Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical) salaries in South Africa
The median executive Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical) salary in South Africa is ZAR 2,252,778 per year, with the market band from ZAR 1,854,519 to ZAR 2,651,037 (dpsa.gov.za, 2026-08-31).
By seniority
executive (Medium quality data)
- P25
- ZAR 1,854,519
- Median
- ZAR 2,252,778
- P75
- ZAR 2,651,037
- per month
- ZAR 187,732
About ZAR 187,732 per month at the median.
DPSA OSD 1 April 2025: Specialist Engineer (top of state engineering ladder) R1,854,519-R2,651,037 (25 notches). Medium.
lead (Medium quality data)
- P25
- ZAR 1,532,466
- Median
- ZAR 1,960,561
- P75
- ZAR 2,388,657
- per month
- ZAR 163,380
About ZAR 163,380 per month at the median.
DPSA OSD 1 April 2025: Chief Engineer Grade B R1,532,466-R2,388,657 (31 notches). Full-time TCE package. Medium.
senior (Medium quality data)
- P25
- ZAR 990,669
- Median
- ZAR 1,156,968
- P75
- ZAR 1,323,267
- per month
- ZAR 96,414
About ZAR 96,414 per month at the median.
DPSA OSD engineering professions, Appendix E to DPSA Circular 7 of 2025: Engineer Grade B notch R990,669; Grade C R1,127,100-R1,323,267; combined band shown. Private sector typically pays above these state scales. Medium.
Sources for these numbers
- https://www.dpsa.gov.za/dpsa2g/documents/rp/2025/Annexures%20a-h%20-%2001%20April%202025.xlsx
- https://www.dpsa.gov.za/policy-updates/nlrrm/remuneration_policy/annual_cost_of_living_adjustments/
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.