Administrative Assistant vs Chemical Engineer
Salary Comparison.
Side-by-side monthly salary breakdown for South Africa in 2026 — entry to senior level, gross before tax.
Chemical Engineer earns 233% more than Administrative Assistant
Median R 50 000/month vs R 15 000/month — a R 35 000/month difference
Administrative Assistant
R 180 000/year
32% below SA workforce median
Chemical Engineer
R 600 000/year
127% above SA workforce median
Salary by experience level
| Level | Administrative Assistant | Chemical Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level(0–2 yrs) | R 8 500 | R 25 000 |
| Mid-level(3–6 yrs) | R 15 000 | R 50 000 |
| Senior(7+ yrs) | R 27 000 | R 82 000 |
Median monthly gross before PAYE tax · South Africa 2026
Salary range comparison
Entry-level
Mid-level
Senior
Key differences
Administrative Assistant
Administrative roles are evolving with AI tools handling routine tasks, increasing the premium on candidates with strong digital literacy and executive relationship skills.
Chemical Engineer
Chemical engineers with mining, water treatment, and green hydrogen expertise are especially sought after as SA transitions its energy and industrial base.
See your actual take-home pay
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Frequently asked questions
Which earns more — a Administrative Assistant or a Chemical Engineer in South Africa?▾
A Chemical Engineer earns more on average. The median monthly salary for a Chemical Engineer is R 50 000/month, compared to R 15 000/month for a Administrative Assistant — a difference of R 35 000/month (233% higher).
What is the Administrative Assistant salary in South Africa in 2026?▾
The median Administrative Assistant salary in South Africa is R 15 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 6 000–R 12 000/month, mid-level pays R 12 000–R 20 000/month, and senior roles pay R 20 000–R 38 000/month.
What is the Chemical Engineer salary in South Africa in 2026?▾
The median Chemical Engineer salary in South Africa is R 50 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 20 000–R 32 000/month, mid-level pays R 38 000–R 65 000/month, and senior roles pay R 65 000–R 110 000/month.
How do I calculate take-home pay for a Administrative Assistant or Chemical Engineer?▾
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.