Engineer vs Administrative Assistant
Salary Comparison.
Side-by-side monthly salary breakdown for South Africa in 2026 — entry to senior level, gross before tax.
Engineer earns 247% more than Administrative Assistant
Median R 52 000/month vs R 15 000/month — a R 37 000/month difference
Engineer
R 624 000/year
136% above SA workforce median
Administrative Assistant
R 180 000/year
32% below SA workforce median
Salary by experience level
| Level | Engineer | Administrative Assistant |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level(0–2 yrs) | R 25 000 | R 8 500 |
| Mid-level(3–6 yrs) | R 52 000 | R 15 000 |
| Senior(7+ yrs) | R 92 000 | R 27 000 |
Median monthly gross before PAYE tax · South Africa 2026
Salary range comparison
Entry-level
Mid-level
Senior
Key differences
Engineer
South Africa faces a structural shortage of experienced engineers, particularly in electrical and civil disciplines. Government infrastructure spend and renewable energy projects are driving demand into the late 2020s.
Administrative Assistant
Administrative roles are evolving with AI tools handling routine tasks, increasing the premium on candidates with strong digital literacy and executive relationship skills.
See your actual take-home pay
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Frequently asked questions
Which earns more — a Engineer or a Administrative Assistant in South Africa?▾
A Engineer earns more on average. The median monthly salary for a Engineer is R 52 000/month, compared to R 15 000/month for a Administrative Assistant — a difference of R 37 000/month (247% higher).
What is the Engineer salary in South Africa in 2026?▾
The median Engineer salary in South Africa is R 52 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 18 000–R 32 000/month, mid-level pays R 38 000–R 70 000/month, and senior roles pay R 70 000–R 130 000/month.
What is the Administrative Assistant salary in South Africa in 2026?▾
The median Administrative Assistant salary in South Africa is R 15 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 6 000–R 12 000/month, mid-level pays R 12 000–R 20 000/month, and senior roles pay R 20 000–R 38 000/month.
How do I calculate take-home pay for a Engineer or Administrative Assistant?▾
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.