Electrical Engineer vs Junior Software Developer
Salary Comparison.
Side-by-side monthly salary breakdown for South Africa in 2026 — entry to senior level, gross before tax.
Electrical Engineer earns 130% more than Junior Software Developer
Median R 46 000/month vs R 20 000/month — a R 26 000/month difference
Electrical Engineer
R 552 000/year
109% above SA workforce median
Junior Software Developer
R 240 000/year
9% below SA workforce median
Salary by experience level
| Level | Electrical Engineer | Junior Software Developer |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level(0–2 yrs) | R 23 000 | R 15 000 |
| Mid-level(3–6 yrs) | R 46 000 | R 21 000 |
| Senior(7+ yrs) | R 80 000 | R 28 000 |
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.
Junior Software Developer
Junior developer demand remains strong in SA despite global tech layoffs — local companies are still hiring, and remote/hybrid roles open up international pipelines for talented juniors.
See your actual take-home pay
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Frequently asked questions
Which earns more — a Electrical Engineer or a Junior Software Developer 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 20 000/month for a Junior Software Developer — a difference of R 26 000/month (130% 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 Junior Software Developer salary in South Africa in 2026?▾
The median Junior Software Developer salary in South Africa is R 20 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 12 000–R 20 000/month, mid-level pays R 18 000–R 26 000/month, and senior roles pay R 24 000–R 34 000/month.
How do I calculate take-home pay for a Electrical Engineer or Junior Software Developer?▾
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.