Actuarial Scientist vs Project Manager
Salary Comparison.
Side-by-side monthly salary breakdown for South Africa in 2026 — entry to senior level, gross before tax.
Actuarial Scientist earns 70% more than Project Manager
Median R 78 000/month vs R 46 000/month — a R 32 000/month difference
Actuarial Scientist
R 936 000/year
255% above SA workforce median
Project Manager
R 552 000/year
109% above SA workforce median
Salary by experience level
| Level | Actuarial Scientist | Project Manager |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level(0–2 yrs) | R 28 000 | R 23 000 |
| Mid-level(3–6 yrs) | R 78 000 | R 46 000 |
| Senior(7+ yrs) | R 145 000 | R 85 000 |
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.
Project Manager
Demand for experienced project managers is consistent across all sectors, with IT and infrastructure projects driving most growth in South Africa.
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Frequently asked questions
Which earns more — a Actuarial Scientist or a Project 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 46 000/month for a Project Manager — a difference of R 32 000/month (70% 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 Project Manager salary in South Africa in 2026?▾
The median Project Manager salary in South Africa is R 46 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 18 000–R 30 000/month, mid-level pays R 35 000–R 60 000/month, and senior roles pay R 65 000–R 120 000/month.
How do I calculate take-home pay for a Actuarial Scientist or Project 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.