Project Manager Salary in South Africa

Project manager income varies across South Africa due to the geographic location, qualifications, years of experience, and sector. When it comes to choosing a career, salary is not the main consideration; however, it is necessary to keep yourself informed about the average and potential earnings within this field. Keep reading to find out about the minimum and maximum monthly incomes of project managers in South Africa and learn about the duties they perform.
| Occupation: | Project Manager |
|---|---|
| Monthly Salary Range: | R 20100 – R 75000 |
| Average Monthly Salary: | R 42175 |
| Description: | Project managers perform the main role of planning, organizing, executing, and supervising projects from start to finish. They are leader responsible for ensuring that their team members finish all projects within the designated time and budget. |
| Minimum Qualification: | To become a project manager in South Africa, you must have a diploma or a Bachelor’s degree in project management or other relevant disciplines, including business, engineering, information and communication technology. The cherry on top is if you have additional qualifications or certifications, including Project Management Professional (PMP), etc. Lastly, to become a certified project manager, you also need years of relevant management experience. |
In South Africa, project managers earn a median salary of approximately R41,800 per month. Entry-level project managers may start at R20,000 – R25,000 per month, while experienced project managers overseeing large or complex projects can earn R60,000 – R75,000+ per month. The salary depends on factors such as industry, experience, project size, and location.
Extras
Project managers often receive additional benefits depending on their performance and the organization they work for. These extras may include:
- Performance-based bonuses
- Incentives tied to project completion or cost savings
- Health insurance, travel allowances, and retirement plans
Salary Structure by Experience
The salary of a project manager grows with experience and responsibility. Here is a general breakdown:
| Experience Level / Role | Approximate Monthly Salary (ZAR) |
|---|---|
| Entry / Junior / Project Coordinator | R20,000 – R25,000 |
| Early-career / Standard Project Manager | R30,000 – R40,000 |
| Mid-level / Experienced Project Manager | R42,000 – R55,000 |
| Senior / Programme Manager / Head of Project Management | R55,000 – R75,000+ |
Influence of Location on Salary
Location plays a major role in salary variations. Project managers in major metropolitan areas or economic hubs typically earn higher salaries compared to those in smaller towns or rural regions. Cities with higher pay include:
Cape Town: R31,086 per month
Kempton Park: R63,490 per month
Centurion: R54,475 per month
Pretoria: R35,006 per month
Midrand: R34,544 per month
Polokwane: R34,096 per month
Port Elizabeth: R33,934 per month
Bloemfontein: R33,895 per month
Johannesburg: R31,769 per month
Project Manager Responsibilities
The project manager performs a wide range of duties and responsibilities, reflecting the field’s multifaceted nature. They perform the following roles:
Planning Projects
The main task of a project manager is to organize, plan, and execute projects. They create project plans, goals, timelines, and more. Moreover, since they are the leader of the team, they assign roles and responsibilities to every team member.
Managing Resources and Budget
Project managers allocate resources, including materials and equipment required for a project, ensuring that resources are utilized effectively. In addition, they also design budget plans, ensuring that they finish projects successfully within the budget.
Supervising Projects
The project manager must ensure that team members are equally cooperating to achieve project goals. They supervise and monitor the project’s progress. Moreover, they also identify any potential risks that might affect the project’s success.
How much does a project manager earn in South Africa?
A project manager in South Africa earns an average annual income of approximately R390,989. A project manager’s monthly salary can range from a minimum of R10,350 to a maximum of R74,000. However, remember these figures are approximate and may vary due to the location and industry you are working in.
What does a project manager earn in Cape Town?
A project manager in Cape Town earns an average income of about R31,086 per month, which is significantly lower than incomes offered in major metropolitan cities. The salaries vary significantly across South Africa,
In essence, project managers have multiple responsibilities, including project organizing, planning, and execution. The average income a project manager can expect to receive in South Africa is about R390,989 per year.
Article Modified on December 8, 2025. The data in this article is written and collected by multiple authors. Learn how we research on About Us.
