Metro Police Officer vs Data Scientist
Salary Comparison.
Side-by-side monthly salary breakdown for South Africa in 2026 — entry to senior level, gross before tax.
Data Scientist earns 147% more than Metro Police Officer
Median R 42 000/month vs R 17 000/month — a R 25 000/month difference
Metro Police Officer
R 204 000/year
23% below SA workforce median
Data Scientist
R 504 000/year
91% above SA workforce median
Salary by experience level
| Level | Metro Police Officer | Data Scientist |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level(0–2 yrs) | R 10 500 | R 22 000 |
| Mid-level(3–6 yrs) | R 17 000 | R 42 000 |
| Senior(7+ yrs) | R 35 000 | R 70 000 |
Median monthly gross before PAYE tax · South Africa 2026
Salary range comparison
Entry-level
Mid-level
Senior
Key differences
Metro Police Officer
Metro police services are expanding as SA municipalities tackle traffic and public safety challenges, providing stable employment with modest growth.
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
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Frequently asked questions
Which earns more — a Metro Police Officer or a Data Scientist in South Africa?▾
A Data Scientist earns more on average. The median monthly salary for a Data Scientist is R 42 000/month, compared to R 17 000/month for a Metro Police Officer — a difference of R 25 000/month (147% higher).
What is the Metro Police Officer salary in South Africa in 2026?▾
The median Metro Police Officer salary in South Africa is R 17 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 8 000–R 14 000/month, mid-level pays R 14 000–R 22 000/month, and senior roles pay R 25 000–R 55 000/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 Metro Police Officer 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.