2026 comparison
Plumber vs Electrician salary in South Africa
Higher paying career: Electrician. Approximate monthly difference: R6 000.
Entry, mid, senior pay, demand, difficulty and long-term career upside.
Plumber
High demand · N3 + Trade Test (Red Seal)
EntryR11 000
MidR28 000
SeniorR42 000
Top 20%R70 000
Electrician
High demand · N3 + Trade Test (Red Seal)
EntryR12 000
MidR32 000
SeniorR48 000
Top 20%R80 000
Salary breakdown
Entry
R11 000
R12 000
Mid
R28 000
R32 000
Senior
R42 000
R48 000
Top 20%
R70 000
R80 000
Demand
Plumber9/10
Electrician9/10
Difficulty
Plumber5/10
Electrician6/10
Salary difference
+R6 000
Compare the Electrician salary in South Africa with how much Plumbers earn at senior level.
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Higher paying career: Electrician. The senior-level gap is about R6 000 per month, based on R48 000 for Electrician compared with R42 000 for Plumber.
Career alternatives
Higher earning
Electrician
Easier entry
Plumber
Better long-term
Electrician
Skills / requirements
PIRB registration
Plumber needs this
Less central
Gas installer
Plumber needs this
Less central
Solar geyser install
Plumber needs this
Less central
Wireman's licence
Less central
Electrician needs this
Industrial / PLC
Less central
Electrician needs this
Solar PV install
Less central
Electrician needs this
Career progression
Plumber
ApprenticeR7 000
Qualified PlumberR22 000
Senior PlumberR35 000
ForemanR50 000
Electrician
ApprenticeR8 000
Qualified ElectricianR25 000
Senior / WiremanR40 000
ForemanR55 000
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