Computer Science Salary in South Africa

Computer science is a growing field, which is why fresh and aspiring graduates are attracted to the profession. Aside from it being a flexible field, it has numerous monetary benefits and improvement scope.

Occupation:	Software Developer, Web Designer, ComputerSystem Analyst, Computer Scientist, Computer and Information Researcher, Computer Architect, Information Security Analyst, Computer Science Professor
Monthly Salary Range:	R 20000 – R 720000
Average Monthly Salary:	R 370000
Description:	Computer scientists are responsible for designing, developing, and analyzing software and hardware. Their main job is to solve business, social context, and scientific problems regarding the use of computers.
Minimum Qualification:	The majority of employers require employees to have a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or similar disciplines like Software Engineering, Computer Security, Data Science, Information Technology, Computer Forensics, etc.

If you are interested in studying computer science and knowing more about its career prospects in the market, here is a complete guide on the salary of a computer scientist. So, dive right in to know more.

Computer Science Salary Overview

As per the National Bureau of Statistics, a computer scientist earns anywhere between R20,000 and R720,000 on a monthly basis. On average, half of the workforce earns around R32,500, which makes it anywhere around R390,000 on a yearly basis and R200 per hour. However, this amount is not legally mandated and can be increased up to R8,60,000 per year based on your skill set, expertise, age, and position in a company.

If we further break it down and include regular deductions, a computer scientist will earn approximately R17,498 on a monthly basis after basic tax deductions. Within the basic pay scale, the tax rate is around 14%, which means you have to pay R2879 each month. For instance, if you make R240,00 each year, the tax will be around R30,020, and your net pay will be R209,980.

Extras

Apart from the basic salary and pay structure, computer scientists receive several fringe benefits like housing, medical allowance, and transport based on the company they are working with. Here is all you need to know about the extra earnings of computer scientists based in South Africa.

• As per the National Bureau of Labor Statistics, 59% of the surveyed staff receive bonuses with their annual salary. These bonuses are based on individual performance, team performance, company performance, and holiday bonuses.
• These bonuses range from 2 to 7% of their original annual salary.
• Some private companies also offer increments at the end of each year.
• You may receive fringe benefits like medical allowance, traveling insurance, and rent allowance.

Salary Structure

Though there is no apparent reporting hierarchy between the positions, most of it is determined by age, expertise, and skill set. Aside from this, what you are doing in the position also matters a lot in deciding your salary. Here is an expected average salary on the basis of occupation.

• Computer Science Associate Professor: An average computer computer science associate professor has an estimated salary of R150,000 on a yearly basis.
• Computer Science Engineer: An average computer science engineer earns between R240,000 and R8,640,000 on a yearly basis.
• Software Engineer: An average software engineer based in South Africa earns around R564,000 per year.

Apart from this, let us discuss the pay scale of computer science professors according to the NBL National Bureau of Labor Statistics.

• Around 65% of the professionals in the field earn between R26,900 and R39,000 on a monthly basis.
• About 20% of the workforce in computer science earns around R26,900 per month.
• Almost 10% of the computer science professors currently working earn between R39,000 and R4,600 on a monthly basis.
• Only 5% of the professionals in the field earn above R44,600 per month.

Responsibilities of a Computer Scientist

A computer scientist designs, analyzes, and develops the hardware and software in a way that solves a problem. These professionals are based in industries like businesses, healthcare, scientific, and social contexts to solve computer-related problems. Here are some responsibilities and duties a computer scientist is required to perform.

• Creating and revising complicated computer algorithms
• Developing theories and practical models to solve problems
• Conducting experiments to test the credibility of new theories
• Upgrading computer programs and designing new software
• Refining hardware and software to improve the system’s efficiency
• Presenting new theories to the scientific theories

FAQs

What is the median salary of computer scientists in South Africa?

Approximately half of the staff earns around R390,000 in the computer science profession in South Africa.

Is working as a computer science professor worth it?

Yes, computer science is a growing field and has immense scope for fresh graduates. According to DevSkill reporter, there is a 29% increase in data science computer-related hirings, which is incredible, even for a growing field.

Do you need a degree in computer science to practice in the field?

Yes, most employers require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree or associate degree in computer science from employees.

What is the highest salary of a computer scientist in South Africa?

Typically, an experienced computer scientist based in South Africa earns anywhere around R8,640,000 on a yearly basis.

What is the lowest salary of a computer scientist in South Africa?

On average, an entry-level computer scientist working in South Africa has an estimated salary of R240,000 per year.

Finally, computer science is a reputable and growing field in South Africa. According to DevSkill, there is an increase of above 200% in the reported hirings, attracting a lot of fresh graduates. If you are one of them, I hope this guide has helped you in getting a sneak peek of its market prospects.