Civil Engineer vs Chartered Accountant
Salary Comparison.
Side-by-side monthly salary breakdown for South Africa in 2026 — entry to senior level, gross before tax.
Chartered Accountant earns 41% more than Civil Engineer
Median R 62 000/month vs R 44 000/month — a R 18 000/month difference
Civil Engineer
R 528 000/year
100% above SA workforce median
Chartered Accountant
R 744 000/year
182% above SA workforce median
Salary by experience level
| Level | Civil Engineer | Chartered Accountant |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level(0–2 yrs) | R 22 000 | R 35 000 |
| Mid-level(3–6 yrs) | R 44 000 | R 62 000 |
| Senior(7+ yrs) | R 75 000 | R 130 000 |
Median monthly gross before PAYE tax · South Africa 2026
Salary range comparison
Entry-level
Mid-level
Senior
Key differences
Civil Engineer
South Africa's infrastructure backlog and government's infrastructure investment commitments mean consistent demand for civil engineers through the decade.
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.
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Frequently asked questions
Which earns more — a Civil Engineer or a Chartered Accountant 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 44 000/month for a Civil Engineer — a difference of R 18 000/month (41% higher).
What is the Civil Engineer salary in South Africa in 2026?▾
The median Civil Engineer salary in South Africa is R 44 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 18 000–R 28 000/month, mid-level pays R 35 000–R 58 000/month, and senior roles pay R 60 000–R 100 000/month.
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.
How do I calculate take-home pay for a Civil Engineer or Chartered Accountant?▾
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.