10 of the fastest growing jobs in South Africa this year
The latest report from CareerJunction highlighted the top 10 fastest-growing jobs in South Africa this year, which include roles in IT and AI as well as traditional jobs such as electricians and business managers.
According to the latest CareerJunction Employment Insights Report for the second quarter of 2025, job vacancies across the country have fallen by 4.2% year-on-year, with a broader decline of 11.1% over the past two years.
The first half of 2025 followed a similar trend as job listings dropped 2% between the first and second quarters, showing the same decline between the final quarter of 2024 and the start of 2025.
Administrative, financial, and IT roles have been particularly affected. Admin, Office & Support jobs dropped by 2%, Finance vacancies declined 14%, and IT listings fell by 20% year-on-year.
Despite the decline, IT professionals remain in demand, just at lower volumes than in previous years.
Comparing April to June 2025 with the previous three months, hiring activity increased by 27% for Medical & Health professionals, 18% for Marketing professionals, and 12% for Manufacturing & Assembly workers.
Additionally, Admin and Support roles, which include HR, secretaries, clerks, and personal assistants, saw an 8% decline over the same period.
Considering these changes in the market, CareerJunction identified 10 job roles that have grown the most since 2021.
These roles include both traditional sectors and those driven by technology, indicating a broad demand for skilled professionals.
The list was compiled by measuring growth in vacancy volumes from 2021 to 2025, offering a long-term view of how the job market is evolving.
While the overall job market in South Africa faces challenges, the CareerJunction data shows there are still opportunities for professionals with technical skills, industry-specific expertise, or leadership abilities.
The strongest growth isn’t limited to new and emerging tech jobs but extends to traditional roles that continue to form the backbone of the country’s economy.
The top 10 in-demand jobs
At the top of the list are civil and structural engineers, who have seen a 232% rise in demand over the last four years.
These professionals are vital in designing and managing infrastructure projects like roads, buildings, and bridges.
Their skills are increasingly sought after in the construction and development sectors, with hiring continuing to grow steadily year-on-year. Mechanical engineers are close behind, with a 142% surge in demand.
These engineers are instrumental in industries such as manufacturing, automotive, and energy, where they design and maintain machinery and mechanical systems.
The bulk of this growth occurred between 2022 and 2023, but the upward trend has continued at 7% annually.
Closing out the top three is payroll and wages officers have also become significantly more sought after, with a 78% increase in demand since 2021.
Their role in ensuring accurate and compliant payroll systems has made them indispensable in both the private and public sectors, with hiring growing by 10% in the past year alone.
The top jobs are:
- Civil or Structural engineer (+232%)
- Mechanical engineer (+142%)
- Payroll and wage officer (+78%)
- Tool or die makers (+78%)
- Graphic designers (+63%)
- Electrical and Electronic equipment technicians (+57%)
- Tax specialists (+33%)
- Business Developers (+23%)
- Senior managers (+23%)
- Executive managers or directors (+14%)
Tool and die makers, a specialised group of artisans responsible for producing precision tools and molds, have also seen a 78% rise in demand.
Most of this growth took place between 2022 and 2023, and the trend has continued into 2025 with 14% year-on-year growth.
These professionals are critical to the manufacturing industry, which has seen a modest hiring rebound this year.
Graphic designers, including those in print and packaging, have experienced a 63% increase in demand.
This growth reflects a growing need for visual storytelling and brand differentiation in a competitive consumer market. Hiring for these creative roles jumped 24% in the past year.
Demand for electrical and electronic equipment technicians has grown by 57% since 2021, with a strong 37% rise in hiring over the past year.
These technicians install, maintain, and repair electronic systems across various industries, from industrial equipment to healthcare technology, making their expertise increasingly valuable.
Tax specialists have also found themselves in higher demand, with a 33% increase in job listings since 2021.
As businesses face more complex financial regulations, these professionals help organisations navigate tax compliance while maximising efficiency. Hiring for this role rose by 6% year-on-year.
Business developers, who drive growth by identifying opportunities and expanding a company’s market presence, have seen a 23% increase in demand over four years.
Although the year-on-year growth sits at a modest 1%, demand for this strategic role remains steady.
Senior managers have experienced a similar growth trajectory, also up 23% since 2021. These leaders are responsible for shaping business strategies and overseeing operations.
Over the past year, hiring activity jumped 21%, highlighting the importance of strong leadership during uncertain economic times.
Rounding out the top 10 are executive managers and directors, whose demand has grown by 14% over the past four years.
Like their senior management counterparts, they play an important role in guiding companies toward long-term success. Hiring for these roles rose by 11% in the last year.
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