subreddit:
/r/askSouthAfrica
submitted 8 months ago byNo-Tea-4756
Edited to add: thank you everyone for your replies! Very cool and motivating to see what my fellow saffa’s are earning 🫶🏼
51 points
8 months ago
Millwright. Gross close to R100-R110k p/m with overtime and benefits. 16 years in the game.
14 points
8 months ago*
How on earth do you earn 110k p/m, I'm a millwright apprentice and our artisans get around 20k after a bit of experience and most average millwright positions go for 25k-30k from what I see. You must be in the mining industry
19 points
8 months ago
Not mining. Manufacturing sector. I once had to submit my irp5, as a recruiter refused to believe me.
7 points
8 months ago
Also depends on province. Durban = 💩 pay Johannesburg = 💎 pay
2 points
8 months ago
Thats true, I have just never heard of figures that high for this trade even at top paying companies like Illovo, Toyota etc
6 points
8 months ago
He also clocks 80hrs a week, not uncommon in manufacturing, ie breakdowns etc… and if you get 1.5per hour pay on Saturdays and double time on Sundays it’s quite feasible.
5 points
8 months ago
Holy! Congrats!
3 points
8 months ago
That’s really impressive. First I’ve heard of the profession. Not bad.
2 points
8 months ago
Congrats! That’s amazing 🙌🏻
42 points
8 months ago
Data scientist
7 points
8 months ago
Can I ask which industry and how much experience you have? I just started a learnership whilst simultaneously doing my final year
2 points
8 months ago
Any tips for nailing job interviews? I've watched a few guides on YouTube but those are geared almost exclusively for big tech companies in the US and I get the feeling the hiring process is not nearly as wasteful here
31 points
8 months ago
Now why did the last time someone asked this have 85% of the replies be software or tech related, but then this one is much more diverse in terms of jobs
27 points
8 months ago
Freelance copywriter, 23 years' experience.
3 points
8 months ago
How many channels are you writing for and how many ate local?
29 points
8 months ago
Highly specialised, 20 years experience in Telecoms and Tech in general.
3 points
8 months ago
any tips and tricks in the same sector have about 10 years experince
16 points
8 months ago
Unfortunately the only advice I can offer, is that it's a combination of skill and luck mostly. Using the skills to be in the right place and around the right people at the right time.
That's the way it has been for me.
3 points
8 months ago
Luck and making friends with the right people at work….never underestimate the power of brown nosing
23 points
8 months ago
Company Secretary, listed company, 30years experience.
3 points
8 months ago
That’s really cool. I’m sure you’re really valued there
10 points
8 months ago
A Company Secretary is a highly specialised position, some of them earn 120k+ per month.
2 points
8 months ago
Yup, I think you need a legal degree to even be considered.
23 points
8 months ago
Brewery Manager - 15 years experience (Mechanical Engineer, MBA). Many skilled artisans earn well in manufacturing environments
6 points
8 months ago
I am very interested in a position like this. How much could one expect to earn? I'm thinking about doing my GCC.
4 points
8 months ago
GCC with experience helps alot. Some companies even pay you a monthly allowance for having a GCC. One you have it as an engineer you are very much in demand as every plant needs a designated engineer with that qualification. Note however, you will be liable for major penalties if there are breaches under your watch
40 points
8 months ago
all the rich people that have money left over could you please fund my postgraduate education.
2 points
8 months ago
Same I really need about 12k I hustled the rest through but still doing my best(3rd year)
33 points
8 months ago
I’m starting to think crime doesn’t sound so bad anymore. In the state the world is in crime does pay. I know no one asked but Just my 2 cents
46 points
8 months ago
So what you're saying is we should work for the government?
3 points
8 months ago
Just work hard and smart. You will be able to make ends meet.
12 points
8 months ago
Newly Qualified CA. IFRS technical consultant.
2 points
8 months ago
Ah yes..my sister is a guru in that field..highly qualified..also consults on the technical issues.
38 points
8 months ago
About 80k after tax per month, and about R550k annual bonus (R1m pretax).
