AI Engineer Salary in South Africa – Get Insights Here

AI engineering is a multidisciplinary field that applies techniques from computer science, data science, & machine learning to construct intelligent systems that can imitate human cognition and decision-making. 

AI engineers create, build, and execute models that allow machines to recognise speech, predict outcomes, and automate complicated procedures. 

The advancement of AI engineering is especially important in South Africa, which seeks to be a technological and innovation leader on the African continent. South Africa’s unique socio-economic backdrop enables AI developers to create solutions that resonate with the local market and serve as scalable models for other growing economies. 

In this article, we will learn about AI engineer salaries in South Africa, including the average and monthly salaries for these roles, and more.

Average AI Engineer Salary in South Africa

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a rapidly growing field, and South Africa is no exception to this global trend. The country’s demand for skilled AI engineers is on the rise, driving competitive salaries for those with expertise in machine learning, data science, and other related areas. 

According to Glassdoor, as of August 2025, the average salary for an AI engineer in South Africa is approximately R700,000 annually. This figure reflects the value placed on professionals capable of developing innovative AI solutions across various industries. 

As you learned about the average salary for this profession, you must also know what is the salary of an AI engineer per month is, which is covered in the next section.

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Per Month AI Engineer Salary in South Africa

When breaking down the annual salary into a monthly figure, AI engineers in South Africa can expect to earn around R36,656 per month, according to Indeed (updated as of February 2024). This monthly income can vary based on factors such as experience, specific technical skills, & the size of the company.

Also, AI engineers in South Africa command high salaries due to the specialised skills and expertise required in the rapidly growing field of artificial intelligence. The demand for AI talent is soaring as businesses across various sectors increasingly adopt AI-driven solutions to gain a competitive edge. 

AI Engineers possess a deep understanding of machine learning, data science, and advanced algorithms, which are critical for developing innovative AI applications.

Highest-Paying City for AI Engineers in South Africa

South Africa’s AI job market shows clear salary concentration in major economic hubs. Cities with strong technology ecosystems, multinational companies, and advanced digital adoption tend to offer higher pay for AI professionals. 

Johannesburg, Gauteng, stands out as one of the top-paying cities, with AI engineers earning an average of R950,000 per year, according to Indeed as of February 2024. The city’s strong presence in finance, fintech, enterprise technology, and data-driven industries continues to drive demand for skilled AI talent. 

As organisations invest more in automation and intelligent systems, metropolitan hubs like Johannesburg remain the most lucrative locations for AI engineering roles.

Explore more information on: Google I/O 2025-26: The 11 Most Exciting AI Updates. 

Salary Potential for AI Engineers in South Africa

AI engineering offers strong long-term earning potential in South Africa, driven by rising demand for advanced digital and automation skills. As organisations continue investing in artificial intelligence, professionals with specialised AI expertise are seeing consistent salary growth across industries.

According to Salary Expert, recent compensation insights indicate that the estimated salary for an Artificial Intelligence Engineer could reach approximately R1,117,657 per year by 2031. Over a five-year period, AI engineering roles are expected to experience a salary growth of around 17%, reflecting the increasing value of AI-driven capabilities in the job market.

This upward trend highlights why AI engineering is considered a high-growth and future-focused career path:

• Strong annual salary growth linked to AI adoption
• Higher earning potential compared to traditional tech roles
• Increased demand across finance, technology, healthcare, and enterprise sectors
• Long-term career stability driven by continuous digital transformation

How to Become an AI Engineer – Pathway

Becoming an AI engineer requires a structured and industry-aligned learning journey. Learners must develop strong technical foundations while gaining hands-on experience with real-world AI applications. 

A guided certification course helps bridge the gap between theory and practice, especially for professionals aiming to enter AI-driven roles. The Digital Regenesys AI Certificate Course is designed to support this journey by combining core AI concepts, applied learning, and practical projects aligned with current industry needs.

Here is a structured pathway supported by the Digital Regenesys AI Certificate Course:

• Build a strong foundation in programming, data handling, and AI fundamentals
• Learn machine learning and deep learning concepts through guided modules
• Work on real-world AI projects and practical case studies
• Gain exposure to industry-relevant AI tools and frameworks
• Develop problem-solving and analytical skills for AI-driven decision-making
• Strengthen job readiness with certification-backed, applied AI expertise

Read more interesting facts about: 7 Transformative New Trends in Artificial Intelligence in 2025.

Skills Required to Become an AI Engineer

Now that we know “How much do AI engineers make in South Africa?” let us also learn about the essential skill set needed to be an AI engineer. A robust combination of technical and soft skills is necessary to succeed as an AI engineer. AI engineers must be problem-solvers, innovative thinkers, and proficient in a range of technologies. 

They should possess strong analytical abilities to develop complex algorithms and deeply understand machine learning models. Moreover, collaboration and communication skills are vital, as AI projects often involve interdisciplinary teams. Below are five essential skills:

• Machine Learning
• Programming Expertise
• Programming languages
• Data Analysis and Processing
• Mathematics and Statistics
• Knowledge of Intelligent User Interfaces (IUI) 
• AI and ML Services
• AI Deployment & DevOps
• Problem-Solving Abilities 
• Adaptability and Continuous Learning
• Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
• Domain Knowledge

AI engineers in South Africa earn high salaries, reflecting the growing demand for expertise in this fast-evolving industry. The pay scale varies widely by experience, with leading organisations offering competitive packages to skilled experts. 

As AI continues to impact industries, the income prospects for AI engineers in South Africa are projected to remain strong. This makes AI engineering an attractive employment option in South Africa. 

If you are someone eager to learn about AI, then consider enrolling in an Artificial Intelligence Course from Digital Regenesys. This online, 24-week skill course will provide you with all the necessary knowledge and skills you need to advance in this fast-paced digital world. 

Enrol for the AI course at Digital Regenesys today!