Data Scientist vs Actuarial Scientist
Salary Comparison.
Side-by-side monthly salary breakdown for South Africa in 2026 — entry to senior level, gross before tax.
Actuarial Scientist earns 86% more than Data Scientist
Median R 78 000/month vs R 42 000/month — a R 36 000/month difference
Data Scientist
R 504 000/year
91% above SA workforce median
Actuarial Scientist
R 936 000/year
255% above SA workforce median
Salary by experience level
| Level | Data Scientist | Actuarial Scientist |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level(0–2 yrs) | R 22 000 | R 28 000 |
| Mid-level(3–6 yrs) | R 42 000 | R 78 000 |
| Senior(7+ yrs) | R 70 000 | R 145 000 |
Median monthly gross before PAYE tax · South Africa 2026
Salary range comparison
Entry-level
Mid-level
Senior
Key differences
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.
Actuarial Scientist
Actuaries are in extremely short supply in South Africa, and demand from both traditional insurance and new fields (fintech, data science) is accelerating.
See your actual take-home pay
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Frequently asked questions
Which earns more — a Data Scientist or a Actuarial Scientist in South Africa?▾
A Actuarial Scientist earns more on average. The median monthly salary for a Actuarial Scientist is R 78 000/month, compared to R 42 000/month for a Data Scientist — a difference of R 36 000/month (86% higher).
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.
What is the Actuarial Scientist salary in South Africa in 2026?▾
The median Actuarial Scientist salary in South Africa is R 78 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 22 000–R 35 000/month, mid-level pays R 60 000–R 100 000/month, and senior roles pay R 100 000–R 250 000/month.
How do I calculate take-home pay for a Data Scientist or Actuarial 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.