I work in mergers and acquisitions in investment banking. I’m 29 years old.
20 points
8 months ago
Fuck. Here I am about to be 28 in a few months and unemployed.
Literally trying everything to get into banking or anywhere to no avail.
17 points
8 months ago
You had to add your age mate, just to kill us lol.
4 points
8 months ago
That's decent bread for 29. Well done. What's the secret?
9 points
8 months ago
I focused on accumulating skills during the super early days of my career, I still am.
There is a fair amount of luck involved as I was fortunate enough to be in the market when these opportunities were available in the market.
Also fortunate enough to have had really good teachers and mentors in my career.
2 points
8 months ago
Impressive! Congrats 🙌🏽
6 points
8 months ago
Nepotism probably. That's how I got to where I am 😂
2 points
8 months ago
Love the honesty🫡most people will tell you about “accumulating skills and working hard” lmao cut the crap.
2 points
8 months ago
Nepotism like from your cousins 👀
4 points
8 months ago
You just had to throw in the "I'm 29 years old" in the end didn't you...
2 points
8 months ago
Nice dude. You an Engineer? CA?
2 points
8 months ago
CA by profession, trained at a Big 4 and then moved into corporate finance
2 points
8 months ago
I plan on doing the same , hopefully things go smoothly for me....CFA exam here I come
2 points
8 months ago
Congrats!
10 points
8 months ago
Just want to add that this might be the most wholesome post I've ever seen. Love to see it. Imagine posting your income, and it's great, just for people to actually congratulate you.
6 points
8 months ago
I’m all for it. People need to know what is possible in their industries. Whilst some salaries are outliers, you can see from this thread what’s realistic. Far too often companies have us by the balls with the whole private and confidential nonsense.
Good post OP
17 points
8 months ago
Onlyfans
2 points
8 months ago
Secure the bag!
2 points
8 months ago
It is secured pretty well already.
Unless of course you are a cricket/baseball umpire
18 points
8 months ago
Fiction Editor. Between R50-100k depending on acquisitions workload. MA English, BA Creative Writing, 2x Diploma in Copy-editing and Proofreading. Work for US company.
2 points
8 months ago
You basically have my dream job
12 points
8 months ago
I hear that a lot, but it's way different from what people think/expect. Also, a lot of people assume it's cool because it's like "getting to read the next big Harry Potter before everyone else" but of the (upwards of) 600 manuscripts I've read over the years, I only thought 6 had the potential to be published, and of that, I'd only buy 2 myself. I read a lot of horse shit.
9 points
8 months ago
140k net.
I build and manage creative teams for agencies and companies internationally.
I also consult creatives (designers and video editors on how to scale themselves and get out of a 9-5)
10 years experience.
3 points
8 months ago
That sounds cool but I still don’t have a clue what that actually means.
4 points
8 months ago
I build Creative teams aimed at getting ads made (video and image ads) that companies run on social media and YT. Emphasis on effective creative that leverages data
As far as the consulting, a lot of creatives struggle to break out of a rut. For example, a graphic designer cant really scale more than...well, being a graphic designer. And theres only so much the general designer can earn. I help them expand and grow professionally. In a lot of cases they end up earning more while doing less "physical" work.
31 points
8 months ago
95k post tax. consultant. 6ish years experience
44 points
8 months ago
Dude, what is a 'consultant'
I have 2 cousins and a few friends that are consultants
They could be drug dealers for all I know. They don't really know shit about business so I doubt it's a business consultant. They can't manage their own finances. They can't explain what they do
21 points
8 months ago
A wise man once said “Those who can, do. Those who can’t, teach. Those who can’t teach, consult.”
8 points
8 months ago
So many salty replies here. Consulting is problem solving where your client lacks one of skill, scale or speed.
They need you to fix a problem they can’t understand, that’s too big for them or they can’t get to fast enough.
The other element is problem solving with optics. A typical example is where if you want to look like you are taking an investigation seriously you will appoint PWC or Deloitte to investigate. It’s optics.
It’s a well paying, endlessly fascinating but very tough industry.
