Entry-level Data Engineer salary in South Africa
What first-year data engineers actually earn in South Africa, the path from entry to mid-level, and the hourly rate behind those monthly numbers.
Starting pay
R30 000/mo
After 1–2 years
R50 000/mo
Hourly rate
R173–R289/hr
What you'll earn as a junior data engineer
- • Most first-year data engineers start between R30 000 and R50 000 per month.
- • That works out to roughly R173–R289 per hour on a 40-hour week.
- • Education path: BSc Computer Science, Engineering or equivalent.
- • Typical experience needed at entry: Pipeline.
- • Within 3–5 years, mid-level pay rises to around R70 000/month.
From entry to mid-level
Within 3–5 years, mid-level data engineer pay rises to around R70 000/month - a 133% increase over your starting salary.
See full Data Engineer salary guide →