Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, choosing a career path can be a daunting task. That’s why we’re here to lend a hand and show you a list of the top 10 highest-paying jobs in 2024. Be sure to check out our list and start pursuing your dream career today!
Table of Contents
1. Neurosurgeon
Average salary: Between +-2 100 000 and +-R5 300 000 per year
Specialised medical practitioners, such as neurosurgeons are among the highest-paid medical specialists in South Africa. Entry into this elite squad requires qualifications, experience, and maybe a cape fit for a healthcare hero.
Neurosurgeons are among some of the highest-paying jobs in the country. Because of the intricacy and vital nature of their job, they command high compensation; in fact, their specialised skill puts them ahead of all other professional occupations.
The average neurosurgeon can take home a salary of roughly R3,415,000 per year.
How Do You Become a Neurosurgeon in South Africa?
Most medical students study for a minimum of 12 years before becoming qualified neurosurgeons. Thus, in order to become a neurosurgeon in South Africa, you would need to undergo the following academic training:
Neurosurgeon Salary Expectations
The neurosurgeon career has plenty of room for growth, which comes with rewarding salary increases. At your most senior level, you can expect to earn an average salary of up to R5.2 million Rand a year.
Below, you’ll find a complete list of the different levels of your career as well as what you can expect to earn as a neurosurgeon:
- Entry/Intermediate level (1 to 9 years): Between +-2 100 000 and +-R3 415 000 per year
- Senior level (10 to 19 years): Between +-R3 415 000 to +-5 300 000 per year
2. Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Average salary: Between +-R1 600 000 and +-R4 100 000 per year
Coming in at second place is the lucurative role of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO). This position demands not only extensive financial knowledge but also strategic vision and leadership skills, making it easy to see why these individuals are able to take home up to +-R4.1 million a year.
What Does a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Do?
CFOs hold a critical role in managing a company’s financial health, involving responsibilities like overseeing cash flow, financial planning, and analysing the company’s financial strengths and weaknesses.
In your role as CFO, you may be responsible for:
- Implementing the organisation’s financial strategy.
- Formulating growth strategies to boost company profits while minimising costs.
- Finding investment prospects and overseeing mergers and acquisitions.
- Collaborating with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to devise financial plans.
- Overseeing accounting operations.
- Evaluating data and developing models based on the analysis.
How Do You Become a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in South Africa?
In order to become a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in South Africa, you’ll need to work in the position for approximately 10 to 15 years. In terms of your studies, a majority of CFOs have the following qualifications and experience:
- BCom Accounting
- Master in Business Administration
- Background in finance
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Salary Expectations
After becoming a Chief Financial Officer (CFO), you can expect to earn the below estimated salaries:
- Entry/intermediate level (1 to 4 years): Between +-R1 600 000 and +-R2 600 000 per year
- Senior level (10 to 19 years): Between +-R2 600 000 and +-R4 100 000 per year
3. Actuary
Average salary: Between +-R815 000 and +-R1 470 000 per year
If you’re skilled at finance, economics and data—and would like to become an actuary in South Africa—then you can expect to earn an estimated average of up to R1 170 000 per year.
What Does an Actuary Do?
As an actuary, it’ll be your duty to use statistical and mathematical models to assess the financial risks of businesses and clients. On top of that, you’ll also be responsible for:
- Studying statistical data with the purpose of creating an analysis of the financial risks of your client or business
- Estimating the probability of the estimated costs for certain events (such as death, natural disaster or sickness)
- Calculating how much insurance policies for different types of coverage could payout
- Creating charts and presenting them at meetings
- Analysing reports to determine the next steps for clients
How Do You Become an Actuary in South Africa?
To become an actuary in South Africa, you’ll need to study for about 9 years. In addition, you’ll need the following education, exams and work experience:
Education:
- Bachelor of Business Science (BBusSc)
- Bachelor of Commerce (BCom)
- BSc (Actuarial and Financial Mathematics) Degree
- BSc in Mathematical Sciences (Actuarial Science)
- BSc in Actuarial Science
Exams:
Work experience:
- 2-year internship at a relevant actuarial job
Actuary Salary Expectations
As one of the highest-paying jobs in South Africa, actuaries can expect to earn a comfortable salary right from the start. Although, as with all job occupations, salaries are dependent on your skill level, work experience, company size, industry and location.
