Civil Engineer vs Chemical Engineer
Salary Comparison.
Side-by-side monthly salary breakdown for South Africa in 2026 — entry to senior level, gross before tax.
Chemical Engineer earns 14% more than Civil Engineer
Median R 50 000/month vs R 44 000/month — a R 6 000/month difference
Civil Engineer
R 528 000/year
100% above SA workforce median
Chemical Engineer
R 600 000/year
127% above SA workforce median
Salary by experience level
| Level | Civil Engineer | Chemical Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level(0–2 yrs) | R 22 000 | R 25 000 |
| Mid-level(3–6 yrs) | R 44 000 | R 50 000 |
| Senior(7+ yrs) | R 75 000 | R 82 000 |
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.
Chemical Engineer
Chemical engineers with mining, water treatment, and green hydrogen expertise are especially sought after as SA transitions its energy and industrial base.
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Frequently asked questions
Which earns more — a Civil Engineer or a Chemical Engineer 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 44 000/month for a Civil Engineer — a difference of R 6 000/month (14% 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 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.
How do I calculate take-home pay for a Civil Engineer or Chemical 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.