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Africa Salary Hubby Kernel
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South Africa

Data engineer salary in South Africa in 2026

Gross, net, employer cost, and ranges by seniority.

Data engineer salary in South Africa in 2026

A senior Data engineer in South Africa earns a median of 134,200 ZAR gross monthly, around 6,761 €. Total employer cost is roughly 6,896 € monthly, including employer contributions. Levels range from junior to senior per the grid below.

Salaries by seniority in South Africa

SeniorityMedian gross≈ EURp10p90
Junior43,100 ZAR2,171 €30,700 ZAR59,400 ZAR
Mid-level74,800 ZAR3,768 €57,500 ZAR100,600 ZAR
Senior134,200 ZAR6,761 €100,600 ZAR177,300 ZAR

Indicative EUR conversion using the rate dated 2026-05-07. Use the calculator for a complete net pay and contributions simulation.

How to read Data engineer salaries in South Africa

The median divides observed pay into two equal groups. The p10 and p90 percentiles show a market range that is more useful than a single average.

In the available references, monthly gross pay runs from 43,100 ZAR at junior level to 134,200 ZAR at senior level.

Net salary then depends on employee contributions, taxable income and individual circumstances. Employer cost adds employer contributions to gross salary.

See contributions, taxes and employment rules in South Africa

The role of Data engineer in South Africa shows a median monthly gross salary of 134,200 ZAR (~6,761 €). This figure is calculated from n/a Kernel observations, cross-referenced with public sources on local taxation.

For a foreign employer, total loaded cost for a senior reaches approximately 6,896 € per month, including estimated employer contributions under the active country parameters.

Below you'll find the breakdown by seniority (junior, mid-level, senior), p10 and p90 percentiles, and a comparison with a reference country to quickly situate the market.

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Methodology & sources·All figures are indicative.