Computer Science Graduate Starting Salary in South Africa
One major benefit that the advancement of technology has brought in South Africa is a good salary range for those associated with this field. Many jobs in IT such as computer science offer a much better salary package as compared to jobs in other fields.
The average computer science salary in South Africa is approximately ZAR 40,000 per month. Not to mention, this is an entry-level average salary, so if a person has years of experience backing them, they can earn much more than this.
If you wish to learn other information regarding the salary levels and responsibilities of a job in computer science, you will find all of the relevant information shared below. It will not only enlighten you but also help you secure a better job with a higher salary and other incentives.
Current CS Salary in South Africa
Computer science is one of those jobs in South Africa that pays quite well. The average salary of an entry-level person in computer science is ZAR 40,000 per month. This makes their annual income around ZAR 480,000.
Those who are on a higher level and have experience in the field can easily make ZAR 55,000 per month. Therefore, their income will be ZAR 660,000 per year.
The salary range of computer science has increased over the years. In 2022, the average salary of a person working at an entry-level position in computer science was around ZAR 33,490 per month. This made their annual earnings around ZAR 401,880.
If we do a quick comparison of computer science salaries in South Africa to America, there is a stark difference. In the US, a person working in the field of computer science can easily make around $9014 per month, which is around ZAR 169,465.
This makes their annual income around $108,168. If we convert this amount to South African currency, it makes approximately ZAR 2,033,590 per annum for a computer scientist. Therefore, it is more than 400% of the average annual salary of a computer scientist in South Africa.
Salary Levels
Computer science is one of those few fields that offers multiple growth opportunities to individuals. It has many positions, each with a better salary than the previous one. Following is a table that lists some of the high-in-demand jobs in computer science in South Africa and their average salaries.
| Serial Number | Job Level | Salary Per Month | Salary Per Year |
| 1. | Junior Software Developer | ZAR 27,500 | ZAR 330,000 |
| 2. | IT Support Specialist | ZAR 33,500 | ZAR 402,000 |
| 3. | Database Administrator | ZAR 45,000 | ZAR 540,000 |
| 4. | Software Engineer | ZAR 51,000 | ZAR 615,625 |
| 5. | System Analyst | ZAR 55,950 | ZAR 671,400 |
| 6. | Senior Software Engineer | ZAR 60,600 | ZAR 728,202 |
| 7. | Data Scientist | ZAR 75,000 | ZAR 900,000 |
| 8. | Cyber Security Specialist | ZAR 91,000 | ZAR 1,092,000 |
| 9. | Machine Learning Engineer | ZAR 85,000 | ZAR 1,020,006 |
Professional Responsibilities
There are many responsibilities that come under the umbrella of computer science. The major responsibilities include designing and testing new software and applications before launching them to the masses. They are also responsible for designing new hardware and advanced technology that can be used by individuals in their everyday lives.
In addition to that, these individuals also need to design and experiment with Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality, and Robotics. They are also responsible for testing software and finding defects in it.
Moreover, following the legal requirements while designing software and hardware also comes under the responsibility of jobs in computer science. Data Analysis, Cyber Security, and Research Development are some of the multiple stems of Computer Science.
What Does The Salary of Computer Science Depend Upon?
Similar to the other fields in IT, the salary of a computer science specialist also depends upon multiple factors. The first major thing that affects the individual’s salary in South Africa is the location of the job. Those who work in the major cities such as Johannesburg or Pretoria will definitely earn more than the individuals who are working in the other parts of the country.
The second factor that the salary of a computer scientist depends upon is their educational level. If a person has a Master’s in the field of computer science, they will earn more than those who only have a Bachelor’s degree.
Similarly, the presence of extra certifications also impacts the salary of the person. Those who have completed courses and have extra certificates such as CompTIA Security+ will definitely earn more than those individuals who do not possess these certificates.
The work experience of a person also has a great impact on their salary in South Africa. If a person is fresh out of university, they will not earn as much as those who have 5 years of experience in the field. Those who have more than 7 years of experience can easily make ZAR 737,416 per year.
The last factor that the salary of a computer scientist depends upon is the company they are working at. If they are working at a big and reputable company, they will receive higher salaries along with bonuses and other incentives.
Do computer science professionals in South Africa receive bonuses or incentives?
Yes, there is a chance for a person working in computer science to earn bonuses and other incentives. However, it largely depends upon the company they are working for. Companies in bigger cities such as Johannesburg and Cape Town offer better bonuses than those working in smaller cities.
Do certifications in computer science impact salary levels in South Africa?
Yes, when it comes to computer science, any additional certification can impact the salary of the individuals. Having certificates such as CompTIA Security+, CISCO CCNA, etc. can help a person get higher salaries as compared to their coworkers.
Is computer science in demand in South Africa?
Computer science is one of the most high-in-demand jobs in South Africa currently. According to surveys, the demand for computer scientists in South Africa has increased by over 296% in just the last year.
Is there a significant salary difference between entry-level and experienced computer science professionals?
Yes, there is a definite difference between entry-level worker’s salary and experience worker’s salary. If a person is a fresh graduate with no extra certification and work experience, they will earn around ZAR 32,000 to ZAR 35,000 per month. On the other hand, an experienced worker can easily make ZAR 55,000 per month and even more if they are working at a bigger company.
Is computer science a good career in SA?
Yes, computer science is a good career in South Africa. The demand for this career has increased quite a lot in the country, making it one of the best career choices. Moreover, it also offers growth opportunities, making it a good career choice.
Are there opportunities for remote work in the South African computer science industry?
Yes, when it comes to IT jobs, there are multiple remote work opportunities. Those who are working in computer science can easily find remote jobs in South Africa.
Do computer science professionals in South Africa receive benefits like medical insurance and retirement plans?
Benefits such as medical insurance and retirement plans are not a part of every job opportunity as a computer scientist in South Africa. However, if a person works at a higher position in a reputable company, they may receive these additional benefits.
How much do computer scientists earn in South Africa per month?
On average, a computer scientist can earn ZAR 40,000 per month, in South Africa. However, if they gain experience they can easily make ZAR 55,000 to 85,300 per month.
Can computer science professionals in South Africa expect career growth opportunities?
Computer science is one of the best fields for career growth opportunities. Suppose a person gains work experience as a computer scientist. In that case, they can get promoted to senior-level positions such as Data scientist which can offer them an average salary of ZAR 75,000 per month.
How can I negotiate a better salary as a computer scientist professional in South Africa?
Yes, it is possible for an individual to negotiate a better salary as a computer scientist in South Africa. However, you will need to polish the required skillset for the job, have extra certification, and have work experience backing up your request, as they will increase the chances of getting a higher salary.
Regarding high-paying jobs in South Africa, computer science has been on that list for years. It is one of the best-paying and high-in-demand jobs in the country.
The article above contains every morsel of information about the average salary of a computer scientist, their salary levels as well as the factors that affect the salary. I hope you find it all helpful!
