Data Scientist Salary in South Africa

Data science is an emerging field as more and more businesses are moving to the digital space. With an increase in demand, more IT students are planning to take on this role in big companies. Similarly, it has incredible monetary benefits and opportunities to grow.

Occupation:	Data Scientist, Data Analyst, Data Engineer, Business Analyst, Software Engineer, Data Architect, Machine Learning, Database Administrator
Monthly Salary Range:	R 24300 – R 80000
Average Monthly Salary:	R 50850
Description:	A data scientist uses data to comprehend, analyze, and explain phenomena around big data to help organizations make better and more informed decisions.
Minimum Qualification:	Bachelor’s degree in Data Science or relevant subjects (statistics, computer science, mathematics, data studies)

Want to know more about the data scientist salary in South Africa? Give this guide a quick read.

Data Scientist Salary Overview

Data scientist salaries in South Africa vary depending on experience, skill level, specialization, and employer. Entry-level data scientists can expect around R 30,000 per month. Mid-level professionals earn approximately R 43,000 – R 50,000 per month. Senior or specialized data scientists often earn between R 59,000 and R 80,000+ per month. Overall, the average monthly salary for data scientists ranges between R 45,000 and R 60,000.

Salary Structure by Experience / Role

Role / Experience Level	Approximate Monthly Salary (ZAR)
Entry-Level / Junior (0–3 years)	R 30,000
Mid-Level (3–7 years)	R 43,000 – R 50,000
Senior / Specialized / Lead	R 59,000 – R 80,000+
Highly Skilled / Expert / Manager/Architect	R 70,000 – R 100,000+

Extras / Benefits

• Higher qualifications (Master’s or certifications) and advanced technical skills can increase pay.
• Bonuses, project incentives, and performance-based rewards are common.
• Some companies provide additional benefits such as housing allowance, health insurance, and transport subsidies.

Responsibilities of a Data Scientist

A data scientist primarily deals with big data in the business, IT, and healthcare industries. Their main job is to understand and evaluate data better in a way that benefits the organization in problem-solving, customer satisfaction, and decision-making. Here are some professional responsibilities of a data scientist.

• Reading and analyzing unstructured raw and structured data from organizations’ repositories.
• Using machine learning and AI to process, clean, and improve the quality of data for analysis.
• Communicating with the stakeholders to understand their intentions and objectives from big data.
• Deployment of tools like SQL, Python, SAS, and R.
• Creating and customizing algorithms for data analysis and forecast outcomes.
• Help organizations analyze data so they can satisfy customers and make data-driven decisions.

FAQs

What is the average salary of a data scientist in South Africa?

The average salary ranges from R 45,000 to R 60,000 per month, depending on experience and specialization.

What is the highest pay for data scientists in South Africa?

Senior data scientists or specialists in high-demand industries can earn R 80,000 – R 100,000+ per month.

What is the hourly rate for a data scientist?

The hourly rate is approximately R 280 – R 300, based on a standard work month.

What qualifications do you need to become a data scientist?

A bachelor’s degree in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics, or related fields is required. Advanced degrees or certifications can boost earnings.

Data science is a growing and lucrative career in South Africa. With the right skills, experience, and education, professionals can secure high-paying roles with excellent growth potential across industries like finance, e-commerce, technology, and healthcare.