8 of the highest paying jobs in South Africa

 ·24 Jan 2025

South Africa has many jobs that pay really well, even though finding a job can be tough. Some of these jobs are in healthcare, technology, and even working on ships.

Varsity College has shared a list of some of the best-paying jobs in the country. In some of these careers, people can earn as much as R5 million a year.

This field is crucial for maintaining public health and driving advancements in medical technology and research, which bolster economic growth.

Even though there are problems, like not enough training spots for new doctors, the idea that all the specialists are leaving South Africa isn’t true.

Life Healthcare’s CEO, Peter Wharton-Hood, said that only a few specialists leave each year, and some even come back.

He shared that in one year, only seven specialists left their company, and three returned in less than a year. This shows that being a specialist doctor is still a great job in South Africa.

In healthcare, doctors who specialise in certain areas, like brain surgery or heart surgery, can make between R2.8 million and R5 million each year.

Another area with high-paying jobs is technology.

A report by the World Economic Forum says that by 2030, a lot of workers will need new skills, especially in technology.

By 2030, 39% of workers’ key skills are predicted to have changed, with roles such as big data specialists, fintech engineers, and AI and machine learning experts seeing significant growth.

The rapid adoption of AI and information processing technologies underscores the need for skilled professionals who can navigate this evolving landscape, making technology one of the most financially rewarding fields.

These shifts mean that professionals with expertise in software architecture can earn up to R1.8 million annually.

Working at sea is another surprising but great way to earn a lot of money.

The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) has noted that jobs at sea, like captains and ship engineers, are important and come with great benefits.

The maritime sector’s importance extends beyond financial benefits, as it plays a vital role in global trade and logistics.

Ship captains who work on deep-sea cargo ships can make between R2 million and R3.5 million a year.

South Africa has many different types of high-paying jobs. While healthcare and technology are popular choices, working on ships shows that there are other exciting options, too.

These jobs often need special skills and lots of training, but they pay well and can be very rewarding.

If you’re willing to study and work hard, South Africa’s job market has plenty of opportunities to help you succeed and earn a great salary.

It must be noted that salaries in these industries differ based on experience, demand and location. Salaries may be higher in major hubs such as Johannesburg and Cape Town.

The table below shows eight of the highest-paying jobs in South Africa right now.

JobAnnual salary range
NeurosurgeonR3 million to R5 million
Cardiothoracic surgeon R2.8 million to R4.5 million
Ship captain (Deep sea/Specialised cargo)R2 million to R3.5 million
Actuary (with experience) R1.8 million to R3 million
Mining engineer (deep level)R1.5 million to R2.2 million
Legal partner (corporate law)R1.2 million to R2 million
Software architect (with specialised skills)R1.2 million to R1.8 million
JudgeFrom R1.1 million
Source: Varsity College
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