2026 comparison

Chartered Accountant vs Chartered Accountant salary in South Africa

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

Quick answer

Chartered Accountant vs Chartered Accountant in South Africa

Higher paying career

Chartered Accountant

Monthly difference

R10 000

Easier to enter

Chartered Accountant

Better long-term

Chartered Accountant

Winner summary

Winner for salary

Chartered Accountant (+R10 000/month)

Easier entry

Chartered Accountant

Best long-term

Chartered Accountant

Verdict

Choose Chartered Accountant if your goal is higher income and long-term growth.

Choose Chartered Accountant if your goal is faster entry and lower barriers.

Career overview

Chartered Accountant

Demand: 9/10

Salary guide

Requirements

SAICA-accredited BCom + CTA + Board exams + SAICA articles.

SAICA articles
CTA
Board exams

Salary

EntryR28 000

MidR70 000

SeniorR120 000

Top 20%R220 000

Chartered Accountant

Demand: 9/10

Salary guide

Requirements

BCom Accounting + CTA + SAICA articles.

BCom Accounting
CTA / Honours
SAICA articles

Salary

EntryR35 000

MidR75 000

SeniorR130 000

Top 20%R250 000

Salary breakdown

Entry

Chartered AccountantR28 000

Chartered AccountantR35 000

Mid

Chartered AccountantR70 000

Chartered AccountantR75 000

Senior

Chartered AccountantR120 000

Chartered AccountantR130 000

Top 20%

Chartered AccountantR220 000

Chartered AccountantR250 000

Demand and difficulty

Demand

Chartered Accountant (9/10)9/10

Difficulty

Chartered Accountant (9/10)9/10

Salary difference

+R10 000/month

The salary gap at senior level is about R10 000 per month. Chartered Accountant earns more due to higher demand and stronger salary growth at senior level.

See full Chartered Accountant salary in South Africa →

Key questions

Which pays more in South Africa?

Chartered Accountant pays more, with senior salaries around R130 000 per month compared to R120 000 for Chartered Accountant.

Which is easier to enter?

Chartered Accountant is easier to enter due to lower difficulty and more accessible requirements.

Which is better long-term?

Chartered Accountant offers stronger long-term potential based on higher salary ceilings and demand.

Detailed comparison

When comparing Chartered Accountant vs Chartered Accountant in South Africa, the senior-level salary difference is R10 000 per month.

Chartered Accountant is better for quicker entry into the workforce. Chartered Accountant is better for long-term earnings and career growth.

Skills and requirements

Chartered Accountant

Core skills

IFRSHigh
AuditHigh
Financial reportingHigh

Chartered Accountant

Core skills

IFRSHigh
Tax (SARS)High
AuditHigh
Financial modellingMedium