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Mechanical Engineer vs Administrative Assistant
Salary Comparison.

Side-by-side monthly salary breakdown for South Africa in 2026 — entry to senior level, gross before tax.

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Mechanical Engineer earns 193% more than Administrative Assistant

Median R 44 000/month vs R 15 000/month — a R 29 000/month difference

Higher earner

Mechanical Engineer

R44k/month

R 528 000/year

100% above SA workforce median

Administrative Assistant

R15k/month

R 180 000/year

32% below SA workforce median

Salary by experience level

LevelMechanical EngineerAdministrative Assistant
Entry-level(0–2 yrs)R 22 000R 8 500
Mid-level(3–6 yrs)R 44 000R 15 000
Senior(7+ yrs)R 75 000R 27 000

Median monthly gross before PAYE tax · South Africa 2026

Salary range comparison

Entry-level

Mechanical Engineer
R 22 000
Administrative Assistant
R 8 500

Mid-level

Mechanical Engineer
R 44 000
Administrative Assistant
R 15 000

Senior

Mechanical Engineer
R 75 000
Administrative Assistant
R 27 000
Mechanical EngineerAdministrative Assistant

Key differences

Mechanical Engineer

Salary rangeR18kR100k
MedianR 44 000/month
Annual (median)R528k

Mechanical engineers remain in steady demand, with particular growth in renewable energy infrastructure, electric vehicles, and South Africa's manufacturing sector.

Full Mechanical Engineer salary guide →

Administrative Assistant

Salary rangeR6kR38k
MedianR 15 000/month
Annual (median)R180k

Administrative roles are evolving with AI tools handling routine tasks, increasing the premium on candidates with strong digital literacy and executive relationship skills.

Full Administrative Assistant salary guide →

See your actual take-home pay

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Frequently asked questions

Which earns more — a Mechanical Engineer or a Administrative Assistant in South Africa?

A Mechanical Engineer earns more on average. The median monthly salary for a Mechanical Engineer is R 44 000/month, compared to R 15 000/month for a Administrative Assistant — a difference of R 29 000/month (193% higher).

What is the Mechanical Engineer salary in South Africa in 2026?

The median Mechanical Engineer salary in South Africa is R 44 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 18 000–R 27 000/month, mid-level pays R 35 000–R 57 000/month, and senior roles pay R 58 000–R 100 000/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 Mechanical 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.

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