Pharmacist vs Chemical Engineer
Salary Comparison.
Side-by-side monthly salary breakdown for South Africa in 2026 — entry to senior level, gross before tax.
Chemical Engineer earns 25% more than Pharmacist
Median R 50 000/month vs R 40 000/month — a R 10 000/month difference
Pharmacist
R 480 000/year
82% above SA workforce median
Chemical Engineer
R 600 000/year
127% above SA workforce median
Salary by experience level
| Level | Pharmacist | Chemical Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level(0–2 yrs) | R 27 000 | R 25 000 |
| Mid-level(3–6 yrs) | R 40 000 | R 50 000 |
| Senior(7+ yrs) | R 62 000 | R 82 000 |
Median monthly gross before PAYE tax · South Africa 2026
Salary range comparison
Entry-level
Mid-level
Senior
Key differences
Pharmacist
Stable demand — pharmacist posts are consistently advertised across South Africa. Retail pharmacy expansion and the rollout of the NHI are expected to increase demand, particularly for clinical pharmacists in public-sector hospitals.
Chemical Engineer
Chemical engineers with mining, water treatment, and green hydrogen expertise are especially sought after as SA transitions its energy and industrial base.
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 Pharmacist or a Chemical Engineer in South Africa?▾
A Chemical Engineer earns more on average. The median monthly salary for a Chemical Engineer is R 50 000/month, compared to R 40 000/month for a Pharmacist — a difference of R 10 000/month (25% higher).
What is the Pharmacist salary in South Africa in 2026?▾
The median Pharmacist salary in South Africa is R 40 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 22 000–R 32 000/month, mid-level pays R 32 000–R 50 000/month, and senior roles pay R 50 000–R 80 000/month.
What is the Chemical Engineer salary in South Africa in 2026?▾
The median Chemical Engineer salary in South Africa is R 50 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 20 000–R 32 000/month, mid-level pays R 38 000–R 65 000/month, and senior roles pay R 65 000–R 110 000/month.
How do I calculate take-home pay for a Pharmacist or Chemical 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.