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Electrical Engineer vs HR Manager
Salary Comparison.

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

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Electrical Engineer earns 15% more than HR Manager

Median R 46 000/month vs R 40 000/month — a R 6 000/month difference

Higher earner

Electrical Engineer

R46k/month

R 552 000/year

109% above SA workforce median

HR Manager

R40k/month

R 480 000/year

82% above SA workforce median

Salary by experience level

LevelElectrical EngineerHR Manager
Entry-level(0–2 yrs)R 23 000R 17 500
Mid-level(3–6 yrs)R 46 000R 40 000
Senior(7+ yrs)R 80 000R 75 000

Median monthly gross before PAYE tax · South Africa 2026

Salary range comparison

Entry-level

Electrical Engineer
R 23 000
HR Manager
R 17 500

Mid-level

Electrical Engineer
R 46 000
HR Manager
R 40 000

Senior

Electrical Engineer
R 80 000
HR Manager
R 75 000
Electrical EngineerHR Manager

Key differences

Electrical Engineer

Salary rangeR19kR105k
MedianR 46 000/month
Annual (median)R552k

Demand for electrical engineers is surging in South Africa's renewable energy buildout, offering excellent opportunities for specialised engineers through 2030.

Full Electrical Engineer salary guide →

HR Manager

Salary rangeR14kR100k
MedianR 40 000/month
Annual (median)R480k

HR Business Partners and HR professionals with strong labour relations and EE compliance expertise are consistently in demand. Digital HR (HRIS, people analytics) is an emerging premium skill.

Full HR Manager salary guide →

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Frequently asked questions

Which earns more — a Electrical Engineer or a HR Manager 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 40 000/month for a HR Manager — a difference of R 6 000/month (15% 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 HR Manager salary in South Africa in 2026?

The median HR Manager salary in South Africa is R 40 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 14 000–R 22 000/month, mid-level pays R 30 000–R 55 000/month, and senior roles pay R 60 000–R 100 000/month.

How do I calculate take-home pay for a Electrical Engineer or HR Manager?

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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