Civil Engineer vs Data Scientist
Salary Comparison.
Side-by-side monthly salary breakdown for South Africa in 2026 — entry to senior level, gross before tax.
Civil Engineer earns 5% more than Data Scientist
Median R 44 000/month vs R 42 000/month — a R 2 000/month difference
Civil Engineer
R 528 000/year
100% above SA workforce median
Data Scientist
R 504 000/year
91% above SA workforce median
Salary by experience level
| Level | Civil Engineer | Data Scientist |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level(0–2 yrs) | R 22 000 | R 22 000 |
| Mid-level(3–6 yrs) | R 44 000 | R 42 000 |
| Senior(7+ yrs) | R 75 000 | R 70 000 |
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.
Data Scientist
Data scientists remain one of the most sought-after professionals in SA, with demand from banks, fintechs, and international remote roles all contributing to a talent shortage.
See your actual take-home pay
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Frequently asked questions
Which earns more — a Civil Engineer or a Data Scientist in South Africa?▾
A Civil Engineer earns more on average. The median monthly salary for a Civil Engineer is R 44 000/month, compared to R 42 000/month for a Data Scientist — a difference of R 2 000/month (5% 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 Data Scientist salary in South Africa in 2026?▾
The median Data Scientist salary in South Africa is R 42 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 18 000–R 28 000/month, mid-level pays R 32 000–R 55 000/month, and senior roles pay R 55 000–R 95 000/month.
How do I calculate take-home pay for a Civil Engineer or Data Scientist?▾
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.