Mechanical Engineering Salary in South Africa

A higher level of development in the country means that there is a high scope for mechanical engineers in South Africa. The field becomes more attractive for the younger generation when they find out the salary range.

Occupation:	Mechanical Engineering
Monthly Salary Range:	R 16000 – R 65000
Average Monthly Salary:	R 258166.5
Description:	They are responsible for developing and maintaining mechanical systems and devices.
Minimum Qualification:	The minimum level of education required to become a mechanical engineer in South Africa is Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering.

On average, the median salary of a mechanical engineer in the country is R45,000 per month. However, this amount can easily go up with a number of factors. Read the article below to find out a brief overview of mechanical engineer salaries in South Africa.

Overview of Mechanical Engineering Salary

Entry-level mechanical engineers often start on the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced or senior engineers — especially those in specialized industries — earn significantly more. The typical distribution is:

• Entry-level / Junior: R16,000 – R25,000 per month
• Mid-level: R30,000 – R45,000 per month
• Experienced / Senior: R50,000 – R65,900 per month

A typical mechanical engineer earns around R29,100 per month (~R349,700 annually).

Salary Structure by Experience

Level / Years of Experience	Typical Monthly Salary (ZAR)	Typical Annual Salary (ZAR)
Entry-level (0–2 years)	16,000 – 25,000	192,000 – 300,000
2–5 years	25,000 – 35,000	300,000 – 420,000
5–10 years	35,000 – 45,000	420,000 – 540,000
10–15 years	45,000 – 55,000	540,000 – 660,000
15–20 years	50,000 – 60,000	600,000 – 720,000
20+ years / Senior roles	55,000 – 65,900+	660,000 – 790,000+

Variation by Sector and Industry

Mechanical engineers in specialized sectors — such as mining, energy, heavy manufacturing, or engineering consultancy — earn higher salaries. Senior engineers in these fields often reach the top of the salary range.

Responsibilities of Mechanical Engineers

• Designing, developing, and testing mechanical systems, machinery, and devices.
• Supervising manufacturing or maintenance operations and ensuring compliance with safety standards.
• Troubleshooting engineering problems and improving system performance.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver projects.
• In senior roles: managing projects, leading teams, and supervising engineering departments.

FAQs

What is the typical salary for a mechanical engineer in South Africa?

• Entry-level: R16,000 – R25,000 per month
• Average: R29,000 – R35,000 per month
• Senior / specialized: R50,000 – R65,900+ per month

Does experience impact salary significantly?
Yes, salary increases noticeably with experience. Engineers with 5–10 years earn more than entry-level, and senior engineers command the highest pay.

Which industries pay best for mechanical engineers?
Mining, power generation, heavy manufacturing, and energy sectors offer the highest salaries.

Is mechanical engineering a good career choice in South Africa?
Yes, the demand for skilled mechanical engineers is strong, especially in industrial, infrastructure, and energy sectors, making it a promising and stable field.