SalaryScope South Africa logo
2026 comparison

Aerospace Engineer vs Mining Engineer salary in South Africa

Compare salary, demand, difficulty, and long-term growth to choose the right career path.

Quick answer

Aerospace Engineer vs Mining Engineer in South Africa

Higher paying career
Mining Engineer
Monthly difference
R20 000
Easier to enter
Aerospace Engineer
Better long-term
Mining Engineer

Winner summary

Winner for salary
Mining Engineer (+R20 000/month)
Easier entry
Aerospace Engineer
Best long-term
Mining Engineer
Verdict

Choose Mining Engineer if your goal is higher income and long-term growth.

Choose Aerospace Engineer if your goal is faster entry and lower barriers.

Career overview

Aerospace Engineer

Demand: 5/10

Salary guide
Requirements

BEng Aeronautical or Mechanical Engineering.

  • BEng Aero/Mech
  • ECSA pathway
Salary
EntryR32 000
MidR75 000
SeniorR120 000
Top 20%R180 000

Mining Engineer

Demand: 8/10

Salary guide
Requirements

BEng / BSc Mining Engineering.

  • Mining engineering degree
  • Mine-site exposure
  • Safety knowledge
Salary
EntryR35 000
MidR85 000
SeniorR140 000
Top 20%R220 000

Salary breakdown

Entry
Aerospace EngineerR32 000
Mining EngineerR35 000
Mid
Aerospace EngineerR75 000
Mining EngineerR85 000
Senior
Aerospace EngineerR120 000
Mining EngineerR140 000
Top 20%
Aerospace EngineerR180 000
Mining EngineerR220 000

Demand and difficulty

Demand

Aerospace Engineer (5/10)5/10
Mining Engineer (8/10)8/10

Difficulty

Aerospace Engineer (9/10)9/10
Mining Engineer (9/10)9/10
Salary difference
+R20 000/month

The salary gap at senior level is about R20 000 per month. Mining Engineer earns more due to higher demand and stronger salary growth at senior level.

See full Mining Engineer salary in South Africa →

Key questions

Which pays more in South Africa?

Mining Engineer pays more, with senior salaries around R140 000 per month compared to R120 000 for Aerospace Engineer.

Which is easier to enter?

Aerospace Engineer is easier to enter due to lower difficulty and more accessible requirements.

Which is better long-term?

Mining Engineer offers stronger long-term potential based on higher salary ceilings and demand.

Detailed comparison

When comparing Aerospace Engineer vs Mining Engineer in South Africa, the senior-level salary difference is R20 000 per month.

Aerospace Engineer is better for quicker entry into the workforce. Mining Engineer is better for long-term earnings and career growth.

Skills and requirements

Aerospace Engineer

Core skills
  • AerodynamicsHigh
  • CAD / FEAHigh
  • AvionicsMedium

Mining Engineer

Core skills
  • Mine planningHigh
  • Safety managementHigh
  • Pr.Eng registrationHigh
  • Project managementMedium

Side by side

Aerodynamics
Aerospace Engineer needs this
Less central
CAD / FEA
Aerospace Engineer needs this
Less central
Avionics
Aerospace Engineer needs this
Less central
Mine planning
Less central
Mining Engineer needs this
Safety management
Less central
Mining Engineer needs this
Pr.Eng registration
Less central
Mining Engineer needs this

Career progression

Aerospace Engineer

Junior EngineerR38 000
Aerospace EngineerR75 000
Senior EngineerR120 000
Chief EngineerR180 000

Mining Engineer

Graduate Mining EngineerR42 000
Mining EngineerR85 000
Senior Mining EngineerR140 000
Mine ManagerR180 000

Related insights

Compare more careersExplore related comparisonsFind higher paying jobs

More Aerospace Engineer salary comparisons

Other careers people compare with Aerospace Engineer salary in South Africa.

See full Aerospace Engineer salary guide →

More Mining Engineer salary comparisons

Other careers people compare with Mining Engineer salary in South Africa.

See full Mining Engineer salary guide →

Explore related salary guides

Related careers
Mechanical Engineer salaryR92 000Electrical Engineer salaryR105 000
Higher paying alternatives
Municipal Manager salary - higher earning pathR200 000Psychiatrist salary - higher earning pathR170 000
Easier entry careers
IT Support Technician salary - easier entry option3/10Bookkeeper salary - easier entry option3/10
Similar industry salaries
Engineering career: Civil Engineer salaryEngineering career: Petroleum Engineer salary
Popular career comparisons
Software Engineer vs Data Scientist salary in South AfricaChartered Accountant vs Financial Analyst salary in South Africa
Explore more salary guides
how much Chemical Engineers earn in South Africahow much Industrial Engineers earn in South Africahow much Construction Managers earn in South Africahow much Geologists earn in South Africahow much Structural Engineers earn in South Africahow much Helicopter Pilots earn in South Africa
Compare Related Share