Which career has most jobs in South Africa?

Asked by: Joel Rogahn MD  |  Last update: December 17, 2025
Score: 5/5 (15 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 ...

Which career is most in demand 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.

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 jobs are most common in Africa?

Finance, agri-food, health, technology or infrastructure and Natural ressources are among the areas where many jobs are available. Locally found professionals and those from the diaspora should therefore look into these five growing sectors in order to find their place in the economic development of the continent.

Which career has the most job opportunities?

Most In-Demand Jobs and Fastest Growing Jobs in the US
  • Home health and personal care aides.
  • Cooks at restaurants.
  • Software developers.
  • Fast food and counter workers.
  • General and operations managers.
  • Waiters and waitresses.
  • Registered nurses.
  • Labourers and freight, stock, and material movers.

Top 10 In-demand Jobs in South Africa 2023

33 related questions found

What degree is highest in demand?

Degrees with the Best Career Outlook
  • Nursing. ...
  • Software Development. ...
  • Computer Science & Information Technology. ...
  • Accounting. ...
  • Finance. ...
  • Marketing. Number of projected job openings: 96,000. ...
  • Human Resources. Number of projected job openings: 73,400. ...
  • Engineering. Number of projected job openings: 68,500.

What jobs will be in demand in 5 years?

Data science and AI are driving innovation across industries, from finance and healthcare to marketing and logistics. As businesses increasingly rely on data to make decisions, the demand for professionals who can analyze, interpret, and leverage this data is soaring.

What is the main occupation in South Africa?

Although for decades manufacturing has employed more people and produced a greater proportion of gross domestic product (GDP) than mining has, the mining sector continues to form the core of the South African economy as mining-centered holding companies invest in other economic activity.

What do most Africans do for work?

With 70 percent of Africans dependent on agriculture for livelihoods, the sector is critical to the economies of all African countries.

What industry is booming in South Africa?

Tourism and Hospitality: Despite recent challenges, the tourism sector remains a vital part of South Africa's economy. Starting a tour guide service, guesthouse, or adventure tourism business can attract both local and international tourists. Unique experiences like cultural tours or eco-tourism have a special appeal.

What is on demand in South Africa?

Businesses That Are in Demand in South Africa
  • Farming Business. Agriculture is a big industry in South Africa. ...
  • Alternative Energy Business. South Africa is riddled with power outages. ...
  • Local Foods and Beverages. ...
  • Cleaning and Laundry Business. ...
  • Spaza Shop Business. ...
  • Cell Phone Repair Business.

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 has more money in South Africa?

The highest-paying industries in South Africa

Lucrative careers in South Africa can generally be found in these industries: Finance - investment bankers, financial analysts, and portfolio managers are high earners. This sector has a massive impact on the economy.

Which jobs are easy to get in South Africa?

127 Easy Apply Jobs in South Africa (9 new)
  • Executive Assistant (Fully Remote) ...
  • Founding BDR (GTM) — Remote, US hours, $30k-$80k/yr (cash + commission + equity) ...
  • Contact Centre Agent. ...
  • Sales Representative (with B2B experience) ...
  • Global Head of Content. ...
  • South African Online English Teacher (Kids and Adult Students)

What are the most wanted careers 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 is a decent 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.

Who is the biggest employer in South Africa?

The overall Top 20 Top Employers in South Africa starts off with Vodacom Group (South Africa) Ltd in first position, followed by HCL Technologies SA and Unilever SA. To distinctly summarise, these are the highest scoring companies that achieved a ranking continentally and in a specific African country.

Why do most people leave South Africa?

The South African economy has struggled with high unemployment and low growth in recent years. Many highly skilled professionals, such as engineers and doctors, have left the country in search of better job prospects and wages. Another major reason for emigration is the high crime rate in South Africa.

Which course pays the most in South Africa?

The highest-paying job in South Africa is that of a medical specialist, particularly neurosurgeons and cardiologists, who can earn around R1. 6 million per year​.

Is South Africa a rich or poor country?

Inequality remains among the highest in the world, and poverty was estimated at 62.6% in 2023, based on the upper-middle-income country poverty line, only slightly below its pandemic peak.

What career pays the most without college?

What Is the Highest-Paying Job Without a Degree?
  • Commercial Pilots: $121,430.
  • Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers: $94,560.
  • First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives: $91,090.
  • Power Plant Operators, Distributors, and Dispatchers: $85,950.
  • Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers: $84,990.

What is the fastest growing career in 2024?

Below is the list of the top ten jobs with the most growth in postings on Indeed from December 2023 to December 2024.
  • Behavior Analyst. Demand increased by 383% ...
  • Insurance Broker. Demand increased by 346% ...
  • Paralegal. ...
  • Regional Sales Director. ...
  • Gas Engineer. ...
  • Vascular Surgeon. ...
  • Mechanical Project Manager. ...
  • Delivery Specialist.

Which course is best for a high salary?

Best Career Options After 12th Science With High Salary
  • Medicine/MBBS.
  • Computer Science Engineering.
  • Research.
  • MBA.
  • Data Science.
  • Business Analytics.
  • Chartered Accountancy.
  • Investment Banking.