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Data Analyst vs Administrative Assistant
Salary Comparison.

Side-by-side monthly salary breakdown for South Africa in 2026 — entry to senior level, gross before tax.

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Data Analyst earns 87% more than Administrative Assistant

Median R 28 000/month vs R 15 000/month — a R 13 000/month difference

Higher earner

Data Analyst

R28k/month

R 336 000/year

27% above SA workforce median

Administrative Assistant

R15k/month

R 180 000/year

32% below SA workforce median

Salary by experience level

LevelData AnalystAdministrative Assistant
Entry-level(0–2 yrs)R 15 000R 8 500
Mid-level(3–6 yrs)R 28 000R 15 000
Senior(7+ yrs)R 48 000R 27 000

Median monthly gross before PAYE tax · South Africa 2026

Salary range comparison

Entry-level

Data Analyst
R 15 000
Administrative Assistant
R 8 500

Mid-level

Data Analyst
R 28 000
Administrative Assistant
R 15 000

Senior

Data Analyst
R 48 000
Administrative Assistant
R 27 000
Data AnalystAdministrative Assistant

Key differences

Data Analyst

Salary rangeR12kR65k
MedianR 28 000/month
Annual (median)R336k

The demand for data analysts is accelerating as SA businesses invest in data infrastructure, making this one of the fastest-growing roles in the country.

Full Data Analyst salary guide →

Administrative Assistant

Salary rangeR6kR38k
MedianR 15 000/month
Annual (median)R180k

Administrative roles are evolving with AI tools handling routine tasks, increasing the premium on candidates with strong digital literacy and executive relationship skills.

Full Administrative Assistant salary guide →

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Frequently asked questions

Which earns more — a Data Analyst or a Administrative Assistant in South Africa?

A Data Analyst earns more on average. The median monthly salary for a Data Analyst is R 28 000/month, compared to R 15 000/month for a Administrative Assistant — a difference of R 13 000/month (87% higher).

What is the Data Analyst salary in South Africa in 2026?

The median Data Analyst salary in South Africa is R 28 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 12 000–R 18 000/month, mid-level pays R 22 000–R 38 000/month, and senior roles pay R 38 000–R 65 000/month.

What is the Administrative Assistant salary in South Africa in 2026?

The median Administrative Assistant salary in South Africa is R 15 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 6 000–R 12 000/month, mid-level pays R 12 000–R 20 000/month, and senior roles pay R 20 000–R 38 000/month.

How do I calculate take-home pay for a Data Analyst or Administrative Assistant?

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.

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