Traffic Officer vs Mechanical Engineer
Salary Comparison.
Side-by-side monthly salary breakdown for South Africa in 2026 — entry to senior level, gross before tax.
Mechanical Engineer earns 193% more than Traffic Officer
Median R 44 000/month vs R 15 000/month — a R 29 000/month difference
Traffic Officer
R 180 000/year
32% below SA workforce median
Mechanical Engineer
R 528 000/year
100% above SA workforce median
Salary by experience level
| Level | Traffic Officer | Mechanical Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level(0–2 yrs) | R 9 500 | R 22 000 |
| Mid-level(3–6 yrs) | R 15 000 | R 44 000 |
| Senior(7+ yrs) | R 28 000 | R 75 000 |
Median monthly gross before PAYE tax · South Africa 2026
Salary range comparison
Entry-level
Mid-level
Senior
Key differences
Traffic Officer
Traffic officer employment is stable — demand is driven by municipal road safety mandates — but salary growth is modest and closely tied to government wage agreements.
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical engineers remain in steady demand, with particular growth in renewable energy infrastructure, electric vehicles, and South Africa's manufacturing sector.
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 Traffic Officer or a Mechanical Engineer 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 15 000/month for a Traffic Officer — a difference of R 29 000/month (193% higher).
What is the Traffic Officer salary in South Africa in 2026?▾
The median Traffic Officer salary in South Africa is R 15 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 7 000–R 12 000/month, mid-level pays R 12 000–R 20 000/month, and senior roles pay R 20 000–R 40 000/month.
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.
How do I calculate take-home pay for a Traffic Officer or Mechanical 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.