Civil Engineer vs Junior Software Developer
Salary Comparison.
Side-by-side monthly salary breakdown for South Africa in 2026 — entry to senior level, gross before tax.
Civil Engineer earns 120% more than Junior Software Developer
Median R 44 000/month vs R 20 000/month — a R 24 000/month difference
Civil Engineer
R 528 000/year
100% above SA workforce median
Junior Software Developer
R 240 000/year
9% below SA workforce median
Salary by experience level
| Level | Civil Engineer | Junior Software Developer |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level(0–2 yrs) | R 22 000 | R 15 000 |
| Mid-level(3–6 yrs) | R 44 000 | R 21 000 |
| Senior(7+ yrs) | R 75 000 | R 28 000 |
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.
Junior Software Developer
Junior developer demand remains strong in SA despite global tech layoffs — local companies are still hiring, and remote/hybrid roles open up international pipelines for talented juniors.
See your actual take-home pay
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Frequently asked questions
Which earns more — a Civil Engineer or a Junior Software Developer 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 20 000/month for a Junior Software Developer — a difference of R 24 000/month (120% 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 Junior Software Developer salary in South Africa in 2026?▾
The median Junior Software Developer salary in South Africa is R 20 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 12 000–R 20 000/month, mid-level pays R 18 000–R 26 000/month, and senior roles pay R 24 000–R 34 000/month.
How do I calculate take-home pay for a Civil Engineer or Junior Software Developer?▾
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.