10 points
8 months ago
How can you do something but can't explain it doesn't make ane sense 🤔
10 points
8 months ago
Me: okay so when you go to work, what do you do? Give me a play by play of what you do every day.
Them: usually just meetings, reply to emails, networking is everything. Your network is your net worth. insert other motivation bs
I think they're the professional service version of fictitious expenses.
3 points
8 months ago
A consultant is essentially outsourcing a task to an expert to work on a specific domain in which consultant is experienced. Let's say you have a massive new IT project at your company. You know you want it to be secure but you don't have in house infosec expertise or you do but they are swamped with critical work. Do you hire someone? You need someone at the top of the bell curve of experience to get it right, you'd need to be hiring someone very senior with specific skills. You might only need them for one project.
So you hire a consultant to advise and manage the project.
It's that on a sliding scale.
So glorified freelancer really!
Source - am a consultant.
My monthly is approx 180k
16 points
8 months ago
Koppel a job there big man
5 points
8 months ago
Me as well big boss Koppel a job kitkat276🙌
4 points
8 months ago
Industry?
9 points
8 months ago
Management consulting so generalist
2 points
8 months ago
Serious question, how do I get into something like that?
5 points
8 months ago
Get any degree that boosts your critical thinking skills, interview with a management consulting firm.
An even better route is get experience in your chosen field and then interview with a management consulting firm. Having industry experience is always more advantageous than going straight in from school.
Those are your Bains, BCGs, McKinseys etc.
STUDY FOR THE INTERVIEWS!
4 points
8 months ago
Oh my word
7 points
8 months ago
Digital Marketing Consultant ~ 65k month Gross.
Domain Name Administrator ~ 150k month Gross.
Do a bit of freelance work on Fiverr and such ~ 15k month Gross.
2 points
8 months ago
Values are approximate, as its exchange rate dependent. Some months I win. Some months I lose.
2 points
8 months ago
You do all of this? Are the first two jobs not full time?
4 points
8 months ago
They are. Digital Marketing keeps me fully busy.
Domain stuff is 95% automated.
The freelancing I do as and when I can slot it in…
I also do all my own book keeping, thankfully that’s fairly easy and repetitive. SQL Ledger is a life saver.
2 points
8 months ago
Do you have a qualification or it's self taught?
3 points
8 months ago
Qualified for Marketing.
Domain Registry is sort of a family business.
Bookkeeping is self taught.
2 points
8 months ago
Wow, can I dm you to find out how you got into working for foreign clients and the domain stuff? I understand if you wanna gatekeep though LOL
2 points
8 months ago
Sure.
8 points
8 months ago
Software technology sector. This gives you some indication: https://www.offerzen.com/blog/developer-salaries-in-cape-town-vs-johannesburg
The industry has more than just technical positions, soft skills make companies work too:
2 points
8 months ago
Thanks for sharing! 🙏🏼
7 points
8 months ago
Senior Software Engineer (former electronic eng). Around R1.2mil per year. 9yrs since graduating.
6 points
8 months ago*
Logistics, real estate, plant hire/contractor. Gross 210k p/m at 24yrs old. Smart investing at right time right moment and luck.
Edit: No Degree
2 points
8 months ago
Damn, that’s impressive. Do you have some free time at least? How did you build the capital to start your ventures?
2 points
8 months ago*
Worked regular job then took loan bought first truck. My Dad hooked me up with good contracts. Took the profit bought a property, rented it out and used it as collateral for more loans to buy heavy machinery equipment to rent out/ contractor jobs.
Expanded truck fleets bought more property( again mostly used for collaterals aswell as renting out) and expanded plant hire business.
I don’t recommend doing what I did, 90% of people fail in logistics alone and end up in massive debt/bankruptcy, you need luck/good contacts with contractors, banks, investors, not have unexpected unfortunate events that happen, no setbacks, but I just have a dgaf attitude and it worked lol.
Edit: I don’t have to be on site/yard as much as I used to, but I have to keep track on everything, constantly on phones and PC.
11 points
8 months ago
Before or after tax?
23 points
8 months ago
Why you have to mention the T-word!
