Chartered Accountant vs Administrative Assistant
Salary Comparison.
Side-by-side monthly salary breakdown for South Africa in 2026 — entry to senior level, gross before tax.
Chartered Accountant earns 313% more than Administrative Assistant
Median R 62 000/month vs R 15 000/month — a R 47 000/month difference
Chartered Accountant
R 744 000/year
182% above SA workforce median
Administrative Assistant
R 180 000/year
32% below SA workforce median
Salary by experience level
| Level | Chartered Accountant | Administrative Assistant |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level(0–2 yrs) | R 35 000 | R 8 500 |
| Mid-level(3–6 yrs) | R 62 000 | R 15 000 |
| Senior(7+ yrs) | R 130 000 | R 27 000 |
Median monthly gross before PAYE tax · South Africa 2026
Salary range comparison
Entry-level
Mid-level
Senior
Key differences
Chartered Accountant
CA(SA) remains one of South Africa's most sought-after qualifications, with particularly strong demand from investment banking, private equity, and international companies.
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.
See your actual take-home pay
Enter any gross salary to calculate PAYE, UIF, and net pay after deductions.
Frequently asked questions
Which earns more — a Chartered Accountant or a Administrative Assistant in South Africa?▾
A Chartered Accountant earns more on average. The median monthly salary for a Chartered Accountant is R 62 000/month, compared to R 15 000/month for a Administrative Assistant — a difference of R 47 000/month (313% higher).
What is the Chartered Accountant salary in South Africa in 2026?▾
The median Chartered Accountant salary in South Africa is R 62 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 28 000–R 45 000/month, mid-level pays R 50 000–R 85 000/month, and senior roles pay R 90 000–R 250 000/month.
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.
How do I calculate take-home pay for a Chartered Accountant or Administrative Assistant?▾
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.