High-Paying Jobs in South Africa That Earn More Than the National Average

South Africa’s job market continues to evolve, with salaries in certain industries significantly surpassing the national average. According to the latest Quarterly Employment Survey (QES) from Stats SA, the average salary in South Africa for Q4 2024 was R28,231 per month—a slight 0.2% decline from Q3 but a 5.3% increase year-on-year, outpacing the 2.9% inflation rate.

For job seekers and professionals looking to maximize their earnings, understanding which sectors pay the most can be crucial. The data shows that 56 job types currently pay above the national average, providing lucrative opportunities for skilled workers across industries like electricity, finance, IT, and transportation.

Top 10 Highest-Paying Jobs in South Africa

1. Electricity, gas, steam, and water supply – R75,515 per month

2. Activities auxiliary to financial intermediation – R73,870 per month

3. Computer and related activities – R59,623 per month

4. Air transport – R57,643 per month

5. Extra Budgetary Institutions (Government) – R53,616 per month

6. Financial intermediation (banks, excluding insurance & pensions) – R52,656 per month

7. Manufacturing of petroleum and nuclear fuel – R51,661 per month

8. Manufacturing of motor vehicles – R49,847 per month

9. Architectural, engineering, and technical activities – R49,576 per month

10. Health and social work – R49,103 per month
    

These figures indicate that the finance, IT, and energy sectors remain among the most lucrative fields in South Africa. The government sector, particularly extra-budgetary institutions and universities, also provides competitive salaries.

Sectors with Above-Average Earnings

1. Business Services

• Legal, accounting, and auditing – R46,315

• Research and development – R41,457

• Real estate activities – R39,685
  

2. Transport & Logistics

• Sea and coastal water transport – R44,094

• Post and telecommunications – R43,931

• Land transport and pipelines – R31,564
  

3. Manufacturing

• Chemical products – R38,904

• Machinery and metalwork – R37,441

• Basic iron and steel – R35,789
  

4. Government & Community Services

• National departments – R37,537

• Local government – R33,821

• Universities and technikons – R40,623
  

Lower-Paying Industries

While many sectors show strong earnings, some industries continue to lag behind. The lowest-paying jobs include:

• Hotel and restaurant workers – R11,703

• General retail trade – R13,000 to R14,000

• Apparel and textile manufacturing – R14,000
  

Factors Driving Salary Increases

The QES also revealed a significant increase in bonus payouts, with an 85.4% jump in December 2024. This boost in earnings has helped offset previous periods of high inflation, allowing real wage growth.

For professionals seeking high-paying careers in South Africa, targeting industries like energy, finance, IT, and government can provide the best opportunities. The latest data highlights which sectors are thriving and where salary growth remains strong, helping job seekers make informed career decisions.

Would you consider a career shift to a higher-paying industry?

{Source BusinessTech}

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