Financial Advisor vs Civil Engineer
Salary Comparison.
Side-by-side monthly salary breakdown for South Africa in 2026 — entry to senior level, gross before tax.
Civil Engineer earns 5% more than Financial Advisor
Median R 44 000/month vs R 42 000/month — a R 2 000/month difference
Financial Advisor
R 504 000/year
91% above SA workforce median
Civil Engineer
R 528 000/year
100% above SA workforce median
Salary by experience level
| Level | Financial Advisor | Civil Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level(0–2 yrs) | R 16 000 | R 22 000 |
| Mid-level(3–6 yrs) | R 42 000 | R 44 000 |
| Senior(7+ yrs) | R 90 000 | R 75 000 |
Median monthly gross before PAYE tax · South Africa 2026
Salary range comparison
Entry-level
Mid-level
Senior
Key differences
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.
Civil Engineer
South Africa's infrastructure backlog and government's infrastructure investment commitments mean consistent demand for civil engineers through the decade.
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Frequently asked questions
Which earns more — a Financial Advisor or a Civil Engineer in South Africa?▾
A Civil Engineer earns more on average. The median monthly salary for a Civil Engineer is R 44 000/month, compared to R 42 000/month for a Financial Advisor — a difference of R 2 000/month (5% higher).
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.
What is the Civil Engineer salary in South Africa in 2026?▾
The median Civil Engineer salary in South Africa is R 44 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 18 000–R 28 000/month, mid-level pays R 35 000–R 58 000/month, and senior roles pay R 60 000–R 100 000/month.
How do I calculate take-home pay for a Financial Advisor or Civil Engineer?▾
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.