Financial Advisor vs Project Manager
Salary Comparison.
Side-by-side monthly salary breakdown for South Africa in 2026 — entry to senior level, gross before tax.
Project Manager earns 10% more than Financial Advisor
Median R 46 000/month vs R 42 000/month — a R 4 000/month difference
Financial Advisor
R 504 000/year
91% above SA workforce median
Project Manager
R 552 000/year
109% above SA workforce median
Salary by experience level
| Level | Financial Advisor | Project Manager |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level(0–2 yrs) | R 16 000 | R 23 000 |
| Mid-level(3–6 yrs) | R 42 000 | R 46 000 |
| Senior(7+ yrs) | R 90 000 | R 85 000 |
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.
Project Manager
Demand for experienced project managers is consistent across all sectors, with IT and infrastructure projects driving most growth in South Africa.
See your actual take-home pay
Enter any gross salary to calculate PAYE, UIF, and net pay after deductions.
Frequently asked questions
Which earns more — a Financial Advisor or a Project Manager in South Africa?▾
A Project Manager earns more on average. The median monthly salary for a Project Manager is R 46 000/month, compared to R 42 000/month for a Financial Advisor — a difference of R 4 000/month (10% 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 Project Manager salary in South Africa in 2026?▾
The median Project Manager salary in South Africa is R 46 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 18 000–R 30 000/month, mid-level pays R 35 000–R 60 000/month, and senior roles pay R 65 000–R 120 000/month.
How do I calculate take-home pay for a Financial Advisor or Project 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.