The average chemical engineers salary in South Africa is R135,679.00 per month in 2023. This is based on data from 28 salaries that were reported on the employment website Indeed. Since they are in charge of developing and enhancing chemicals, chemical engineers are vital to the South African economy.
A chemical engineer’s salary is influenced by their educational background and amount of specialized knowledge. One can earn up to R873,700.00 with a high level of education and several years of experience in the Field (Jobted). Those with no experience and hold an undergraduate qualification in the field are the lowest paid and can earn an annual income of R124,811.00 and higher.
Chemical engineers receive additional compensation in the form of bonuses and commissions, thus they are not solely dependent on their salaries. Depending on the company, bonuses and commissions are used to reward project success. Bonuses for chemical engineers can range from R8,000.00 to R75,000.00 a year.
Additionally, working as a chemical engineer has the following benefits:
- Medical contributions,
- Contributions to a pension fund,
- Dental contributions, and
- Contributions to life and disability insurance
Benefits for chemical engineers vary depending on the organization, much like bonuses and commissions do. The extent of an employer’s contribution also varies.
As one gains more expertise in the profession, a chemical engineer’s income increases. Based on one’s level of skill, we examine chemical engineer salaries in South Africa.
Below is a list of chemical engineer salaries broken down by level of experience.
Average chemical engineers salary with 0-3 years of work experience 2024
An average monthly salary for a chemical engineer with 0 to 3 years of experience is R17,500.00. The lowest paid chemical engineers in this group are individuals with 0 to 1 year of professional experience. For individuals in the field of chemical engineering with 0 to 1 year of experience, the starting salary is R12,000.00 per month.
Those with 3 years of professional experience in the field earn the highest salaries in this group. Expect to earn between an average of R17,000.00 and R19,000.00 a month if you have 3 years of experience in the industry.
In contrast to those with 0 to 2 years of work experience in the field of chemical engineering, people with 3 years of experience are given specialized projects and occasionally oversee a small team of employees.
Average chemical engineers salary with 4–9 years of work experience 2024
The average salary for a chemical engineer with 4 to 9 years of work experience in 2023 is R34,000.00 per month. Junior management positions are often held by those with 4 to 9 years of work experience. For people with such a wealth of knowledge in the area, the capacity for delegation and management is absolutely essential.
Chemical engineers with 4 to 5 years of work experience make the least money in this pay range. Chemical engineers in South Africa with 4 to 5 years of experience get an average salary of R23,000.00. A postgraduate degree in the field can assist in increasing one’s salary if they have 5 years of work experience to R32,500.00 or more.
Chemical engineers with 8 to 9 years of experience are paid the most in this income range. Senior positions are held by chemical engineers with 8 to 9 years of work experience. The average yearly income for chemical engineers with 8 to 9 years of experience is R501,000.00 (Payscale).
Average chemical engineer salary with 10–15 years of work experience 2024
As of 2023, the average salary for a chemical engineer in South Africa with 10 to 15 years of work experience is R41,500.00. For those with 5 to 9 years of work experience, the average salary indicates a 22% salary rise from those with 5 to 9 years of work experience. In addition to years of experience, a postgraduate degree affects salaries in this range. Many people in this group have master’s degrees in the field.
Chemical engineers with 10 years of experience in the industry make the least money in this group. Chemical engineers earn an average monthly salary of R33,000.00 with 10 years of experience. With an average salary of R45,000.00 per month, employees with 15 years of work experience are the most paid.
Average chemical engineer salary with 15+ years of work experience 2024
An average salary for a chemical engineer with 15+ years of work experience in South Africa 2023 is R48,900.00 per month. In comparison to people with 10 to 15 years of work experience, the rise represents a 17% income gain for those with 15+ years of work experience. These individuals are the pinnacle in chemical engineering, and the majority have doctoral degrees in the field.
The lowest pay for workers with more than 15 years of experience is R45,000.00 per month, which is close to the average wage. The highest earners may make up to R989,000.00 annually. People with more than 20 years of experience in the industry are more likely to start their own companies that need the same talents.
Popular employers for chemical engineers in South Africa
| # | EMPLOYER | AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sappi | R300,000.00 |
| 2 | McCain Foods | R228,996.00 |
| 3 | Eskom | R602,350.00 |
| 4 | Sasol Mining | R850,006.00 |
| 8 | Tiger Brands | R300,000.00 |
Conclusion
Chemical engineers operate in a variety of businesses and are among the most well-paid professions in South Africa. Chemical engineers play a crucial role in the South African economy. They contribute significantly to the country’s GDP. Chemical engineers that perform effectively are well paid, and a PhD in the field can increase one’s wage from master’s level pay by 23%.
