10 countries where South Africans can earn the most money
Given the global skills shortage, some countries offer expats better salary packages than others, and the top ten include those in Europe, the Americas, Asia, and even the Middle East.
In 2024, a global shortage of jobs in key sectors such as healthcare, business, engineering, and technology has driven many countries to actively seek foreign talent, offering competitive salaries and attractive benefits.
Countries like Canada, Japan, China, and Australia are facing significant gaps in their workforce, particularly in these highly specialised fields, and are turning to skilled professionals from abroad to fill critical positions.
This trend is especially promising for skilled South Africans who are increasingly looking to emigrate due to safety concerns, political instability, and poor service delivery in their home country.
With the promise of better living conditions and higher income, many South Africans see this as an opportunity to build a more secure future.
Healthcare professionals like doctors and nurses, tech experts, engineers, and business professionals are in high demand globally.
Countries offer not only high salaries but also pathways to permanent residency or citizenship for qualified candidates.
For South Africans, the allure of a stable political environment, efficient public services, and greater personal safety is undeniable.
The global job shortage in these fields opens doors to a brighter future abroad, enabling them to leverage their skills in countries that recognize their value and offer long-term career prospects.
As these countries continue to woo foreign talent, South African professionals are well-positioned to take advantage of this worldwide shift in employment dynamics.
Considering this, an international financial management firm for ex-pats, Proctor Wealth Associates, listed the top 10 countries with the highest expat salaries.
This list comes from client data across dozens of countries and over 50 billion pounds under management.
These countries and what you can expect to earn based on the notable jobs in demand are listed below.
Japan
The number of expats coming to Japan has started to rise, as Japan is now desperate to gain foreign professionals due to its ageing population.
In particular, Japan wants skilled researchers, entrepreneurs, and engineers.
In terms of financial gains, a middle manager in Japan will earn around £306,000 (R6 million) a year in an expat package.
Independently, you could get an income of around £36,000 (R707,000) for a service professional or £176,000 (R3.45 million) for a manager role.
China
For anyone in the science, AI and IT industries, China is a great place to go for work. There is such a demand that expat salaries reflect the desperation.
For an expat package as a middle manager, you’re looking at $276,000 (R4.9 million).
Hong Kong
As far as expat packages go, Hong Kong averages around £225,000 (R4.4 million).
If you’re going in independent without an expat package, you can earn a gross income of £33,316 (R650,000) as a service professional and up to £200,000 (R3.9 million) in a management role.
Turkey
Turkey isn’t usually seen as a country that actively seeks a foreign workforce.
However, you can find many international companies that are looking for skilled employees.
If you’re heading to Turkey, you might actually be surprised by the salary you can earn there as an expat. You can earn a salary of £220,000 (R4.3 million).
Australia
Australia is a common place for expats to seek work, and that’s partly due to the high potential salaries of up to £216,000 (R4.2 million) per year.
You can expect to pay a high amount of tax, however.
Independently sourcing work will get you an average of £38,000 (R746,000) as a service professional and £51,500 (R1 million) in a management role.
The high living standards and great lifestyle mean Australia is a great place to go as an expat.
Canada
Skilled professionals who move to Canada as expats can earn between £57,000 (R1.1 million) and £95,000 (R1.7 million) a year.
On average, a project manager earns £46,000 (R900,000), while a senior finance manager could earn as much as £82,000 (R1.6 million).
France
A company relocating you to France can potentially get you a middle leader package of up to £184,000 (R3.6 million) a year.
Even without an expat package, you can earn £29,000 (R570,000) as a service professional and up to £184,000 (R3.6 million) in management.
USA
Expats can get fantastic benefits packages in the USA and can earn as much as £208,000 (R4 million) as a high-ranking professional.
Without an expat package, you can earn £45,000 (R883,000) as a service professional or an average of £283,000 (R5.6 million) as a management.
Switzerland
In Switzerland, your average expat package is around £204,000 (R4 million) a year. Service professionals can get £69,000 (R1.4 million), and management can get £320,000 (R6.3 million).
Of course, you need to consider the higher cost of living, but these salaries will certainly cover that and more.
Saudi Arabia
Last but not least, Saudi Arabia is among the top ten countries with the highest expat salaries. Being a tax-free country means everything you earn is yours to keep.
In terms of average salaries, an HR manager could earn £50,000 (R982,000), and a CEO could earn £121,000 (R2.4 million).
Read: This European island is on the hunt for more South Africans
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