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Chartered Accountant vs HR Manager
Salary Comparison.

Side-by-side monthly salary breakdown for South Africa in 2026 — entry to senior level, gross before tax.

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Chartered Accountant earns 55% more than HR Manager

Median R 62 000/month vs R 40 000/month — a R 22 000/month difference

Higher earner

Chartered Accountant

R62k/month

R 744 000/year

182% above SA workforce median

HR Manager

R40k/month

R 480 000/year

82% above SA workforce median

Salary by experience level

LevelChartered AccountantHR Manager
Entry-level(0–2 yrs)R 35 000R 17 500
Mid-level(3–6 yrs)R 62 000R 40 000
Senior(7+ yrs)R 130 000R 75 000

Median monthly gross before PAYE tax · South Africa 2026

Salary range comparison

Entry-level

Chartered Accountant
R 35 000
HR Manager
R 17 500

Mid-level

Chartered Accountant
R 62 000
HR Manager
R 40 000

Senior

Chartered Accountant
R 130 000
HR Manager
R 75 000
Chartered AccountantHR Manager

Key differences

Chartered Accountant

Salary rangeR28kR250k
MedianR 62 000/month
Annual (median)R744k

CA(SA) remains one of South Africa's most sought-after qualifications, with particularly strong demand from investment banking, private equity, and international companies.

Full Chartered Accountant salary guide →

HR Manager

Salary rangeR14kR100k
MedianR 40 000/month
Annual (median)R480k

HR Business Partners and HR professionals with strong labour relations and EE compliance expertise are consistently in demand. Digital HR (HRIS, people analytics) is an emerging premium skill.

Full HR Manager salary guide →

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Frequently asked questions

Which earns more — a Chartered Accountant or a HR Manager 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 40 000/month for a HR Manager — a difference of R 22 000/month (55% 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 HR Manager salary in South Africa in 2026?

The median HR Manager salary in South Africa is R 40 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 14 000–R 22 000/month, mid-level pays R 30 000–R 55 000/month, and senior roles pay R 60 000–R 100 000/month.

How do I calculate take-home pay for a Chartered Accountant or HR 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.

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