SalaryScope South Africa logo
2026 comparison

Network Engineer vs Chef salary in South Africa

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

Quick answer

Network Engineer vs Chef in South Africa

Higher paying career
Network Engineer
Monthly difference
R40 000
Easier to enter
Chef
Better long-term
Network Engineer

Winner summary

Winner for salary
Network Engineer (+R40 000/month)
Easier entry
Chef
Best long-term
Network Engineer
Verdict

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

Choose Chef if your goal is faster entry and lower barriers.

Career overview

Network Engineer

Demand: 8/10

Salary guide
Requirements

IT networking diploma, degree or vendor certification route.

  • Networking fundamentals
  • Firewall exposure
  • Vendor certifications
Salary
EntryR22 000
MidR58 000
SeniorR90 000
Top 20%R135 000

Chef

Demand: 9/10

Salary guide
Requirements

Culinary diploma or apprenticeship.

  • Culinary qualification or apprenticeship
Salary
EntryR8 000
MidR28 000
SeniorR50 000
Top 20%R90 000

Salary breakdown

Entry
Network EngineerR22 000
ChefR8 000
Mid
Network EngineerR58 000
ChefR28 000
Senior
Network EngineerR90 000
ChefR50 000
Top 20%
Network EngineerR135 000
ChefR90 000

Demand and difficulty

Demand

Network Engineer (8/10)8/10
Chef (9/10)9/10

Difficulty

Network Engineer (7/10)7/10
Chef (5/10)5/10
Salary difference
+R40 000/month

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

See full Network Engineer salary in South Africa →

Key questions

Which pays more in South Africa?

Network Engineer pays more, with senior salaries around R90 000 per month compared to R50 000 for Chef.

Which is easier to enter?

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

Which is better long-term?

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

Detailed comparison

When comparing Network Engineer vs Chef in South Africa, the senior-level salary difference is R40 000 per month.

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

Skills and requirements

Network Engineer

Core skills
  • Routing / switchingHigh
  • FirewallsHigh
  • Network securityHigh
  • Cisco / FortinetMedium
  • TroubleshootingHigh

Chef

Core skills
  • Cooking techniqueHigh
  • Menu planningHigh
  • Kitchen leadershipMedium

Side by side

Routing / switching
Network Engineer needs this
Less central
Firewalls
Network Engineer needs this
Less central
Network security
Network Engineer needs this
Less central
Cisco / Fortinet
Network Engineer needs this
Less central
Troubleshooting
Network Engineer needs this
Less central
Cooking technique
Less central
Chef needs this

Career progression

Network Engineer

Junior Network TechnicianR28 000
Network EngineerR58 000
Senior Network EngineerR90 000
Network ArchitectR120 000

Chef

Commis ChefR10 000
Chef de PartieR22 000
Sous ChefR38 000
Head Chef / Executive ChefR90 000

Related insights

Compare more careersExplore related comparisonsFind higher paying jobs

More Network Engineer salary comparisons

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

See full Network Engineer salary guide →

More Chef salary comparisons

Other careers people compare with Chef salary in South Africa.

See full Chef salary guide →

Explore related salary guides

Related careers
Cybersecurity Analyst salaryR95 000Cloud Engineer salaryR125 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
Technology career: Product Manager salaryTechnology career: Data 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 Mobile App Developers earn in South Africahow much Web Developers earn in South Africahow much Data Analysts earn in South Africahow much Frontend Developers earn in South Africahow much Millwrights earn in South Africahow much Electricians earn in South Africa
Compare Related Share