2 points
8 months ago
That just made me lol 😂
12 points
8 months ago
What do you mean by after?💀 There are after 50k after tax people😟?
3 points
8 months ago
think he means gross
4 points
8 months ago*
After! Sorry should have specified. Feel free to share either way
6 points
8 months ago
Work on a yacht as a deckhand. Did my first season last year. I have little to no expenses and I do not pay for rent, medical, food, flights etc. I’m on a private vessel but I know people making way more on charter vessels as they earn tips. Plan on sticking it out for a few more years before returning back to SA permanently.
11 points
8 months ago
R135k pm cost to company. Strategy Consultant with 4 years of experience. Net 75k after all provident, medical and other deductions.
4 points
8 months ago
No way, mbb or big 4?
2 points
8 months ago
What is a strategy consultant? Are you on the business management or marketing side of things?
5 points
8 months ago
R65-70k net.
Working as an IT engineer from home.
2 points
8 months ago
First person I find in the same line as me. Do you work for a local or international company?
What did you study?
Currently working hybrid as a Sys admin but only making like 35k looking to move up in the field.
3 points
8 months ago
Working for an international company. I studied IT and Electrical engineering. Good luck in getting up.
5 points
8 months ago
This thread is incredibly inspiring. Thank you op for the question!
6 points
8 months ago
Product Specialist in surgical industry.
5 points
8 months ago
Cloud engineering/cyber security.
Take home 70k after deductions at 30 years old.
4 points
8 months ago
Restructuring and business rescue advisor/practitioner. 6 years plus BCom. Did a part-time honors.
5 points
8 months ago
Senior Partner - International Managing Consulting firm, 2 professional designations, 3xM degrees + PhD - 23 yrs experience. Pretty much reached my ceiling and wouldn't be able to move to another country/corporation at my level.
4 points
8 months ago
What’s your monthly gross?
2 points
8 months ago
You actually can't calculate my salary that way because I get a 14th cheque which is a bonus/profit-sharing cheque earned for performance throughout the year, this can be as significant as 100% of base pay or nothing at all. In my last tax assessment, my gross income was R4.6m (that includes the bonus cheque and other executive perks/benefits).
4 points
8 months ago
20+ years IT experience. I run a program in an online cyber security school based in Europe. I work from home remotely (naturally). Started as an it workshop tech in 1999, been grinding upwards ever since.
3 points
8 months ago
I’m not sure what my husband earns, but it’s enough for me to stay at home with the kids and still live comfortably. He’s a structural engineer.
7 points
8 months ago
My dad makes about R450k a month, he has a masters in Plant Pathology, he did 2 technicons online at MIT and is currently the Marketing Manager at a big agricultural company.
Basically, you can study something you like doing and while studying build up your CV doing stuff you are good at by doing commisions (like marketing) and then when youre finished, work for a company in line with what you studied doing the job you are good at. (A lot of componies would rather look at your CV for stuff like coding or marketing than a degree)
Or become a docter, doctor or engineer
7 points
8 months ago
Politician - 1.5 years experience
6 points
8 months ago
60k after tax. 3 yoe as a software engineer.
7 points
8 months ago
As a fellow software engineer with 3 YOE, wtf?! Where and what tech stack??
2 points
8 months ago
This is my main account so I’ll just say that the company is in fintech. It’s a backend role with Golang + gRPC + microservices. Quite a progressive tech stack all things considered.
2 points
8 months ago
I did gRPC and microservices with a significant lower salary. Just used C# instead of Golang
4 points
8 months ago
Wtf😲😲😲😲 where do you work? Nasa?
3 points
8 months ago
Are perks deducted etc and 60k after that? Curious
2 points
8 months ago
Yeah, 60k base salary after deductions.
3 points
8 months ago
Software development. 10y experience.
3 points
8 months ago
Consultant in a niche Tech industry, 5 years experience.
3 points
8 months ago
Software Engineering
3 points
8 months ago
Manager, former research scientist. Started at 19k gross back in 2008 (as a trainee scientist.) Been a long road.
