South Africans out-earning Americans in their own country – with R2 million salaries

According to the latest data from the US Census Bureau, South Africans living and working in the United States are out-earning the average American.

With a median income of US$107,595 (R1.99 million) per year, South Africans in the US are among the highest-earning migrant groups, surpassing the national average household income of US$80,610 (R1.48 million).

Their success comes from their strong educational backgrounds, professional expertise, and high demand for their skills in critical industries such as healthcare, technology, engineering, and finance.

The African Diaspora Network (ADN) notes that African migrants often arrive with advanced qualifications and a strong work ethic, positioning them well for high-paying roles.

The US also has immigration policies that favour skilled workers, making it easier for them to move there.

One big reason South Africans earn so much in the US is the demand for skilled workers in sectors experiencing severe labour shortages.

The US economy is currently grappling with a pressing need for information technology, engineering, healthcare, and education professionals.

These are precisely the fields where South Africans excel, giving them an advantage in securing lucrative positions.

The IT sector is one of the fastest-growing industries in the US, with job growth projected to increase by 15% by 2032.

Jobs such as software developers, data scientists, and cybersecurity specialists are among the most in-demand, but the local workforce is struggling to meet this demand.

As a result, US companies are actively recruiting skilled foreign workers, including South Africans, who are known for their technical expertise and problem-solving abilities.

Engineering is another field experiencing a significant talent shortage, particularly in areas such as civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering.

With the US investing heavily in infrastructure upgrades and renewable energy projects, the demand for skilled engineers is at an all-time high.

Why the US is tapping South Africans

South African engineers, recognised for their innovative approaches and technical proficiency, are highly sought after and are being offered competitive salaries and relocation incentives to fill these gaps.

The healthcare sector, already strained before the COVID-19 pandemic, continues to face severe shortages, particularly in nursing and specialised medical fields.

An ageing population and the lingering effects of the pandemic have exacerbated these challenges, leading to increased demand for healthcare professionals.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 13% growth in healthcare jobs from 2022 to 2032, with a strong need for registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and physicians.

To address these shortages, the US government has streamlined visa processes for foreign healthcare workers, making it easier for professionals from countries like South Africa to secure employment and residency.

Education is another critical sector where skilled foreign workers are being actively recruited.

Rising student enrollment and teacher shortages, particularly in STEM subjects and special education, have created an urgent need for qualified educators.

School districts across the US are offering visa sponsorships, signing bonuses, and relocation assistance to attract international teachers.

South African educators, with their strong academic backgrounds and fluency in English, are increasingly filling these gaps, particularly in underserved areas where the demand for experienced teachers is especially high.

With the number of South Africans in the US increasing significantly—growing from over 75,000 to 133,359 in the past decade—it is clear that the country remains an attractive destination for skilled professionals.

The combination of high salaries, strong demand for specialised skills, and supportive immigration policies makes the US a prime choice for South Africans looking to advance their careers.

The financial rewards are substantial.

The top-paying jobs occupied by South Africans in the US include data scientists, software engineers, civil and mechanical engineers, and healthcare professionals, with annual salaries ranging from R1.3 million to R2.6 million ($70,000 to $140,000).

These figures highlight the significant economic impact and earning potential of skilled South Africans working abroad.