Fitter and Turner salary in South Africa
See if Fitter and Turner is worth pursuing in South Africa based on pay, demand, difficulty and time to start earning.
Should you become a Fitter and Turner in South Africa?
Salary breakdown
How long to reach R45 000 per month?
Progression is relatively fast. The biggest jumps come from rare skills, larger employers and proven delivery.
Fitter and Turner salary by city
Fitter and Turner salary Durban
Durban roles usually track local employer budgets and sector demand.
See Fitter and Turner salary in Durban →Fitter and Turner salary Johannesburg
Johannesburg pay often reflects larger company hiring and specialist demand.
See Fitter and Turner salary in Johannesburg →Fitter and Turner salary Cape Town
Cape Town salaries can rise with scarce skills and competitive employers.
See Fitter and Turner salary in Cape Town →Skills that increase salary
Scarce, in-demand skills lift offers fastest. Estimates assume strong, job-ready capability.
How Fitter and Turner compares
Alternatives to consider
Is Fitter and Turner worth it?
What does a Fitter and Turner do?
Manufactures, assembles and repairs mechanical components using lathes, mills and other machine tools. Most work involves Machining, Reading drawings, Maintenance and close collaboration with trades teams. Daily output is typically measured in delivery, accuracy and stakeholder impact rather than hours worked.
Good for
People who value stable hiring and clear progression over the highest pay.
Avoid if
Anyone whose main goal is the highest possible income early on.
Salary depth in South Africa
Industry variation
- • Construction - site-based, project payR27 600
- • Mining - remote sites, premium payR35 400
- • Private sector - stable, contract workR30 000
Experience curve
- • Year 0–2R12 000/mo
- • Year 3–5R26 000/mo
- • Year 6–10R45 000/mo
- • Year 10+R65 000/mo
Monthly vs hourly
- • Entry: R12 000/mo ≈ R69/hr
- • Mid: R30 000/mo ≈ R173/hr
- • Senior: R45 000/mo ≈ R260/hr
- Based on a 40-hour week (~173 hrs/month).
Real-world context
- • Most fitter and turners in South Africa fall between R22 000 and R45 000 per month.
- • Top 20% reach R65 000+ in senior, specialist or leadership roles.
- • Pay scales fastest with scarce skills, trades demand and proven delivery.
Fitter and Turner - quick answers
Fitter and Turner salary per month in South Africa
Fitter and Turners in South Africa earn between R12 000 and R45 000 per month. Mid-level pay sits around R30 000/month, with top earners reaching R65 000+.
Fitter and Turner hourly rate in South Africa
Fitter and Turner hourly rate in South Africa is roughly R69/hr at entry, R173/hr at mid level and R260/hr at senior level (based on a ~173-hour month).
Entry-level fitter and turner salary in SA
Entry-level fitter and turner salary in South Africa starts around R12 000/month and reaches R22 000 within the first 1–2 years.
Is Fitter and Turner a good career in South Africa?
Fitter and Turner is a solid career in South Africa, with mid pay around R30 000/month and high demand.
Is Fitter and Turner in demand in South Africa?
Yes - Fitter and Turner is in high demand in South Africa, with employers across trades actively hiring.
How long does it take to become a Fitter and Turner?
Typically Workshop and machining experience for entry-level roles. Education path: Red Seal Trade Test - Fitter and Turner.
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FAQ
What does a Fitter and Turner earn?+
Qualified artisans earn around R30 000/month. Senior artisans and foremen reach R45 000-R65 000.
Explore Fitter and Turner in South Africa
Drill into Fitter and Turner salary by city, the most-asked comparisons and related career paths in trades.