Data and AI salaries in South Africa
The median lead Data and AI salary in South Africa is ZAR 1,550,000 per year, with the market band from ZAR 1,400,000 to ZAR 1,700,000 (businesstech.co.za, 2026-08-31).
By seniority
lead (Low quality data)
- P25
- ZAR 1,400,000
- Median
- ZAR 1,550,000
- P75
- ZAR 1,700,000
- per month
- ZAR 129,167
About ZAR 129,167 per month at the median.
Robert Walters 2025: Senior Data Analytics Manager (Technology) R1,400k-R1,700k annual CTC excl. bonuses. Low.
senior (Low quality data)
- P25
- ZAR 1,000,000
- Median
- ZAR 1,250,000
- P75
- ZAR 1,500,000
- per month
- ZAR 104,167
About ZAR 104,167 per month at the median.
Robert Walters 2025: Data Scientist (Banking and Financial Services) R1,000k-R1,500k annual CTC excl. bonuses, 5-10 yrs. Low.
Sources for these numbers
- https://businesstech.co.za/news/wealth/808581/38-jobs-in-south-africa-that-pay-over-r1-5-million-in-2025/
- https://www.robertwaltersafrica.com/our-services/salary-survey.html
- https://businesstech.co.za/news/wealth/808582/5-year-experience-jobs-in-south-africa-that-will-make-you-millionaire/
These are market medians. Your own quote also depends on your current pay, your walk-away floor, and the package you need. Get your personal quote.