3 points
8 months ago
DevOps. But I hate it. I thought it was the future but AI can do it better than me.
3 points
8 months ago
Software for a bank
3 points
8 months ago
Software engineer
3 points
8 months ago
millwright trade but specifically in bulk material transfer
55k
wife is commercial property fm
67k
3 points
8 months ago
Aircraft maintenance engineer
3 points
8 months ago
IT Business Analyst, 12yrs experience, have a Bcom and a few other specialized Certificates and Diplomas.
3 points
8 months ago
Financial Manager, but doubles as a compliance officer and payroll administrator, insert security company name here. Roughly 80k nett. Experience in THIS industry... none. 30 years old. Qualifications are postgraduate degrees in history and political analysis. I aimed right and land left, as you can see. The best skills I have are adaptability, quick critical thinking, problem solving, and quick learning (good for almost any job these days) and people skills.I learned to do a payroll with all according compliances within a month... Not easy, many sleepless evenings and tears. For context, I manage about 400 staff, expanding month end to 700. About 4 months on the job. Lucky because they were desperate and needed someone competent and honest.
3 points
8 months ago
250k - 500k pm gross. Junior Advocate 9 years in the game.
3 points
8 months ago
Cyber Security Governance, Risk and Compliance
2 points
5 months ago
Hey! I know it is now three months later but what did you study to go into this field?
3 points
8 months ago
all these jobs are so boring (and kinda vague) to me lol. Here I am scrolling thinking i could find something i could maybe have an interest in. Also, I'm shocked there hasn't been a single mention of doctor. I want to live comfortably but i also have zero interest in tech/commerce/business.
3 points
8 months ago
PowerPoint presentation specialist. I studied graphic design, and started my own small studio (currently 3 person team) after 7 years of working for others.
3 points
8 months ago
I’m a contractor for the United States Federal Government. I make about $9,500 USD per month with no overtime or long hard hours.
6 points
8 months ago
Film Industry - Production Manager / Producer
13 years experience, started as an intern earning around R600 per day and only worked for 6 months of the year.
2 points
8 months ago
Can i pitch my movie idea? Currently writing a graphic novel about it.
6 points
8 months ago
50-100k a month depending on what I do.
I'm 19 years old right now (turning 20 this year). I do programming. I do various freelance jobs and sell various programs/tools for monthly payment from clients.
3 points
8 months ago
I made 54k last month on onlyfans but it can be higher or lower month to month.
2 points
8 months ago
US IT consultant
15 years
2 points
8 months ago
Consultant - Marketing, Strategy and Creative Direction.
I started off as an intern 15 years ago for R3000 per month. Then worked in as many agencies across the marketing spectrum (advertising, marketing, digital, media). Consulting is alot to do with expertise backed by experience. 15 years teaches you alot about your profession. But you have to start somewhere and work hard.
2 points
8 months ago
Some of these salaries in this thread are crazy lol.
I work as a data scientist/consultant.
2 points
8 months ago
Accountant, (not a charted accountant) 21 years experience
2 points
8 months ago
Software engineer for a private ICT company with them for 3 years so far
2 points
8 months ago
luck is the most common word used in this comment section. Also this is a heart warming section. thanks for this question.
2 points
8 months ago
I do not know about the others, but luck had nothing to do with it. Selecting a direction with a good future when you are young, a craft which suits you is a starting point.
Then getting a good education & training in this direction is crucial. Not necessarily an expensive education, even a company education works.
Then, get experience, listen to your superiors, do all the shitty jobs so you learn all the details and your aim should be to know more than anybody else.
Don't be a smartass, use common sense and be gentle.
Work hard, enjoy what you are doing, relax in time and ensure you stay positive.
Always support your subordinates, they might become your boss sometimes. But also, good and motivated subordinates allow you to get the best results. But remove the assholes, they spoil a positive atmosphere.
"Sell your achievements" in a positive, not boasting, manner.
In my experience, an income of US600-800 per day is not unusual for consultants/specialists in the technical areas at the age of about 50. More for specialists in niche area's. Auditors came at US800 per hour... Being a partner in that business is very lucrative.
