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10 Highest Paying Jobs in South Africa

South Africa is one of the leading economies in Africa. If you are looking for a job, I will provide you with a list of some of the best paying careers in South Africa. South Africa is also endowed with many natural resources and is politically stable, creating opportunities for locals and expatriates. There are also many foreigners working here and they earn high salaries.

Most Paying Jobs in South Africa

If you are thinking of moving to work in South Africa, the following are the highest paying jobs in South Africa.

1. Specialist Doctors

Specialist doctors are the highest earning professionals in South Africa with an average salary of R1,500,000. Specialized doctors are well trained and they specialize in a particular area. Some of the common specialist doctors in South Africa are Urologists, Neurologists and Cardiologists.

If you want to become a specialist doctor, you need to be ready to work for long hours. The job is very demanding and you can expect to be called to work at any time of the day. Specialist doctors need at least 10 years of experience and study a years before qualifying.

2. Architects

Architecture is also one of the best paying jobs in South Africa with an average salary of R715,000. Architects in South Africa are highly qualified and can even work in other developed countries.

Before one becomes a fully qualified architect, one needs at least 5 years of experience. However, to become one of the best-earning architects in South Africa, you need at least 10 years of experience. There are some good universities in South Africa that train architects like the University of Cape Town.

Read also: How to start hair salon business in South Africa. 

3. Engineering

Engineering is the other highest paying job in South Africa. All Engineering professions like Software Engineering and Petroleum Engineering are highly paid. The average salary across the Engineering career is R700,000. It is worth noting that Petroleum Engineering is the highest paying profession in the Engineering career.

To become an Engineer, you need an Engineering course in a particular field. You also need at least 10 years of experience practicing in that field.

4. Pilots

The aviation sector is one of the best paying careers, not only in South Africa but across the world. The average salary of a pilot in South Africa is R695,000. To become a Pilot, you need to be highly trained and motivated. You should also be ready to fly for long hours and be away from home for long.

To become a Pilot, you need a take a course in aviation. You also need to have adequate experience before becoming a qualified pilot.

5. Actuaries

An actuary is also a highly paid career in South Africa with an average salary of R690,000. Their main work is to assess the impact of risk and uncertainty in business. They look at previous data and estimate the level of risk. They are also mandated with the task of minimizing the impact of risks to a company.

To become an actuary, you need to have a degree in Actuarial Science and pass Actuary professional examinations. You also need a lot of experience in asset management and liability management.

Read also: Highest paying companies in South Africa. 

6. Law

Law is another well paying career in South Africa with an average salary of R650,000. Law is a wide profession and one can practice as a layer, magistrate or judge. To work in any of the Law professions, you need to have a degree in Law and pass bar examinations.

To become a magistrate or a judge, you need a lot of experience. You must also meet the set standards for legal practice. You need to have a clean record and be of good morals. You need to have a good reputation with legal bodies like the Law Society of South Africa.

Read also: Best payment gateways in South Africa. 

7. IT Managers

IT Manager is also one of the most paying jobs in South Africa with an average salary of R660,000. They are responsible for planning, coordinating activities in the information systems. They are also responsible for installing and maintaining hardware and software in a company.

To become an IT manager, you need a degree in Computer Science or Information Technology. You also need a lot of experience in the field. If you have passion for computers or information technology, it is a well-paying career.

8. Management Consultants

Management Consultants is one of the best jobs in South Africa. Management consultants are tasked with helping businesses in problem-solving and decision-making processes. They also help companies find better ways of approach and take part in process analysis and strategy development. Management Consultants earn an average salary of R625,000.

To become a management consultant, you need a degree in Business Administration or Accounting. You also need at least 5 years' experience in a similar capacity.

Read also: Highest paid CEOs in South Africa.

9. Chartered Accountants

Chartered Accountants is also in the list of highest paid jobs in South Africa with an average salary of R605,000. Chartered accountants are mandated with providing financial advice and auditing company books. A chartered accountant in South Africa can work in many other countries around the world.

To become a Chartered Accountant, you need a degree in Commerce or Accounting. You also need to study at a University that is SAICA accredited. After graduating from the university, you need to write and pass the CA exam. 

10. Project Managers

Project Managers also are among the best paid jobs in South Africa. The average salary of a Project Manager in South Africa is R500,000. A Project Manager is involved in planning, executing and monitoring projects.

To become a project manager, you need to have a degree in Project Management, Finance, Organizational Management and Information Technology. You also need a PMP certificate to be allowed to practice.   

Read also: Profitable Business ideas in South Africa. 

Summary of Top Careers in South Africa

The above are some of the best careers in South Africa. South Africa being among the leading economies in Africa, there are many opportunities. There are also many natural resources like Gold, making it a wealthy country. If you re planning to work in South Africa and you are looking for the highest paying jobs, consider some of the jobs we have highlighted.

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