Lawyer / Attorney vs Chartered Accountant
Salary Comparison.
Side-by-side monthly salary breakdown for South Africa in 2026 — entry to senior level, gross before tax.
Chartered Accountant earns 24% more than Lawyer / Attorney
Median R 62 000/month vs R 50 000/month — a R 12 000/month difference
Lawyer / Attorney
R 600 000/year
127% above SA workforce median
Chartered Accountant
R 744 000/year
182% above SA workforce median
Salary by experience level
| Level | Lawyer / Attorney | Chartered Accountant |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level(0–2 yrs) | R 15 000 | R 35 000 |
| Mid-level(3–6 yrs) | R 50 000 | R 62 000 |
| Senior(7+ yrs) | R 130 000 | R 130 000 |
Median monthly gross before PAYE tax · South Africa 2026
Salary range comparison
Entry-level
Mid-level
Senior
Key differences
Lawyer / Attorney
Corporate transactional and regulatory law remains in demand, driven by M&A activity, FSCA regulation, and BEE compliance work. Employment law and commercial dispute resolution are consistently busy.
Chartered Accountant
CA(SA) remains one of South Africa's most sought-after qualifications, with particularly strong demand from investment banking, private equity, and international companies.
See your actual take-home pay
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Frequently asked questions
Which earns more — a Lawyer / Attorney or a Chartered Accountant in South Africa?▾
A Chartered Accountant earns more on average. The median monthly salary for a Chartered Accountant is R 62 000/month, compared to R 50 000/month for a Lawyer / Attorney — a difference of R 12 000/month (24% higher).
What is the Lawyer / Attorney salary in South Africa in 2026?▾
The median Lawyer / Attorney salary in South Africa is R 50 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 10 000–R 22 000/month, mid-level pays R 35 000–R 70 000/month, and senior roles pay R 80 000–R 250 000/month.
What is the Chartered Accountant salary in South Africa in 2026?▾
The median Chartered Accountant salary in South Africa is R 62 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 28 000–R 45 000/month, mid-level pays R 50 000–R 85 000/month, and senior roles pay R 90 000–R 250 000/month.
How do I calculate take-home pay for a Lawyer / Attorney or Chartered Accountant?▾
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.