Entry-level Petroleum Engineer salary in South Africa
What first-year petroleum engineers actually earn in South Africa, the path from entry to mid-level, and the hourly rate behind those monthly numbers.
Starting pay
R40 000/mo
After 1–2 years
R65 000/mo
Hourly rate
R231–R376/hr
What you'll earn as a junior petroleum engineer
- • Most first-year petroleum engineers start between R40 000 and R65 000 per month.
- • That works out to roughly R231–R376 per hour on a 40-hour week.
- • Education path: BEng Petroleum or Chemical Engineering.
- • Typical experience needed at entry: Oil & gas.
- • Within 3–5 years, mid-level pay rises to around R95 000/month.
From entry to mid-level
Within 3–5 years, mid-level petroleum engineer pay rises to around R95 000/month - a 138% increase over your starting salary.
See full Petroleum Engineer salary guide →