Project Manager vs Data Scientist
Salary Comparison.
Side-by-side monthly salary breakdown for South Africa in 2026 — entry to senior level, gross before tax.
Project Manager earns 10% more than Data Scientist
Median R 46 000/month vs R 42 000/month — a R 4 000/month difference
Project Manager
R 552 000/year
109% above SA workforce median
Data Scientist
R 504 000/year
91% above SA workforce median
Salary by experience level
| Level | Project Manager | Data Scientist |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level(0–2 yrs) | R 23 000 | R 22 000 |
| Mid-level(3–6 yrs) | R 46 000 | R 42 000 |
| Senior(7+ yrs) | R 85 000 | R 70 000 |
Median monthly gross before PAYE tax · South Africa 2026
Salary range comparison
Entry-level
Mid-level
Senior
Key differences
Project Manager
Demand for experienced project managers is consistent across all sectors, with IT and infrastructure projects driving most growth in South Africa.
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 Project Manager or a Data Scientist in South Africa?▾
A Project Manager earns more on average. The median monthly salary for a Project Manager is R 46 000/month, compared to R 42 000/month for a Data Scientist — a difference of R 4 000/month (10% higher).
What is the Project Manager salary in South Africa in 2026?▾
The median Project Manager salary in South Africa is R 46 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 18 000–R 30 000/month, mid-level pays R 35 000–R 60 000/month, and senior roles pay R 65 000–R 120 000/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 Project Manager 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.