What is the best career in South Africa?

Asked by: Mariana Leuschke  |  Last update: August 3, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (57 votes)

The top careers in South Africa for 2024 include Information Technology (IT) and Cybersecurity, Healthcare and Medical Services, Renewable Energy and Environmental Sciences, Finance and Financial Technology (FinTech), Education and E-Learning, Engineering and Construction, Marketing and Digital Marketing, and Logistics ...

What career is needed most in South Africa?

Below is a list of occupations, jobs and careers in demand in South Africa, especially in the next 5 years in South Africa:
  1. Software Engineer. ...
  2. Network Administrator. ...
  3. Data Scientist. ...
  4. Health and Safety Manager. ...
  5. Accountants. ...
  6. Agricultural Engineer. ...
  7. Lawyer. ...
  8. Business Consultant.

What is the highest paying job in South Africa?

A breakdown of the highest-paying jobs and their salaries
  • Neurosurgeon – R3 million to R5 million.
  • Cardiothoracic surgeon – R2. ...
  • Ship captain (Deep sea/Specialised cargo) – R2 million to R3. ...
  • Actuary (with experience) – R1. ...
  • Mining engineer (deep level) – R1. ...
  • Legal partner (corporate law) – R1.

What is the highest paying job in it in South Africa?

The tech industry in South Africa is booming, with high-paying opportunities across various roles. Chief Information Officers can earn up to R148,000 monthly, while Cloud Architects earn R83,000 to R112,000. Senior Full-stack Developers earn around R81,943 monthly.

What is a good salary in South Africa?

What is a good salary in South Africa? A good salary in South Africa depends on a number of factors, including your experience, education, industry, location and lifestyle. However, according to data from Numbeo, a salary of R30,000 or more per month is considered to be good.

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What is considered wealthy in South Africa?

According to the World Inequality Database, to be in South Africa's top 1%, an individual needs to earn approximately R1. 95 million per year, which equates to about R162,300 per month. In terms of wealth, you would need a net worth of R4. 4 million to qualify for the top 1% in terms of assets.

Do jobs in South Africa pay well?

South Africa has many jobs that pay really well, even though finding a job can be tough. Some of these jobs are in healthcare, technology, and even working on ships. Varsity College has shared a list of some of the best-paying jobs in the country. In some of these careers, people can earn as much as R5 million a year.

Which career pays the most money?

List of Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in the World
  • Chief Executive officer.
  • Professional Athletes.
  • General and Orthopedic Surgeons.
  • Anesthesiologist.
  • Investment Banker.
  • Corporate Lawyers.
  • Software Engineers.
  • Cosmetic Surgeons.

What is the top 1 salary in South Africa?

What is the top 1 salary in South Africa? The top 1% of earners in South Africa typically have salaries exceeding R1. 5 million annually, often found in executive roles, specialized medical fields, and top-tier legal positions​.

What jobs pay 20k a month in South Africa?

20 000 salary jobs
  • Partnerships Director - REMOTE. ARDE Kids. ...
  • Partnership Director. ARDE. ...
  • Operations Manager. BMS HR Consulting. ...
  • Sales Administrator Executive. Africology. ...
  • Partnerships Director for Afterschool Enrichment Program. ARDE. ...
  • Strengthen your profile. What are your desired job types? ...
  • Sales Executive. ...
  • Merchandise Planner.

Which industry makes the most money in South Africa?

In 2019, the financial industry contributed US$41.4 billion to South Africa's GDP. In 2021, South Africa-based financial institutions managed more than US$1.41 trillion in assets. The total market capitalization of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange is US$1.28 trillion as of October 2021.

What is South Africa's lowest salary?

The current minimum wage in South Africa is ZAR27. 58 per hour in 2025. It became valid on March 1, 2024.

What is the richest job in SA?

According to the platform's data, doctors—specifically surgeons—are the highest paid, averaging R116,000 per month in 2024. However, this can reach R213,000 per month, almost eight times the average formal salary in the country.

Which career is rare in South Africa?

Rare careers in South Africa include highly specialised roles such as actuaries, data scientists, robotics engineers, and advanced healthcare professionals.

Which career is best for future in South Africa?

The top careers in South Africa for 2024 include Information Technology (IT) and Cybersecurity, Healthcare and Medical Services, Renewable Energy and Environmental Sciences, Finance and Financial Technology (FinTech), Education and E-Learning, Engineering and Construction, Marketing and Digital Marketing, and Logistics ...

What job makes $200,000 a year?

Most jobs that pay over $200k a year include doctors and lawyers, two fields that require education beyond a bachelor's degree, additional licensing, and specialized training.

What is the richest job in the world?

Here are the top 10 highest paying jobs in the world:
  • Chief Executive Officer.
  • Anesthesiologist.
  • General and Orthopedic Surgeons.
  • Psychiatrists.
  • Data Scientists.
  • Software Engineers.
  • Investment Banker.
  • Professional Athletes.

What job makes the most money without a degree?

Get Matched!
  • Aircraft Mechanic. #1 in Highest-Paying Jobs Without A Degree. ...
  • Patrol Officer. #2 in Highest-Paying Jobs Without A Degree. ...
  • Executive Assistant. ...
  • Flight Attendant. ...
  • Construction and Building Inspector. ...
  • Sales Representative. ...
  • Structural Iron and Steelworker. ...
  • Wind Turbine Technician.

What is a livable salary in South Africa?

What a 'livable wage' should be in South Africa – according to researchers. The estimates of a minimum livable monthly income in South Africa for 2024 sits at R15,000 – significantly higher than the average monthly income of minimum wage workers across the country.

What career is most in demand right now?

Most In-Demand Jobs and Fastest Growing Jobs in the US
  • Software developers.
  • Fast food and counter workers.
  • General and operations managers.
  • Waiters and waitresses.
  • Registered nurses.
  • Labourers and freight, stock, and material movers.
  • Stockers and order fillers.
  • Market research analysts and marketing specialists.

Is South Africa a good place to live and work?

If you're thinking about moving to South Africa, you're in good company. South Africa is already home to around 2.8 million expatriates who come from all over the world to enjoy the country's vibrant culture, incredible scenery and fast-paced economy.

How to be a millionaire in South Africa?

The four best ways to make millions in South Africa:
  1. Building cash flow.
  2. Selling a business.
  3. Getting a high-paying job.
  4. Saving and investing.

What is the easiest business to start in South Africa?

Top 10 Business Ideas You Can Start in South Africa in 2024 with R100k or Less
  • Want to Start a Business, but Have no Ideas? ...
  • Mobile Carwash Service.
  • Online Retail Store.
  • Freelance Writing or Graphic Design Services.
  • Event Planning and Coordination.
  • Fitness Coaching or Personal Training.
  • Dropshipping Business.
  • Mobile Food Truck.

How much money do you need to retire in South Africa?

To maintain your lifestyle after retirement, you'll need around 15 times your annual take-home salary, so 15 x R300 000 is a lump sum of roughly R4. 5 million.