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2026 comparison

Chartered Accountant vs Commercial Pilot salary in South Africa

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

Quick answer

Chartered Accountant vs Commercial Pilot in South Africa

Higher paying career
Commercial Pilot
Monthly difference
R40 000
Easier to enter
Chartered Accountant
Better long-term
Chartered Accountant

Winner summary

Winner for salary
Commercial Pilot (+R40 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

Commercial Pilot

Demand: 6/10

Salary guide
Requirements

Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL).

  • Matric with Maths & Physical Science
  • CPL from SACAA-approved school
  • Class 1 medical
Salary
EntryR35 000
MidR95 000
SeniorR160 000
Top 20%R250 000

Salary breakdown

Entry
Chartered AccountantR28 000
Commercial PilotR35 000
Mid
Chartered AccountantR70 000
Commercial PilotR95 000
Senior
Chartered AccountantR120 000
Commercial PilotR160 000
Top 20%
Chartered AccountantR220 000
Commercial PilotR250 000

Demand and difficulty

Demand

Chartered Accountant (9/10)9/10
Commercial Pilot (6/10)6/10

Difficulty

Chartered Accountant (9/10)9/10
Commercial Pilot (9/10)9/10
Salary difference
+R40 000/month

The salary gap at senior level is about R40 000 per month. Commercial Pilot earns more due to higher demand and stronger salary growth at senior level.

See full Commercial Pilot salary in South Africa →

Key questions

Which pays more in South Africa?

Commercial Pilot pays more, with senior salaries around R160 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 Commercial Pilot in South Africa, the senior-level salary difference is R40 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

Commercial Pilot

Core skills
  • Instrument RatingHigh
  • Multi-engine ratingHigh
  • ATPL theoryHigh
  • Crew Resource ManagementMedium

Side by side

IFRS
Chartered Accountant needs this
Less central
Audit
Chartered Accountant needs this
Less central
Financial reporting
Chartered Accountant needs this
Less central
Instrument Rating
Less central
Commercial Pilot needs this
Multi-engine rating
Less central
Commercial Pilot needs this
ATPL theory
Less central
Commercial Pilot needs this

Career progression

Chartered Accountant

SAICA TraineeR22 000
Newly qualified CAR55 000
Senior CA / ManagerR100 000
Finance Director / CFOR220 000

Commercial Pilot

Flight InstructorR35 000
First Officer (regional)R70 000
First Officer (airline)R110 000
CaptainR180 000

Related insights

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More Commercial Pilot salary comparisons

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See full Commercial Pilot salary guide →

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