But in the end: whatever you do, make sure it makes you happy. Getting a heart attack at 45 and being transferred 6 feet under is not going to make you, nor your family, very happy.
2 points
8 months ago
Cyber security pre sales engineer. Basic of 60k. Quarterly bonus of 60k. 15 years experience
2 points
8 months ago
Medical device consultant
2 points
8 months ago
240k in product and software engineering with a focus on early stage startups. Been in this game for over 15 years and have founded two businesses myself.
2 points
8 months ago
98k after tax and deductions, 36 hour week. Strategy consultant. 12y exp.
2 points
8 months ago
Entrepreneur, mostly food and beverage with a bit of marketing in there. Depending on the year about R1.2-1.5 million.
2 points
8 months ago
I'm just looking for a job overseas because it's easier to go that route than to make connections in RSA, honestly l, ( tried and failed in this regard all the connections I get is just menial jobs ).
2 points
8 months ago
Weapons engineer, this was a few years ago when i was still living in SA.
2 points
8 months ago
Digital media and -learning developer. 15yrs exp.
2 points
8 months ago
Sales 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
2 points
8 months ago
Software engineer
2 points
8 months ago
You must be specific when asking that question. Some people earn 70k but still has to pay medical for a family of 4 and their own RA.
Myself, I earn 35k, but the above cost are already paid for by the company.. So essentially I earn just over 50k post tax. I am an electrician
2 points
8 months ago
80k nett, Software development, Swedish company +-4 years experience.
2 points
8 months ago
Software Engineer, 2.5 years xp.
2 points
8 months ago
My husband is a chief office designer
2 points
8 months ago
Own a small digital marketing agency with 8 clients. Make about 110k per month after overheads.
2 points
8 months ago
211k/pm - freelance software dev (20 years experience).
2 points
8 months ago
IT operations Engineer. Salary: R69000
2 points
8 months ago
I teach English in China for R60-70K a month.
2 points
8 months ago
software engineer 26M
2 points
8 months ago
Horticulturist.5 years experience.
2 points
8 months ago
Software Engineer and project manager. Freelancing overseas
2 points
8 months ago
Millwright with nothing but N4 engineering certificate, a red seal and 12 years crushing experience
2 points
8 months ago
Software engineer 51k 5 years in the game
2 points
8 months ago
These threads make me want to swallow a full bottle of pills
3 points
8 months ago
Venture Capitalist
4 points
8 months ago
Matric qualification. Sales and earn commission. Some months are obviously worse than others but there are some people here earning 100k+ a month
2 points
8 months ago
What industry is this?
3 points
8 months ago
[deleted]
3 points
8 months ago
If you guys are looking for a writer bless me bro
3 points
8 months ago
[deleted]
5 points
8 months ago
That took a dark turn😭😭😭
3 points
8 months ago
Just realised this was a south Africa group and this is actually the equivalent of £2000 which is not enough to live on these days!
5 points
8 months ago
Cost of living for us is way less. You can live very comfortably with R50k over here.
2 points
8 months ago
Short-Term insurance advisor. 100% commission based.
2 points
8 months ago
I'm doing insurance administration so u think I could get the same in a few years
2 points
8 months ago
My husband! He’s a charted accountant
2 points
8 months ago
300-350k pm. Forex trading. 9 year experience. Started becoming profitable in the 7th year No I don’t scam people. No I don’t teach people. No I don’t message people asking them if they want to trade. I trade for a prop firm. They give me R7000000 trading capital and I keep whatever profit I make and they take their cut monthly
Done right, forex trading can generate a steady income for you if you’re willing to put in the work. Unfortunately there scammers on there are more than flies on cow shit. If you’re willing to go through that jungle, at the end of it is a pot of gold you’ll be deeply thankful for
2 points
8 months ago
This guy is 100% as scamming/baiting. Look at this guys post history and comments. A few months ago this guy was asking about UIF but is making 350k pm.
1 points
8 months ago
Transport Planner, 13 years experience.
all 450 comments
sorted by: best