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2026 comparison

IT Support Technician vs Plumber salary in South Africa

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

Quick answer

IT Support Technician vs Plumber in South Africa

Higher paying career
IT Support Technician
Monthly difference
R3 000
Easier to enter
IT Support Technician
Better long-term
Plumber

Winner summary

Winner for salary
IT Support Technician (+R3 000/month)
Easier entry
IT Support Technician
Best long-term
Plumber
Verdict

Choose Plumber 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

Plumber

Demand: 9/10

Salary guide
Requirements

N3 + Trade Test (Red Seal).

  • N3 Plumbing
  • Trade Test
  • PIRB registration
Salary
EntryR11 000
MidR28 000
SeniorR42 000
Top 20%R70 000

Salary breakdown

Entry
IT Support TechnicianR12 000
PlumberR11 000
Mid
IT Support TechnicianR30 000
PlumberR28 000
Senior
IT Support TechnicianR45 000
PlumberR42 000
Top 20%
IT Support TechnicianR65 000
PlumberR70 000

Demand and difficulty

Demand

IT Support Technician (9/10)9/10
Plumber (9/10)9/10

Difficulty

IT Support Technician (3/10)3/10
Plumber (5/10)5/10
Salary difference
+R3 000/month

The salary gap at senior level is about R3 000 per month. IT Support Technician earns more due to higher demand and stronger salary growth at senior level.

See full IT Support Technician salary in South Africa →

Key questions

Which pays more in South Africa?

IT Support Technician pays more, with senior salaries around R45 000 per month compared to R42 000 for Plumber.

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?

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

Detailed comparison

When comparing IT Support Technician vs Plumber in South Africa, the senior-level salary difference is R3 000 per month.

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

Skills and requirements

IT Support Technician

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

Plumber

Core skills
  • PIRB registrationHigh
  • Gas installerHigh
  • Solar geyser installMedium

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
PIRB registration
Less central
Plumber needs this
Gas installer
Less central
Plumber needs this
Solar geyser install
Less central
Plumber needs this

Career progression

IT Support Technician

HelpdeskR16 000
IT Support TechR30 000
Senior SupportR45 000
SysadminR65 000

Plumber

ApprenticeR7 000
Qualified PlumberR22 000
Senior PlumberR35 000
ForemanR50 000

Related insights

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More Plumber salary comparisons

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See full Plumber salary guide →

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