Generally speaking, actuaries can expect to earn the following salaries at varying career levels:
- Entry/Intermediate level (1 to 8 years): Between +-R815 000 and +-R1 170 000 per year
- Senior level (10 to 19 years): Between +-R1 170 000 and +-R1 470 000 per year
4. Lawyer
Average salary: Between +-R800 000 and +-R1 445 000 per year
The next highest paying job in South Africa is none other than a lawyer. Due to the complexity of their work and the extensive training lawyers often undergo, the general income of a lawyer can add up to a comfortable average of approximately +-1.1 million Rand a year.
What Does a Lawyer Do?
Lawyers (otherwise known as attorneys) typically work for law firms and help clients testify in court. However, that’s not all lawyers do.
As a lawyer, you’ll have plenty of duties and responsibilities and will be in charge of:
- Filing case documents, including briefs and other court documents
- Working with team members to prepare briefs on each case that goes to trial
- Scheduling and conducting depositions of witnesses and experts
- Research legal concepts, case law, judicial opinions, statutes and regulations
- Providing legal citation and statutory interpretation
- Maintaining accurate case files, notes and reports
- Negotiating cases to meet the needs of the client and the firm where you are employed
- Enduring all parties are carrying out their court order sentence and paying the necessary fines
- Writing legal documents such as contracts, lawsuits, deeds, wills and appeals
How Do You Become a Lawyer in South Africa?
Becoming a qualified lawyer in South Africa takes a minimum of 6 years: 4 years for your bachelor’s degree and 2 years of articles. Therefore, in order to practice law in South Africa, you’ll need to have the following:
- Bachelor of Law (LLB)
- Article experience as a candidate attorney
- Pass the board exams
- Be admitted as an attorney by the High Court of South Africa
Lawyer Salary Expectations
Once you enter the legal industry as a lawyer, you can expect to make the following estimated salaries (depending on what level you’re at in your career as a lawyer):
- Entry/Intermediate level (1 to 8 years): Between +-R800 000 and +-R1 145 000 per year
- Senior level (10 to 19 years): Between +-R1 145 000 and +-R1 445 000 per year
5. Management Consultant
Average salary: Between +-R790 000 and +-R1 400 000 per year
Among our list of the top 10 highest paying jobs in South Africa is the highly sought-after role of a management consultant, who can earn up to an average of R850 000 per year.
What Does a Management Consultant Do?
Many businesses in South Africa need management consultants to provide them with advice and assistance to help improve their performance, efficiency and profitability. However, that’s not all a management consultant is required to do.
Here are some of the common duties and responsibilities of a management consultant:
- Analyse financial data to identify problems and opportunities for improvement
- Develop strategies and plans to help organisations and clients achieve their goals
- Provide expertise in specific areas, such as finance, marketing and operations
- Implement solutions and changes to help organisations meet their goals
- Measure and evaluate the success of their initiatives
- Provide feedback to clients and follow up with management to ensure their recommendations are working
How Do You Become a Management Consultant in South Africa?
The role of a management consultant is diverse, as many types of businesses require one. Thus, the qualifications and training needed to become a management consultant would vary; however, most South African companies require you to have a bachelor’s degree and/or relevant certification:
- Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
- Certified Management Consultant credential or similar professional credential
Management Consultant Salary Expectations
As a management consultant in South Africa, you can expect to be paid quite well, per month, for your work. Here’s an estimate of the salary expectations of a management consultant at each stage of their career:
- Entry/Intermediate level (1 to 8 years): Between +-R790 000 and +-R850 000 per year
- Senior level (10 to 19 years): Between +-R850 000 and +-R1 400 000 per year
6. Biomedical Engineer
Average salary: Between +-R545 000 and +-R965 000 per year
If you’re passionate about becoming a biomedical engineer, then you’ll be earning one of the highest-paying jobs in South Africa. Biomedical Engineers earn a fairly comfortable living and can expect to be paid up to an average of roughly R770 000 per year.
What Does a Biomedical Engineer Do?
Biomedical engineers are responsible for developing medical and healthcare devices, equipment and processes—but that’s not all they do.
Biomedical engineers are also tasked with some of the following duties and responsibilities:
- Designing products and devices (such as artificial organs and body replacements)
- Installing and maintaining medical equipment
- Offering technical support for biomedical equipment
- Working with scientists to research biological systems for people and animals
- Training other personnel to use the equipment correctly
- Writing and publishing technical reports and research papers
How Do You Become a Biomedical Engineer in South Africa?
To become a biomedical engineer in South Africa, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering or related field, such as mechanical engineering, electrical engineering or chemical engineering. Certain employers may ask for a master’s or Ph.D. in biomedical engineering.
