Environmental Scientist salary in South Africa
See if Environmental Scientist is worth pursuing in South Africa based on pay, demand, difficulty and time to start earning.
Should you become a Environmental Scientist in South Africa?
Salary breakdown
How long to reach R75 000 per month?
Progression is steady. The biggest jumps come from rare skills, larger employers and proven delivery.
Environmental Scientist salary by city
Environmental Scientist salary Durban
Durban roles usually track local employer budgets and sector demand.
See Environmental Scientist salary in Durban →Environmental Scientist salary Johannesburg
Johannesburg pay often reflects larger company hiring and specialist demand.
See Environmental Scientist salary in Johannesburg →Environmental Scientist salary Cape Town
Cape Town salaries can rise with scarce skills and competitive employers.
See Environmental Scientist salary in Cape Town →Skills that increase salary
Scarce, in-demand skills lift offers fastest. Estimates assume strong, job-ready capability.
How Environmental Scientist compares
Alternatives to consider
Is Environmental Scientist worth it?
What does a Environmental Scientist do?
Studies environmental issues and conducts impact assessments for projects and policy. Most work involves EIA process, Field research, Reporting and close collaboration with public service teams. Daily output is typically measured in delivery, accuracy and stakeholder impact rather than hours worked.
Good for
People who want a balanced career with steady pay growth.
Avoid if
Anyone uncomfortable with ongoing skill upgrades and shifting tools.
Salary depth in South Africa
Industry variation
- • Government - public sector scaleR45 600
- • Corporate / private - private employersR53 760
- • NGO / academic - mission-drivenR42 240
Experience curve
- • Year 0–2R22 000/mo
- • Year 3–5R43 000/mo
- • Year 6–10R75 000/mo
- • Year 10+R110 000/mo
Monthly vs hourly
- • Entry: R22 000/mo ≈ R127/hr
- • Mid: R48 000/mo ≈ R277/hr
- • Senior: R75 000/mo ≈ R434/hr
- Based on a 40-hour week (~173 hrs/month).
Real-world context
- • Most environmental scientists in South Africa fall between R38 000 and R75 000 per month.
- • Top 20% reach R110 000+ in senior, specialist or leadership roles.
- • Pay scales fastest with scarce skills, public service demand and proven delivery.
Environmental Scientist - quick answers
Environmental Scientist salary per month in South Africa
Environmental Scientists in South Africa earn between R22 000 and R75 000 per month. Mid-level pay sits around R48 000/month, with top earners reaching R110 000+.
Environmental Scientist hourly rate in South Africa
Environmental Scientist hourly rate in South Africa is roughly R127/hr at entry, R277/hr at mid level and R434/hr at senior level (based on a ~173-hour month).
Entry-level environmental scientist salary in SA
Entry-level environmental scientist salary in South Africa starts around R22 000/month and reaches R38 000 within the first 1–2 years.
Is Environmental Scientist a good career in South Africa?
Environmental Scientist is a solid career in South Africa, with mid pay around R48 000/month and medium demand.
Is Environmental Scientist in demand in South Africa?
Environmental Scientist sees steady demand in South Africa, with consistent hiring in public service.
How long does it take to become a Environmental Scientist?
Typically Environmental impact assessments for entry-level roles. Education path: BSc Environmental Science or related.
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FAQ
What does an Environmental Scientist earn?+
Mid-level R48 000/month. Senior scientists and managers reach R75 000-R110 000.
Explore Environmental Scientist in South Africa
Drill into Environmental Scientist salary by city, the most-asked comparisons and related career paths in public service.