Electrical Engineer vs Data Scientist
Salary Comparison.
Side-by-side monthly salary breakdown for South Africa in 2026 — entry to senior level, gross before tax.
Electrical Engineer earns 10% more than Data Scientist
Median R 46 000/month vs R 42 000/month — a R 4 000/month difference
Electrical Engineer
R 552 000/year
109% above SA workforce median
Data Scientist
R 504 000/year
91% above SA workforce median
Salary by experience level
| Level | Electrical Engineer | Data Scientist |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level(0–2 yrs) | R 23 000 | R 22 000 |
| Mid-level(3–6 yrs) | R 46 000 | R 42 000 |
| Senior(7+ yrs) | R 80 000 | R 70 000 |
Median monthly gross before PAYE tax · South Africa 2026
Salary range comparison
Entry-level
Mid-level
Senior
Key differences
Electrical Engineer
Demand for electrical engineers is surging in South Africa's renewable energy buildout, offering excellent opportunities for specialised engineers through 2030.
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 Electrical Engineer or a Data Scientist in South Africa?▾
A Electrical Engineer earns more on average. The median monthly salary for a Electrical Engineer is R 46 000/month, compared to R 42 000/month for a Data Scientist — a difference of R 4 000/month (10% higher).
What is the Electrical Engineer salary in South Africa in 2026?▾
The median Electrical Engineer salary in South Africa is R 46 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 19 000–R 29 000/month, mid-level pays R 36 000–R 60 000/month, and senior roles pay R 62 000–R 105 000/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 Electrical 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.