Highest Paid Engineer vs Data Scientist
Salary Comparison.
Side-by-side monthly salary breakdown for South Africa in 2026 — entry to senior level, gross before tax.
Highest Paid Engineer earns 71% more than Data Scientist
Median R 72 000/month vs R 42 000/month — a R 30 000/month difference
Highest Paid Engineer
R 864 000/year
227% above SA workforce median
Data Scientist
R 504 000/year
91% above SA workforce median
Salary by experience level
| Level | Highest Paid Engineer | Data Scientist |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level(0–2 yrs) | R 30 000 | R 22 000 |
| Mid-level(3–6 yrs) | R 72 000 | R 42 000 |
| Senior(7+ yrs) | R 120 000 | R 70 000 |
Median monthly gross before PAYE tax · South Africa 2026
Salary range comparison
Entry-level
Mid-level
Senior
Key differences
Highest Paid Engineer
Mining and renewable energy engineering in South Africa will see strong demand through the 2020s — the country's infrastructure backlog, Eskom's restructuring, and resource export growth all point to above-average demand for experienced engineers.
Data Scientist
Data scientists remain one of the most sought-after professionals in SA, with demand from banks, fintechs, and international remote roles all contributing to a talent shortage.
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 Highest Paid Engineer or a Data Scientist in South Africa?▾
A Highest Paid Engineer earns more on average. The median monthly salary for a Highest Paid Engineer is R 72 000/month, compared to R 42 000/month for a Data Scientist — a difference of R 30 000/month (71% higher).
What is the Highest Paid Engineer salary in South Africa in 2026?▾
The median Highest Paid Engineer salary in South Africa is R 72 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 22 000–R 38 000/month, mid-level pays R 55 000–R 95 000/month, and senior roles pay R 90 000–R 180 000/month.
What is the Data Scientist salary in South Africa in 2026?▾
The median Data Scientist salary in South Africa is R 42 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 18 000–R 28 000/month, mid-level pays R 32 000–R 55 000/month, and senior roles pay R 55 000–R 95 000/month.
How do I calculate take-home pay for a Highest Paid Engineer or Data Scientist?▾
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.