Electrician Salary in South Africa
If you are thinking about starting a new career and exploring your options, then the following article on the complete overview of Electrician salary will be of immense value to you. I will explain in depth what kind of responsibilities they have, what are the qualification requirements of this career path, and what kind of money you will earn working as an electrician.
| Occupation: | Electrician |
|---|---|
| Monthly Salary Range: | R 16900 – R 30,300 |
| Average Monthly Salary: | R 37880.5 |
| Description: | Electricians are responsible for building, testing, repairing, and maintaining electrical systems and components. They work in both residential and industrial areas depending upon their level of expertise and years of experience. |
| Minimum Qualification: | The qualification requirements for electricians in South Africa include passing NQF levels N1, N2, and N3 for Electrical Engineering. Other than that, you also need to obtain a Wireman’s license and get registered with the Department of Labor (DOL). |
By the end of the article, you will have enough knowledge to know whether you want to pursue this career at all. For further details, I suggest you keep reading down below.
Overview of Electrician Salary
Being an electrician in South Africa is a highly rewarding career, and you can earn a good income through this profession. Entry-level electricians earn around R 16,900 per month, while experienced industrial electricians can earn up to R 30,300 monthly.
The salary depends on experience, specialization (residential or industrial), certifications, and the employer. Electricians working in industrial settings or with additional trade certifications tend to earn higher salaries.
Salary Structure
| Experience / Role Type | Approx. Monthly Salary (ZAR) |
|---|---|
| Entry-level / Apprentice / Junior Electrician | R 9,000 – R 12,000 |
| Qualified / Standard Electrician (Residential / Light Commercial) | R 16,900 – R 20,500 |
| Industrial / Experienced / Trade-tested Electrician | R 24,000 – R 30,300 |
Responsibilities of Electricians
1. Diagnosing and Fixing Electrical Errors
The electricians are educated in finding and fixing errors and issues in even the most complex electrical circuits. They are trained and equipped with various tips and tricks in dealing with all different kinds of electrical circuits.
This is the reason why they just use a tester to inspect electrical circuits and within minutes they tell you exactly where the problem lies. And not only that they also know how to fix those bugs to restore the smooth functioning of the circuits.
2. Develop Electrical Systems
It is also the job of the electricians to develop electrical circuits in such a way that other electricians can understand their functioning. The more experienced and skilled an electrician is, the better he is at making ingenious circuits. It means that today, all the circuits that we see are the fruits of the labor of electricians.
3. Read Blueprints and Schematics
Before an electrical circuit is made, a blueprint or a schematic is designed based on which the circuit is then made. So, it is the job of an electrician to read and understand the blueprint to carry out the exact structural design and instruction in the building up of the circuit.
4. Repairing Wiring Systems
Electricians are also responsible for repairing wiring systems as well. They have a genius for knowing which wire should go where from amongst thousands of wires in gigantic and the most complex electrical circuits. Fixing these wiring issues only comes naturally to them.
5. Install Electrical Equipment
It is also the job of an electrician to install electrical equipment for you when you purchase them from the store. If you didn’t already know, let me tell you that the people who came to your house to set up the television system or the air conditioning that you just brought were all qualified electricians. They know how to safely install and test the equipment.
FAQs
What is the professional summary of an electrician?
An electrician is responsible for diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining complex electrical circuits. They install equipment and ensure compliance with safety standards.
Are electricians paid well in South Africa?
Yes, electricians are well-paid. The minimum monthly salary is around R 16,900, and the maximum can reach R 30,300.
What is the salary prospect of an electrician in South Africa?
A fresh graduate earns about R 16,900 per month, and salaries increase as skills and experience grow. Industrial and certified electricians earn the highest.
The Bottom Line
So, it is safe to say that a career as an electrician in South Africa is highly rewarding and hence absolutely worth considering. They can have various income sources including a permanent job with a company, contract-based task, or job-to-job services. Plus, the job description of an electrician is very vast as they tackle various kinds of electrical problems all at once.
Their job responsibilities include the installation of electrical equipment, repairing wiring systems, and reading blueprints and schematics of complex electrical circuits. Other than that, they are also responsible for developing electrical systems and diagnosing and fixing electrical circuits. Besides, this job pays well too with an average monthly salary of R 20,500..
Article Modified on December 5, 2025. The data in this article is written and collected by multiple authors. Learn how we research on About Us.
