Fitter and Turner Salary in South Africa

In manufacturing and engineering, fitters and turners are the most skilled professionals responsible for smoother operations by fabricating industrial tools and components. These skilled artisans are the backbone of South African industry as they maintain, repair, and assemble machinery. However, those who are considering this field as a career must understand the financial potential of this field.

Occupation:	Fitters and Turners
Monthly Salary Range:	R 14400 – R 34300
Average Monthly Salary:	R 42855
Description:	Fitters and turners are highly skilled professionals responsible for assembling, repairing, and maintaining machinery and precision instruments. Moreover, they play a crucial role in the manufacturing and engineering industries by ensuring the smooth operation of machinery.
Minimum Qualification:	To become a Fitter and Turner in South Africa, the minimum requirement is a Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade, which is obtained through an apprenticeship.

In South Africa, fitters and turners earn an average gross salary of R25,000 per month, R300,003 per year, and R154 per hour. However, it mainly depends on the experience, skills, and job location, and depending on these factors, you might earn more or less than the average salary. So, let’s dig into the salaries of fitters and turners in South Africa and the factors that influence them.

Overview: Fitters and Turners Salary

A fitter and turner in South Africa typically earns around R 19,058 per month as a mid-level wage. Entry-level apprentices or beginners usually earn around R 10,400 per month, while experienced or specialized fitters can earn up to R 34,330 per month, depending on skills, experience, and employer.

Fitters and turners are highly valued in manufacturing and industrial sectors because they ensure smooth machinery operations and maintain precision in production processes. Their salary reflects the skill and responsibility required in this profession.

Salary Structure by Experience

Experience / Level	Approximate Monthly Salary (R)
Entry / Apprentice / Early Career	10,400 – 14,000
Mid-Level / Skilled Fitter & Turner	18,000 – 22,000
Experienced / Senior Fitter & Turner	22,000 – 28,000
Specialized / High-Demand or Senior Roles	28,000 – 34,330

Salaries vary depending on employer, workload, and specialization.

Factors Affecting Salary

• Experience and Skill Level: More experienced fitters earn higher salaries.
• Employer and Sector: Large industrial firms and specialized factories offer higher pay.
• Type of Work: Precision, maintenance of heavy machinery, or shift work can increase earnings.
• Location: Industrial regions and high-demand cities often pay more than rural areas.

Responsibilities of Fitters and Turners

Fitters and Turners are trained professionals in the field of manufacturing and engineering, with a wide range of responsibilities to ensure the smooth operation of machinery and equipment. Their primary role generally involves the setting up of machinery to enable the manufacture of engineering products and the repair or replacement of components. Moreover, they are also in charge of installing and planting machinery and construction work.

One of their responsibilities is to interpret technical drawings and blueprints, which work as essential guides for their work. They use their skills to assemble and disassemble machinery and guarantee that all the components fit perfectly so they function without error. Moreover, they are also trained to operate different machine tools, like lathes, milling machines, and grinders, to shape the components.

What is the hourly wage of fitters and turners in South Africa?

Fitters and turners make a base hourly income of R154 per hour.