Mechanical Engineer vs Data Scientist
Salary Comparison.
Side-by-side monthly salary breakdown for South Africa in 2026 — entry to senior level, gross before tax.
Mechanical Engineer earns 5% more than Data Scientist
Median R 44 000/month vs R 42 000/month — a R 2 000/month difference
Mechanical Engineer
R 528 000/year
100% above SA workforce median
Data Scientist
R 504 000/year
91% above SA workforce median
Salary by experience level
| Level | Mechanical Engineer | Data Scientist |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level(0–2 yrs) | R 22 000 | R 22 000 |
| Mid-level(3–6 yrs) | R 44 000 | R 42 000 |
| Senior(7+ yrs) | R 75 000 | R 70 000 |
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.
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 Mechanical Engineer or a Data Scientist 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 42 000/month for a Data Scientist — a difference of R 2 000/month (5% 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 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 Mechanical 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.