Data Scientist vs Financial Advisor
Salary Comparison.
Side-by-side monthly salary breakdown for South Africa in 2026 — entry to senior level, gross before tax.
Data Scientist
R 504 000/year
91% above SA workforce median
Financial Advisor
R 504 000/year
91% above SA workforce median
Salary by experience level
| Level | Data Scientist | Financial Advisor |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level(0–2 yrs) | R 22 000 | R 16 000 |
| Mid-level(3–6 yrs) | R 42 000 | R 42 000 |
| Senior(7+ yrs) | R 70 000 | R 90 000 |
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.
Financial Advisor
Retirement savings penetration in South Africa remains low, and an ageing middle class is driving demand for retirement planning advice. RDR reforms are pushing the industry toward fee-based models, favouring qualified advisors.
See your actual take-home pay
Enter any gross salary to calculate PAYE, UIF, and net pay after deductions.
Frequently asked questions
Which earns more — a Data Scientist or a Financial Advisor in South Africa?▾
Both earn roughly the same — the median monthly salary for a Data Scientist and a Financial Advisor in South Africa is R 42 000/month gross in 2026.
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 Financial Advisor salary in South Africa in 2026?▾
The median Financial Advisor salary in South Africa is R 42 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 12 000–R 22 000/month, mid-level pays R 30 000–R 60 000/month, and senior roles pay R 65 000–R 150 000/month.
How do I calculate take-home pay for a Data Scientist or Financial Advisor?▾
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.