Administrative Assistant vs Data Scientist
Salary Comparison.
Side-by-side monthly salary breakdown for South Africa in 2026 — entry to senior level, gross before tax.
Data Scientist earns 180% more than Administrative Assistant
Median R 42 000/month vs R 15 000/month — a R 27 000/month difference
Administrative Assistant
R 180 000/year
32% below SA workforce median
Data Scientist
R 504 000/year
91% above SA workforce median
Salary by experience level
| Level | Administrative Assistant | Data Scientist |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level(0–2 yrs) | R 8 500 | R 22 000 |
| Mid-level(3–6 yrs) | R 15 000 | R 42 000 |
| Senior(7+ yrs) | R 27 000 | R 70 000 |
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.
Data Scientist
Data scientists remain one of the most sought-after professionals in SA, with demand from banks, fintechs, and international remote roles all contributing to a talent shortage.
See your actual take-home pay
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Frequently asked questions
Which earns more — a Administrative Assistant or a Data Scientist in South Africa?▾
A Data Scientist earns more on average. The median monthly salary for a Data Scientist is R 42 000/month, compared to R 15 000/month for a Administrative Assistant — a difference of R 27 000/month (180% 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 Data Scientist salary in South Africa in 2026?▾
The median Data Scientist salary in South Africa is R 42 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 18 000–R 28 000/month, mid-level pays R 32 000–R 55 000/month, and senior roles pay R 55 000–R 95 000/month.
How do I calculate take-home pay for a Administrative Assistant or Data Scientist?▾
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.