Entry-level Civil Engineer salary in South Africa
What first-year civil engineers actually earn in South Africa, the path from entry to mid-level, and the hourly rate behind those monthly numbers.
Starting pay
R28 000/mo
After 1–2 years
R42 000/mo
Hourly rate
R162–R243/hr
What you'll earn as a junior civil engineer
- • Most first-year civil engineers start between R28 000 and R42 000 per month.
- • That works out to roughly R162–R243 per hour on a 40-hour week.
- • Education path: BEng / BSc Civil Engineering.
- • Typical experience needed at entry: ECSA registration as Pr.Eng after 3+ yrs.
- • Within 3–5 years, mid-level pay rises to around R60 000/month.
From entry to mid-level
Within 3–5 years, mid-level civil engineer pay rises to around R60 000/month - a 114% increase over your starting salary.
See full Civil Engineer salary guide →