Chemical Engineer vs Metro Police Officer
Salary Comparison.
Side-by-side monthly salary breakdown for South Africa in 2026 — entry to senior level, gross before tax.
Chemical Engineer earns 194% more than Metro Police Officer
Median R 50 000/month vs R 17 000/month — a R 33 000/month difference
Chemical Engineer
R 600 000/year
127% above SA workforce median
Metro Police Officer
R 204 000/year
23% below SA workforce median
Salary by experience level
| Level | Chemical Engineer | Metro Police Officer |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level(0–2 yrs) | R 25 000 | R 10 500 |
| Mid-level(3–6 yrs) | R 50 000 | R 17 000 |
| Senior(7+ yrs) | R 82 000 | R 35 000 |
Median monthly gross before PAYE tax · South Africa 2026
Salary range comparison
Entry-level
Mid-level
Senior
Key differences
Chemical Engineer
Chemical engineers with mining, water treatment, and green hydrogen expertise are especially sought after as SA transitions its energy and industrial base.
Metro Police Officer
Metro police services are expanding as SA municipalities tackle traffic and public safety challenges, providing stable employment with modest growth.
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 Chemical Engineer or a Metro Police Officer 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 17 000/month for a Metro Police Officer — a difference of R 33 000/month (194% higher).
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.
What is the Metro Police Officer salary in South Africa in 2026?▾
The median Metro Police Officer salary in South Africa is R 17 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 8 000–R 14 000/month, mid-level pays R 14 000–R 22 000/month, and senior roles pay R 25 000–R 55 000/month.
How do I calculate take-home pay for a Chemical Engineer or Metro Police Officer?▾
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.