Mechanical Engineer vs Computer Science Graduate
Salary Comparison.
Side-by-side monthly salary breakdown for South Africa in 2026 — entry to senior level, gross before tax.
Mechanical Engineer earns 38% more than Computer Science Graduate
Median R 44 000/month vs R 32 000/month — a R 12 000/month difference
Mechanical Engineer
R 528 000/year
100% above SA workforce median
Computer Science Graduate
R 384 000/year
45% above SA workforce median
Salary by experience level
| Level | Mechanical Engineer | Computer Science Graduate |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level(0–2 yrs) | R 22 000 | R 16 000 |
| Mid-level(3–6 yrs) | R 44 000 | R 32 000 |
| Senior(7+ yrs) | R 75 000 | R 55 000 |
Median monthly gross before PAYE tax · South Africa 2026
Salary range comparison
Entry-level
Mid-level
Senior
Key differences
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical engineers remain in steady demand, with particular growth in renewable energy infrastructure, electric vehicles, and South Africa's manufacturing sector.
Computer Science Graduate
Computer science graduates remain in strong demand across all sectors, with cybersecurity and cloud engineering being particularly short-staffed in South Africa.
See your actual take-home pay
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Frequently asked questions
Which earns more — a Mechanical Engineer or a Computer Science Graduate 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 32 000/month for a Computer Science Graduate — a difference of R 12 000/month (38% 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 Computer Science Graduate salary in South Africa in 2026?▾
The median Computer Science Graduate salary in South Africa is R 32 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 13 000–R 20 000/month, mid-level pays R 25 000–R 45 000/month, and senior roles pay R 45 000–R 75 000/month.
How do I calculate take-home pay for a Mechanical Engineer or Computer Science Graduate?▾
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.