Accountant salary in South Africa
Gross annual earnings — 2024 · Africa · Source: ILO / Life Indexed estimate
Accountant salary in South Africa over time
Accountant salary — Africa comparison
How South Africa compares to other Africa countries
| Country | Average salary (2024) | vs South Africa |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa | ZAR 338,400/yr | — |
| Tanzania | TZS 18,144,000/yr | local currency |
| Nigeria | NGN 13,050,000/yr | local currency |
| Kenya | KES 1,404,000/yr | local currency |
| Egypt | EGP 576,000/yr | local currency |
| Ethiopia | ETB 336,000/yr | local currency |
| Ghana | GHS 165,000/yr | local currency |
| Morocco | MAD 153,000/yr | local currency |
Accountant salary worldwide
Frequently asked questions about Accountant salaries in South Africa
What is the average Accountant salary in South Africa in 2024?
The average accountant salary in South Africa in 2024 is ZAR 338,400 per year (ZAR 28,200 per month, or ZAR 6,508 per week). This figure represents gross annual earnings before income tax and social contributions. Source: ILO / Life Indexed estimate.
What is the salary range for a Accountant in South Africa?
Accountants in South Africa earn between ZAR 220,000 and ZAR 490,700 per year in 2024. The spread reflects differences in experience level, employer size, sector (public vs private), and geographic location within the country.
How much does a Accountant earn per month in South Africa?
A accountant in South Africa earns approximately ZAR 28,200 per month (gross) in 2024, based on an annual average of ZAR 338,400. Monthly take-home pay will be lower after income tax and social security deductions, which vary by individual circumstances and applicable tax brackets in South Africa.
What is the entry-level Accountant salary in South Africa?
Entry-level accountants in South Africa typically earn between ZAR 220,000 and ZAR 287,600 per year in 2024. Salaries at the junior level are generally 15–35% below the national average, increasing with professional certifications, years of experience, and specialisation.
Is the Accountant salary in South Africa increasing?
Yes. Based on available data, Accountant salaries in South Africa have grown by approximately 19% between 2022 and 2026, reflecting ongoing demand and wage growth trends.
Is ZAR 338,400 a good salary for a Accountant in South Africa?
Whether ZAR 338,400 per year is a good accountant salary in South Africa depends on cost of living, location, and career stage. This figure represents the 2024 national average — earners above this level are in the upper half of the pay distribution for this occupation. Factors that influence individual compensation include employer type (multinational vs. local), city (capital cities typically pay 10–25% more), qualifications, and years of experience.
How does the Accountant salary in South Africa compare to other Africa countries?
South Africa's accountant salary of ZAR 338,400/yr (among comparable economies) is higher than 3 countries and lower than 4 countries in the Africa region as of 2024. Differences across countries reflect purchasing power, labour market conditions, cost of living, and local demand for this role.