager salary guide →

See your actual take-home pay

Enter any gross salary to calculate PAYE, UIF, and net pay after deductions.

PAYE Calculator →

Frequently asked questions

Which earns more — a Actuarial Scientist or a HR Manager 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 40 000/month for a HR Manager — a difference of R 38 000/month (95% 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 HR Manager salary in South Africa in 2026?

The median HR Manager salary in South Africa is R 40 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 14 000–R 22 000/month, mid-level pays R 30 000–R 55 000/month, and senior roles pay R 60 000–R 100 000/month.

How do I calculate take-home pay for a Actuarial Scientist or HR Manager?

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.

Related comparisons