2026 comparison

IT Support Technician vs Commercial Pilot salary in South Africa

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

Quick answer

IT Support Technician vs Commercial Pilot in South Africa

Higher paying career
Commercial Pilot
Monthly difference
R115 000
Easier to enter
IT Support Technician
Better long-term
Commercial Pilot

Winner summary

Winner for salary
Commercial Pilot (+R115 000/month)
Easier entry
IT Support Technician
Best long-term
Commercial Pilot
Verdict

Choose Commercial Pilot if your goal is higher income and long-term growth.

Choose IT Support Technician if your goal is faster entry and lower barriers.

Career overview

IT Support Technician

Demand: 9/10

Salary guide
Requirements

N+ / A+ / IT diploma.

  • A+ / N+
  • Customer service
  • Patience and clear communication
Salary
EntryR12 000
MidR30 000
SeniorR45 000
Top 20%R65 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
IT Support TechnicianR12 000
Commercial PilotR35 000
Mid
IT Support TechnicianR30 000
Commercial PilotR95 000
Senior
IT Support TechnicianR45 000
Commercial PilotR160 000
Top 20%
IT Support TechnicianR65 000
Commercial PilotR250 000

Demand and difficulty

Demand

IT Support Technician (9/10)9/10
Commercial Pilot (6/10)6/10

Difficulty

IT Support Technician (3/10)3/10
Commercial Pilot (9/10)9/10
Salary difference
+R115 000/month

The salary gap at senior level is about R115 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 R45 000 for IT Support Technician.

Which is easier to enter?

IT Support Technician is easier to enter due to lower difficulty and more accessible requirements.

Which is better long-term?

Commercial Pilot offers stronger long-term potential based on higher salary ceilings and demand.

Detailed comparison

When comparing IT Support Technician vs Commercial Pilot in South Africa, the senior-level salary difference is R115 000 per month.

IT Support Technician is better for quicker entry into the workforce. Commercial Pilot is better for long-term earnings and career growth.

Skills and requirements

IT Support Technician

Core skills
  • Hardware troubleshootingHigh
  • Windows / Office 365High
  • Active DirectoryMedium

Commercial Pilot

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

Side by side

Hardware troubleshooting
IT Support Technician needs this
Less central
Windows / Office 365
IT Support Technician needs this
Less central
Active Directory
IT Support Technician 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

IT Support Technician

HelpdeskR16 000
IT Support TechR30 000
Senior SupportR45 000
SysadminR65 000

Commercial Pilot

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

Related insights

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