Introduction
If you’re planning your career or thinking of changing jobs in 2025, this is your sign to chase better money and bigger opportunities. South Africa’s job market is competitive, but certain careers still pay VERY well if you have the right skills and experience.
In this ultimate guide, we break down the top 25 highest paying jobs in South Africa, including average salaries, what qualifications you’ll need, and how to get started.
Ready to find out where the money is? Let’s dive in.
Why Salaries Vary So Much
Before we jump in, remember: salaries depend on experience, qualifications, industry, and location. Jobs in Johannesburg or Cape Town might pay more than the same role in smaller towns. Senior roles pay more than junior roles. And some industries just pay better like finance, mining, tech, and healthcare.
1. Specialist Doctors & Surgeons
Average Salary: R1.2 million – R3 million/year
Specialist medical professionals think neurosurgeons, anesthetists, cardiologists are still at the top. It takes years of study, internships, community service, and specialist training, but the payoff is huge.
How to get there: Study MBChB, complete community service, then specialize.
2. Petroleum Engineers
Average Salary: R800,000 – R1.6 million/year
Petroleum engineers design and develop methods for extracting oil and gas. They work in mining, oil rigs, and big energy companies.
How to get there: Degree in petroleum or chemical engineering + work experience.
3. IT Managers
Average Salary: R900,000 – R1.5 million/year
With tech dominating the modern workplace, skilled IT managers are gold. They plan, install, and maintain IT systems.
How to get there: Degree in IT/Computer Science, certifications, and years of experience.
4. Corporate Lawyers
Average Salary: R1 million – R2 million/year
Corporate lawyers working on mergers, acquisitions, and big contracts earn hefty paychecks, especially in large firms.
How to get there: LLB, pass the board exams, and work your way up at a reputable law firm.
5. Chartered Accountants (CA)
Average Salary: R700,000 – R1.5 million/year
Qualified CAs are highly sought after for senior finance roles like CFOs and Financial Directors.
How to get there: BCom Accounting, pass SAICA board exams, complete articles.
6. Actuaries
Average Salary: R800,000 – R1.5 million/year
Actuaries calculate risk for insurance, finance, and investments. It’s math-heavy but pays very well.
How to get there: BSc Actuarial Science, pass multiple board exams.
7. Air Traffic Controllers
Average Salary: R600,000 – R900,000/year
They manage aircraft movements safely and efficiently high pressure, high pay.
How to get there: Apply through ATNS, complete training, pass exams.
8. Commercial Pilots
Average Salary: R700,000 – R1 million/year
Pilots, especially those with international routes, earn well. Private pilots can earn more with contracts.
How to get there: Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) from a SACAA-accredited flying school.
9. Engineering Managers
Average Salary: R750,000 – R1.3 million/year
These managers oversee big projects in civil, electrical, or mining engineering.
How to get there: Engineering degree + registration as Pr Eng + management experience.
10. Management Consultants
Average Salary: R700,000 – R1.2 million/year
Big firms like McKinsey or Deloitte pay top rand for strategic consultants.
How to get there: Business degree, MBA helps, plus networking.
11. Pharmacists
Average Salary: R500,000 – R900,000/year
Pharmacists in hospitals, private practices, and pharmaceutical companies earn well.
How to get there: BPharm degree, community service, SAPC registration.
12. Software Engineers
Average Salary: R600,000 – R1 million/year
Coders are still in demand. If you can build robust software, companies pay.
How to get there: IT/Computer Science degree, coding bootcamps, practical projects.
13. Dentists
Average Salary: R500,000 – R1 million/year
Running your own private dental practice can be very lucrative.
How to get there: BDS degree, internship, community service.
14. Financial Managers
Average Salary: R650,000 – R1.2 million/year
They manage budgets, investments, and financial strategy for companies.
How to get there: BCom Accounting/Finance, become a CA(SA) if possible.
15. Judges
Average Salary: R1 million – R2 million/year
Senior judges earn top salaries, plus benefits. It’s a lifetime commitment.
How to get there: LLB, years of practice as an advocate, appointment by the President.
16. Risk Managers
Average Salary: R600,000 – R1 million/year
They identify risks that could hurt a company financially.
How to get there: Business/Finance degree, risk certifications.
17. Mining Engineers
Average Salary: R600,000 – R1.2 million/year
Mining is big business in SA, so engineers working on extraction projects get paid well.
How to get there: BSc Mining Engineering, practical experience.
18. Supply Chain Managers
Average Salary: R600,000 – R1 million/year
They keep product delivery flowing smoothly.
How to get there: Business/Logistics degree + experience.
19. Marketing Directors
Average Salary: R800,000 – R1.5 million/year
Oversee big brands, campaigns, and teams.
How to get there: Marketing/Communications degree, climb the ladder.
20. University Professors
Average Salary: R600,000 – R1.2 million/year
Tenured professors at big universities earn well and have extra research grants.
How to get there: Master’s or PhD, years of teaching.
21. Construction Managers
Average Salary: R600,000 – R1 million/year
Manage big construction projects, keep them on budget.
How to get there: Civil Engineering degree, PMP certification helps.
22. Data Scientists
Average Salary: R700,000 – R1.3 million/year
Crunch massive data sets, predict trends. Highly valued skill.
How to get there: Stats/Computer Science, learn Python/R.
23. Property Developers
Average Salary: R700,000 – R1.5 million/year
Developing real estate can generate big profits.
How to get there: Start small, learn property market inside out.
24. Investment Bankers
Average Salary: R1 million – R2 million/year
Work on big deals, IPOs, corporate finance.
How to get there: Finance degree, start as an analyst.
25. Veterinarians
Average Salary: R500,000 – R900,000/year
Own your own practice and you’ll earn well, especially in affluent areas.
How to get there: BVSc degree, community service.
How to Choose the Right Career
1️⃣ Look at your interests & skills
2️⃣ Research what qualifications you need
3️⃣ Check job trends is the field growing?
4️⃣ Consider the work-life balance
5️⃣ Think long-term some careers pay more with seniority
How to Boost Your Salary Faster
- Upskill! Short courses, extra certifications, or an MBA can bump you up.
- Network who you know matters.
- Negotiate don’t be shy to ask for more.
- Get international experience if you can.
Final Thoughts
If you want to earn well in South Africa, pick a career that matches your passion AND market demand. Invest in your skills, work smart, and never stop learning. The road might be long but your bank account will thank you.
