These are the best degrees to study to make the most money in South Africa

Data from CareerJunction provides an indication of how much one can expect to to earn in 10 major sectors across the country, including the the types of jobs that attract the best salary.

Based on its comprehensive jobs data BusinessTech looked at the jobs that pay the highest salaries, while also looking at the types of degrees required to get into that specific profession.

CareerJunction’s data showed that most of the top-paying jobs are in the engineering sector, where a senior civil and structural engineer earns an average salary of R70,300 a month (or just over R843,610) a year.

Aside from engineers, other top-paying positions are commonly found in finance and ICT sectors, as well as within the medical field.

The group’s data is in line with a post by Jobmail.co.za which found the following titles to be among the best paid: architects (Bachelor of Architectural Studies is a 3-year degree); software engineer; accountant; petroleum engineers; and computer and information systems managers.

Additional high paying jobs as cited by Jobmail.co.za and not covered by CareerJunction include lawyers, specialist doctors, air traffic controllers, and airline pilots.

To become a lawyer, a Bachelor of Arts, BCom or other undergraduate degree is required.

On successful completion of the degree, students who wish to further their knowledge of law may apply for the 2-year LLB programme.

To become a pilot for an airline, you need to first complete a private pilot licence (PPL) before getting a commercial pilot’s licence (CPL) combined with an Instrument Rating. Following hours of flight time, you then go on to get an Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATP), according to FlySaFair.

If you want to be an air traffic controller in South Africa you will need to complete training at the Aviation Training Academy, according to JobMail. Training is offered by the Air Traffic and Navigation Services. You will need to spend four to six years training before you are awarded a full qualification.

For doctors, while the average general practitioner earns about R476,000 per year, this figure skyrockets as you specialise, the recruitment site said. CareerJunction’s data showed that a senior GP can earn as much as R732,000 a year.

It should be noted that the salaries below are based on those of skilled professionals, and exclude senior and management positions.

There are the 15 top paying jobs, according to CareerJunction and degrees which are advisable:

Read: The fields of study that will get you the highest starting salary in South Africa