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Metro Police Officer vs Engineer
Salary Comparison.

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

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Engineer earns 206% more than Metro Police Officer

Median R 52 000/month vs R 17 000/month — a R 35 000/month difference

Metro Police Officer

R17k/month

R 204 000/year

23% below SA workforce median

Higher earner

Engineer

R52k/month

R 624 000/year

136% above SA workforce median

Salary by experience level

LevelMetro Police OfficerEngineer
Entry-level(0–2 yrs)R 10 500R 25 000
Mid-level(3–6 yrs)R 17 000R 52 000
Senior(7+ yrs)R 35 000R 92 000

Median monthly gross before PAYE tax · South Africa 2026

Salary range comparison

Entry-level

Metro Police Officer
R 10 500
Engineer
R 25 000

Mid-level

Metro Police Officer
R 17 000
Engineer
R 52 000

Senior

Metro Police Officer
R 35 000
Engineer
R 92 000
Metro Police OfficerEngineer

Key differences

Metro Police Officer

Salary rangeR8kR55k
MedianR 17 000/month
Annual (median)R204k

Metro police services are expanding as SA municipalities tackle traffic and public safety challenges, providing stable employment with modest growth.

Full Metro Police Officer salary guide →

Engineer

Salary rangeR18kR130k
MedianR 52 000/month
Annual (median)R624k

South Africa faces a structural shortage of experienced engineers, particularly in electrical and civil disciplines. Government infrastructure spend and renewable energy projects are driving demand into the late 2020s.

Full Engineer salary guide →

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Frequently asked questions

Which earns more — a Metro Police Officer or a Engineer in South Africa?

A Engineer earns more on average. The median monthly salary for a Engineer is R 52 000/month, compared to R 17 000/month for a Metro Police Officer — a difference of R 35 000/month (206% 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 Engineer salary in South Africa in 2026?

The median Engineer salary in South Africa is R 52 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 18 000–R 32 000/month, mid-level pays R 38 000–R 70 000/month, and senior roles pay R 70 000–R 130 000/month.

How do I calculate take-home pay for a Metro Police Officer or Engineer?

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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