Civil Engineer salary in South Africa
Gross annual earnings — 2022 · Africa · Source: ILO / Life Indexed estimate
Civil Engineer salary in South Africa over time
Civil Engineer salary — Africa comparison
How South Africa compares to other Africa countries
| Country | Average salary (2022) | vs South Africa |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa | ZAR 363,200/yr | — |
| Tanzania | TZS 19,474,600/yr | local currency |
| Nigeria | NGN 14,007,000/yr | local currency |
| Kenya | KES 1,507,000/yr | local currency |
| Egypt | EGP 618,200/yr | local currency |
| Ethiopia | ETB 360,600/yr | local currency |
| Ghana | GHS 177,100/yr | local currency |
| Morocco | MAD 164,200/yr | local currency |
Civil Engineer salary worldwide
Frequently asked questions about Civil Engineer salaries in South Africa
What is the average Civil Engineer salary in South Africa in 2022?
The average civil engineer salary in South Africa in 2022 is ZAR 363,200 per year (ZAR 30,267 per month, or ZAR 6,985 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 Civil Engineer in South Africa?
Civil Engineers in South Africa earn between ZAR 236,100 and ZAR 526,700 per year in 2022. The spread reflects differences in experience level, employer size, sector (public vs private), and geographic location within the country.
How much does a Civil Engineer earn per month in South Africa?
A civil engineer in South Africa earns approximately ZAR 30,267 per month (gross) in 2022, based on an annual average of ZAR 363,200. 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 Civil Engineer salary in South Africa?
Entry-level civil engineers in South Africa typically earn between ZAR 236,100 and ZAR 308,700 per year in 2022. Salaries at the junior level are generally 15–35% below the national average, increasing with professional certifications, years of experience, and specialisation.
Is the Civil Engineer salary in South Africa increasing?
Yes. Based on available data, Civil Engineer salaries in South Africa have grown by approximately 19% between 2022 and 2026, reflecting ongoing demand and wage growth trends.
Is ZAR 363,200 a good salary for a Civil Engineer in South Africa?
Whether ZAR 363,200 per year is a good civil engineer salary in South Africa depends on cost of living, location, and career stage. This figure represents the 2022 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 Civil Engineer salary in South Africa compare to other Africa countries?
South Africa's civil engineer salary of ZAR 363,200/yr (among comparable economies) is higher than 3 countries and lower than 4 countries in the Africa region as of 2022. Differences across countries reflect purchasing power, labour market conditions, cost of living, and local demand for this role.