Chemical Engineering Salary in South African Rands
Chemical engineering is a highly technical and rewarding field in South Africa. An average professional in this field earns around R31 500 per month. If you are aspiring to enter this field, here is a complete list of chemical engineering salaries in South Africa for you to see whether this profession is suitable for you.
Chemical Engineering Salary in South Africa
A chemical engineer in South Africa typically earns between R15 200 and R52 500, from lowest to highest. That said, this amount can go up and down based on your status, expertise, qualifications, and the company you are based in. And the field is growing with each day, and as of now, an average mid-career employee is earning around R31 500.
Salary/Pay Scale and Percentile
When it comes to percentiles, we can know the ratio of chemical engineering salaries by evaluating the salary distribution chart. According to this, almost 25% of the professionals make around R25 400 or less and belong to the entry-level stages of the field. On the contrary, the other 75% of the mid-career professionals earn less than R36 400 per month.
Bonus and Incentives
Not only this, this field is full of bonuses and increments, not to mention fringe benefits. This includes everything from medical insurance to housing facilities, rent subsidies, and bonus amounts. According to the stats, 58% of the surveyed staff receive bonuses in their annual salary as a chemical engineer.
Professional Responsibilities of a Chemical Engineering in South Africa
Chemical engineers are responsible for manufacturing and developing chemical processes and products like detergents, gasoline, oil-related products, and much more. Here is a list of all the duties you are required to do as a chemical engineer.
- Conduct research to develop new methods
- Design and plan new and advanced equipment
- Establishing safety procedures for handling chemicals
- Conducting tests for manufacturing processes
Factors that Influence Chemical Engineering Salary in South Africa
There are multiple factors that matter when it comes to determining the salary of chemical engineers in South Africa. Here is a list of all these factors, so you have a clear idea of how the salaries are decided before entering this field. So, dive right in to know more.
Level of Experience
Your level of experience matters the most when it comes to deciding the salary of chemical engineers in South Africa. According to the latest stats, you get promotions in the field based on your expertise in the field, and you get more financial benefits as you progress in the field. Here is a breakdown of how your salary amount increases as you gain experience.
| Level of Experience | Salary (Per Month) | Increase (Percentage) |
|---|---|---|
| 0-2 years of experience | R17 200 | 0% |
| 2-5 years of experience | R23 000 | 34% |
| 5-10 years of experience | R34 000 | 48% |
| 10-15 years of experience | R41 500 | 22% |
| 15-20 years of experience | R45 200 | 9% |
| Over 20 years of experience | R48 900 | 8% |
Gender
Like any other field, gender plays an important role in deciding your salary as a chemical engineer. And a large part of the reason is that the field is male-dominated. In this case, almost 8% of men are most likely to get recruited and paid in popular companies based in South Africa.
| Male | R34 800 |
| Female | R31 200 |
City of Employment
The city of employment further plays a vital role in determining the salary of chemical engineering in South Africa. This is because companies have big facilities that offer higher financial benefits to employees, and vice versa. Here is how you get paid in different cities of South Africa as a chemical engineer.
| City | Salary (Per Month) |
|---|---|
| Pretoria, Gauteng | R32 100 |
| Durban, KwaZulu Natal | R32 100 |
| Johannesburg, Gauteng | R33 400 |
| Cape Town, Western Cape | R34 400 |
| Bloemfontein | R28 800 |
| Port Elizabeth | R29 500 |
Employers
Similarly, the employer or company can also make a huge difference in determining your salary as a chemical engineer. Some popular companies based in remote areas offer more financial and fringe benefits to employees as compared to those with limited facilities. Here is a breakdown of how different employers offer varying salaries in the country.
| Employer/Company | Average Salary (Per Year) |
|---|---|
| Sappi | R300 000 |
| McCain Foods | R228 996 |
| Eskom | R602 350 |
| Sasol Mining | R850 006 |
| Tiger Brands | R300 000 |
Education/ Qualification
Your salary as a chemical engineer depends largely on your level of education. This is because it is a highly technical field and requires you to master the science in order to get promotions in the field. Here is a list of salaries offered to chemical engineers on the basis of their qualifications.
| Level of Education/ Qualification | Salary Per Month | Increase (Percentage) |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | R19 700 | 0% |
| Master’s Degree | R30 800 | 57% |
| PhD | R51 700 | 68% |
What do chemical engineers do?
Chemical engineers are required to develop and design chemical processes and manufacturing of chemical products in an organizational setting.
How much does an average chemical engineer earn in South Africa?
Typically, an average chemical engineer makes around R31 500 per month.
Do you need a degree to practice chemical engineering?
Yes, you definitely need a degree to practice chemical engineering, given that it is a highly technical field and needs formal education.
Is the salary of chemical engineers increasing in South Africa?
Yes, the salary of chemical engineers is getting more and more with each day. As of 2023, an average mid-career professional is earning around R31 500.
Chemical engineering is a technical and highly profitable field, given that there are a number of popular employers based in the country. I hope this guide has been helpful for you in figuring out whether this profession is suitable for you.