Biomedical Engineer Salary Expectations
Biomedical engineers are rewarded fairly handsomely for their work, with those at a senior level earning up to roughly R965 000 per year.
In terms of career levels, biomedical engineers can expect to earn the following estimated salaries at each stage of their career:
- Entry/Intermediate level (1 to 8 years): Between +-R545 000 and +-R770 000 per year
- Senior level (10 to 19 years): Between +-R770 000 and +-R965 000 per year
7. IT Manager
Average salary: Between +-R510 000 and +-R890 000 per year
In seventh place is one of the most in-demand jobs worldwide—the esteemed IT (Information Technology) manager, who can earn up to an average of R710 000 per year.
What Does an IT Manager Do?
Many businesses in South Africa rely on IT managers to oversee their technology operations and ensure their IT infrastructure is running efficiently and securely. However, that’s not all an IT manager is required to do.
Here are some of the common duties and responsibilities of an IT manager:
- Supervise the IT team, delegate tasks and ensure effective use of resources.
- Establish guidelines for IT operations, security and data management.
- Ensure the company’s network, servers, and other infrastructure are properly maintained and updated.
- Allocate financial resources for IT projects, equipment and software.
- Implement and monitor security measures to protect against cyber threats and data breaches.
- Collaborate with other departments to ensure IT systems support business goals and processes.
- Stay updated on the latest technology trends and integrate new solutions to improve efficiency and performance.
- Assist staff with IT-related issues and provide training to enhance their technical skills.
- Continuously monitor IT systems to ensure optimal performance and address any issues promptly.
How Do You Become an IT Manager in South Africa?
The role of an IT manager is crucial for many types of businesses, requiring a combination of technical expertise and managerial skills. The qualifications and training needed to become an IT manager typically include the following:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field
- Relevant professional certifications (e.g. CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+ or Cisco Certified Network Associate)
- Several years of experience in IT roles, such as systems administration, network management, or cybersecurity, to build practical skills and expertise.
- Advanced Degree (optional but beneficial)
IT Manager Salary Expectations
As an IT manager in South Africa, you can expect to be well-compensated for your expertise and responsibilities. Here’s an estimate of the salary expectations of an IT manager at each stage of their career:
- Entry/Intermediate level (1 to 8 years): Between +-R510 000 and +-R710 000 per year
- Senior level (10 to 19 years): Between +-R710 000 and +-R890 000 per year
8. Architect
Average salary: Between +-R460 000 and +-R815 000 per year
Next on our list of the highest-paying jobs in South Africa is an architect. If it’s your dream to design amazing buildings while getting paid to do so, you can expect to earn an average salary of R650 000 per year.
What Does an Architect Do?
Designing and supervising buildings aren’t the only things you’ll do as an architect in South Africa. Architects have a range of duties and responsibilities, including:
- Making bids on building projects you’d like to acquire
- Working with clients to outline the requirements for each building project
- Estimating structure costs, building times and any other special requirements for projects
- Creating detailed drawings that show both the appearance and interior of each building project
- Directing team members in the development of projects (including drawings, studies and budgets)
- Preparing contracts and other administrative tasks
- Visiting building sites to ensure architectural plans are being followed
- Giving presentations to inform the public about upcoming projects
How Do You Become an Architect in South Africa?
If you’d like to become an architect in South Africa, then you’ll need to get your bachelor’s degree at a higher education institution as well as undergo additional training to get you there.
Note that becoming an architect takes a minimum of 7 years, so you’ll need to go through the following stages of academic and professional training:
- Bachelor of Architecture (BArch), Bachelor of Science in Architecture (BSc Arch) or Master of Architecture (MArch) degree (4 to 5 years)
- Internship with a registered architectural practice (2 years)
- Pass the Professional Practice Exam (PPE)
- Register with the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP)
- Complete the Professional Registration Exam (PRE)
Architect Salary Expectations
As far as salary expectations go, there is plenty of room to grow as an architect. Senior architects can earn up to an estimated average of R815 000 per year.
Additionally, you can expect to be rewarded with the following salaries at each stage of your architecture career:
- Entry/Intermediate level (1 to 8 years): Between +-R460 000 and +-R650 000 per year
- Senior level (10 to 19 years): Between +-R650 000 and +-R815 000 per year
9. Pilot
Average salary: Between +-R400 000 and +-R700 000 per year
Another high-paying job in South Africa is that of a pilot. With the critical responsibility of safely transporting passengers and cargo, pilots undergo rigorous training and must maintain a high level of skill and knowledge.
This demanding profession rewards them with a substantial salary, averaging approximately +-R560 000 per year.
