Administrative Assistant vs Electrical Engineer
Salary Comparison.
Side-by-side monthly salary breakdown for South Africa in 2026 — entry to senior level, gross before tax.
Electrical Engineer earns 207% more than Administrative Assistant
Median R 46 000/month vs R 15 000/month — a R 31 000/month difference
Administrative Assistant
R 180 000/year
32% below SA workforce median
Electrical Engineer
R 552 000/year
109% above SA workforce median
Salary by experience level
| Level | Administrative Assistant | Electrical Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level(0–2 yrs) | R 8 500 | R 23 000 |
| Mid-level(3–6 yrs) | R 15 000 | R 46 000 |
| Senior(7+ yrs) | R 27 000 | R 80 000 |
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.
Electrical Engineer
Demand for electrical engineers is surging in South Africa's renewable energy buildout, offering excellent opportunities for specialised engineers through 2030.
See your actual take-home pay
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Frequently asked questions
Which earns more — a Administrative Assistant or a Electrical Engineer in South Africa?▾
A Electrical Engineer earns more on average. The median monthly salary for a Electrical Engineer is R 46 000/month, compared to R 15 000/month for a Administrative Assistant — a difference of R 31 000/month (207% 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 Electrical Engineer salary in South Africa in 2026?▾
The median Electrical Engineer salary in South Africa is R 46 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 19 000–R 29 000/month, mid-level pays R 36 000–R 60 000/month, and senior roles pay R 62 000–R 105 000/month.
How do I calculate take-home pay for a Administrative Assistant or Electrical 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.