Computer science salary per month in South Africa (2024)
The field of computer science continues to experience significant growth in South Africa and other parts of the world. Advancements in technology and increasing digitization in various industries have led to a rise in demand for experts with skills in the field. This article highlights computer science salaries in South Africa to give employers and job seekers an overview of the expected compensation.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Computer science is a critical field with a thriving job market in need of skilled professionals. Virtually every sector of the economy, from tech giants to small startups, is in constant need of qualified computer scientists.
Do computer scientists make good money?
Computer science has numerous well-paying opportunities in different industries. The amount one earns depends on factors like location, demand, experience, education level, employer, and the specific role. With the right skills and experience, professionals in this field can command high salaries and lucrative benefits packages.
Computer science salary in South Africa per month
The average computer science salary per month in South Africa ranges between R18,000 and R33,000. PayScale estimates the monthly pay to be R18,500, Glassdoor estimates it to be R29,000 per month, and Talent.com estimates it to be R32,500 per month.
The average yearly salary ranges between R216,000 and R396,000. The highest-earning professionals in the field earn between R55,700 and R168,000 per month, while entry-level professionals earn between R5,000 and R20,000 per month.
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What does a computer scientist do?
Generally, a computer scientist creates solutions related to computer programs, according to Coursera. Their key responsibilities can include the following;
- Developing and designing software, hardware, and networks
- Writing new programming languages or code
- Analyzing and understanding computer algorithms
- Conducting research experiments to test new theories
- Upgrading or updating computer systems or programs
- Collaborating with other tech professionals to create new technology
Computer science jobs in South Africa
With a background in computer science, you can use these skills to work in various capacities. Common jobs include;
- Computer programmer: Their main responsibility is to write and test code for software applications.
- Cybersecurity engineers: They are responsible for protecting systems, networks, and data from cyber threats.
- Information security engineers: They implement security measures to safeguard a company’s computer systems and networks from potential breaches, unauthorized access, and threats.
- Software engineer: Their main role is to design, develop, test, and maintain software systems.
- Web developers: They design, create, test, and maintain websites.
- System analyst: Their main role is to analyze, maintain, and improve information systems within an organization.
- Data scientists: They use scientific methods, processes, algorithms, and systems to extract knowledge and insights from structured and unstructured data.
- Machine learning engineers: They specialize in creating and implementing machine learning models.
- Software architect: Their main responsibility involves making high-level software design choices and dictating technical standards like coding standards, tools, and platforms. They ensure systems are designed to meet the desired functional requirements.
- Computer systems analysts: They analyze computer systems to understand and improve a company’s computing needs.
- Information technology specialist: An IT specialist does various tasks related to computer systems and networks, such as troubleshooting, maintaining, and improving hardware and software. They also provide technical support to company staff.
- Information systems manager: They are in charge of the IT department within an organization. They oversee the planning, implementation, and maintenance of a company’s IT systems and infrastructure.
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Which is the highest-paid job in computer science?
The highest-paying jobs in the computer science field are generally information systems managers and software architects due to their level of experience. Below is a table of the various computer science job salaries in the country according to data from salary and job-dedicated sites like LinkedIn, Glassdoor, PayScale, Salary Explorer, Indeed, and Talent.com.
| Job title | Average monthly salary | Average yearly salary |
| Computer programmer | R20,000-R21,360 | R240,000-R256,320 |
| Cybersecurity engineer | R37,000-R50,000 | R444,00-R600,000 |
| Information security engineer | R35,000-R55,000 | R420,000-R660,000 |
| Software engineer | R32,000-R50,000 | R384,000-R600,000 |
| Web developer | R22,000-R38,000 | R264,000-R456,000 |
| System Analyst | R34,000-R39,000 | R408,000-R468,000 |
| Data scientist | R35,000-R60,000 | R420,000-R720,000 |
| Machine learning engineer | R36,000-R45,000 | R432,000-R540,000 |
| Software architect | R67,000-R85,000 | R804,000-R1,020,000 |
| Computer systems analyst | R33,000-R39,000 | R396,000-R468,000 |
| Information technology specialist | R27,000-R50,000 | R324,000-R600,000 |
| Information systems manager | R46,000-R133,000 | R552,000-R1,596,000 |
Is computer science in demand in South Africa?
Computer science skills are in demand in South Africa due to the increasing reliance on technology in various sectors of the economy. Developer programmers, applications programmers, computer quality assurance analysts, computer network & systems engineers, and network analysts are some of the jobs in the field listed under the Critical Skills List.
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Computer science salaries in SA have one of the most competitive remuneration packages in the country. The field offers a wide range of career paths, catering to various interests and skill sets. Whether you want to specialize in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, software development or data science, the opportunities are endless.
DISCLAIMER: This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional advice or help and should not be relied on to make decisions of any kind. Any action you take upon the information presented in this article is strictly at your own risk and responsibility!
READ ALSO: Cybersecurity salary per month in South Africa
Briefly.co.za highlighted how much cybersecurity professionals get paid in South Africa. Experts in the field are responsible for designing processes that protect computers, networks, and data from attack, damage, or unauthorized access.
Skilled cybersecurity experts are in demand as more companies seek their services to safeguard information systems and data. Check the article for more about how much they earn.
Source: Briefly News