What Does a Pilot Do?
Pilots typically work for commercial airlines, charter companies or other aviation organisations to safely transport passengers and cargo. However, that’s not all pilots do.
As a pilot, you’ll have plenty of duties and responsibilities and will be in charge of:
- Conducting pre-flight checks to ensure the aircraft is in optimal condition
- Collaborating with co-pilots and flight crew to prepare flight plans
- Monitoring weather conditions and communicating with air traffic control
- Navigating the aircraft along designated routes using advanced avionics and navigation systems
- Managing in-flight emergencies and ensuring passenger safety and comfort
- Completing post-flight checks and documenting any issues or maintenance needs
- Adhering to all aviation regulations and company policies
- Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of aircraft systems, procedures, and industry advancements
- Logging flight hours and keeping accurate records for certification and licensing purposes
- Training and mentoring junior pilots and crew members
How Do You Become a Pilot in South Africa?
Becoming a qualified pilot in South Africa involves extensive training and certification. To become a commercial pilot in South Africa, you’ll need to complete the following steps:
- Private Pilot License (PPL): You should start by obtaining a Private Pilot Licence, which includes at least 45 hours of flight training and passing the necessary exams.
- Night Rating: Obtain a night rating to allow you to fly at night.
- Commercial Pilot License (CPL): Complete the required 200 flight hours and pass the CPL exams to obtain your commercial pilot license.
- Instrument Rating: Obtain an instrument rating to be qualified to fly under instrument flight rules (IFR).
- Multi-Engine Rating: If you plan to fly larger aircraft, you’ll need a multi-engine rating.
- Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL): For those aiming to become airline captains, obtain an ATPL which requires additional training and flight experience, including at least 1,500 total flight hours.
These steps ensure that you are fully trained and certified to operate commercial aircraft safely and effectively in South Africa.
Pilot Salary Expectations
Once you enter the aviation industry as a pilot, you can expect to make the following estimated salaries (depending on what level you’re at in your career as a pilot):
- Entry/Intermediate level (1 to 8 years): Between +-R400 000 and +-R560 000 per year
- Senior level (10 to 19 years): Between +-R560 000 and +-R700 000 per year
10. Chartered Accountant
Average salary: Between +-R400 000 to +-R700 000 per year
Chartered accountants (CAs) are among the most sought-after professions in South Africa due to the high demand and shortage of accountants in our country. It, therefore, stands to reason why chartered accountants (CAs) are one of the highest-paying jobs, with average salary earnings going up to R560 000 per year.
What Does a Chartered Accountant (CA) Do?
Chartered accountants (CAs) are in charge of financial management, risk assessment and varying other tasks and responsibilities, including:
- Conducting tax planning and oversight for projects
- Preparing income tax returns
- Giving accurate reports on a company’s finances to government agencies
- Reviewing tax forms and making changes if and when necessary
- Resolving tax-related issues for businesses or clients
- Maintaining good relationships with businesses or clients for continued service
How Do You Become a Chartered Accountant (CA) in South Africa?
If you’re eager to become a chartered accountant (CA) in South Africa, then you’ll need the following qualifications and training:
- Bachelor of Accounting Sciences (BAs) in Financial Accounting (4 years)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting Sciences (1 to 2 years)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Accounting Sciences (1 to 2 years)
- Chartered accountant (CA) learnership programme with a registered training office
- Pass two qualifying exams: the Initial Test of Competence (ITC) and the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC)
Chartered Accountant (CA) Salary Expectations
Chartered accountants (CAs) have the potential to earn a high income, especially at a senior level where they can expect to earn up to R1 million Rand per year. To get a full picture of what your earning potential could be as a chartered accountant, check out the estimated salaries at each career level below:
- Entry/Intermediate level (1 to 8 years): Between +-R400 000 and +-R560 000 per year
- Senior level (10 to 19 years): Between +-R560 000 and +-R700 000 per year
Get a Student Loan with Fundi
As you can see, there are plenty of high-paying jobs in South Africa that will put you on the path to financial success. As mentioned before, however, it’s important to remember that finances shouldn’t be the only factor to consider when choosing your career.
Your personal interests, talents, lifestyle, personality and values are all things to think about when pursuing a job in South Africa. Consider taking a career test to help you find a path that aligns with all your unique traits, ambitions and skills.
Once you know which career you’d like to pursue, a high salary is an added perk that will give you comfort and financial stability.
However, before you can obtain a high-paying job, you’ll need to get the right qualifications first. If you’re looking to get qualified this year, and are in need of funding, Fundi can help!
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