Data Engineer Salary in South Africa: Check Complete Details
The role of a Data Engineer has become increasingly crucial. With businesses from all sectors realising how important it is to handle and analyse massive amounts of data, there is a vast demand for qualified Data Engineers. This has led to a competitive job market, especially in South Africa, where the tech sector is growing and rapidly evolving, offering a dynamic and exciting career path for Data Engineers.
In South Africa, Data Engineers are responsible for designing, building, and maintaining data collection, storage, and analysis systems. They also focus on collecting and preparing data, enabling businesses to make informed decisions based on accurate and timely data.
In this article, we will learn more in detail about the average salary of a Data Engineer in South Africa monthly and yearly the Skills required to become a Data Engineer, how to become a Data Engineer, and the factors affecting the salary ranges.
Data Engineer Salary in South Africa
As the demand for data increases, a data engineer’s role in an organisation has become increasingly important. This domain offers fair compensation in South Africa, commensurate with the skills and vital functions these experts perform. It is also in high demand in the country.
Data engineers work in various settings to build systems and are accountable for designing, constructing, and maintaining the systems and architecture that enable the collection, storage, and analysis of large volumes of data.
Average Data Engineer Salary South Africa
Data Engineers play a crucial role in the tech industry, focusing on the architecture and maintenance of data pipelines that enable businesses to analyse and utilise data effectively.
In South Africa, the demand for skilled Data Engineers has been on the rise, leading to competitive salaries that reflect the critical importance of their role. The average annual income for a data engineer in South Africa ranges between ZAR5L and ZAR8L. These figures vary based on experience, location, industry, and skill set.
Several factors influence the salary packages offered to Data Engineers in top companies, including the size and industry of the organisation, the location of the company, the experience and skills of the Data Engineer and more.
According to Glassdoor, here is an overview of the average salaries for Data Engineers at different career stages:
| Average Data Engineer Salary South Africa | |
| Entry-Level Data Engineer | ZAR350,000 – ZAR450,000 per annum |
| Mid-Level Data Engineer | ZAR450,000 – ZAR650,000 per annum |
| Senior Data Engineer | ZAR650,000 – ZAR900,000 per annum |
Per Month Data Engineer Salary in South Africa
Gaining insight into Data Engineers’ monthly salaries in South Africa might help visualise the earning potential in this rapidly growing industry.
According to Glassdoor, here is an overview of the average monthly salaries for Data Engineers at different career stages:
| Per Month Data Engineer Salary in South Africa | |
| Entry-Level Data Engineer | Average Monthly Salary: ZAR29,000 – ZAR38,000 |
| Mid-Level Data Engineer | Average Monthly Salary: ZAR450,000 – ZAR650,000 |
| Senior Data Engineer | Average Monthly Salary: ZAR650,000 – ZAR900,000 |
Highest Paying Cities in South Africa for Data Engineers
In South Africa’s dynamic tech landscape, the demand for skilled Data Engineers continues to soar. Professionals in this field drive new developments and data-driven decision-making across industries.
Several factors influence the salary packages offered to Data Engineers, including the company’s location. According to Indeed, here are some of the highest-paying cities in South Africa for Data Scientists a key insight for those interested in tech careers.
| Cities In South Africa’s | Average Base Salary |
| Pretoria, Gauteng | R1,489,537 per year |
| Gauteng | R856,802 per year |
| Johannesburg South, Gauteng | R841,018 per year |
| Centurion, Gauteng | R832,563 per year |
| Sandton, Gauteng | R820,061 per year |
| Fairland, Gauteng | R735,435 per year |
| Johannesburg North, Gauteng | R709,585 per year |
| Johannesburg, Gauteng | R696,857 per year |
| Cape Town, Western Cape | R582,805 per year |
Top Companies Salary for the Data Engineers Roles
Several factors influence the salary packages offered to Data Engineers, including the size and industry of the organisation.
According to Indeed, these are some of the highest-paying cities in South Africa for Data Scientists, a key insight for those interested in tech careers.
| Company Name | Average Salary |
| IBM | ZAR7L and ZAR15.6 L per year |
| Apple | ZAR11.2L and ZAR30.9 L per year |
| Netflix | ZAR6L and ZAR10.0 L per year |
| ZAR10.0 L and ZAR29.0 L per year | |
| Microsoft | ZAR10.0 L and ZAR22.2 L per year |
| ZAR10.0L and ZAR 22.0 L per year |
Top Countries Paying High Salary for Data Engineers roles
In the global tech landscape, the demand for skilled Data Engineers is rising, with top countries offering competitive salary packages to attract and retain talent in this critical role.
According to Indeed, some of the cities in South Africa that pay the highest for data scientists are listed here. This is a crucial insight for those interested in tech careers.
| Country | Salary Range |
| India (₹) | ₹6.0L – ₹15.0L per year |
| Canada (CA $) | CA $ 76K – CA $ 107K per year |
| Germany (€) | € 58T – € 73T per year |
| Australia (A$) | A$ 95 T- A$ 1L per year |
| Singapore (SGD) | SGD 5T – 7T per month |
| Switzerland (CHF) | CHF 95T – CHF 1L per year |
| South Africa (ZAR) | ZAR5L – ZAR 8L per year |
| United States ($) | $88T – $1L per year |
| United Kingdom (£) | £39T – £65T per year |
How to Become a Data Engineer in South Africa?
Data Engineering plays a pivotal role in enabling businesses to harness the power of data for strategic decision-making. By building solid data pipelines and infrastructure, Data Engineers empower organisations to extract actionable insights, enhance operational efficiency, and drive innovation. By combining data engineering practices, businesses can gain a competitive edge in today’s data-driven marketplace, positioning themselves for long-term success and growth.
Digital Regenesys is one of the top educational platforms in South Africa. It provides many upskilling courses to empower individuals and organisations with the latest industry-relevant skills.
Enroling in the Digital Regenesys Data Science Course is a learning opportunity and a career investment. This course provides opportunities, enhances career prospects, and paves the way for a rewarding career in data engineering. The Digital Regenesys Data Science Course equips participants with the knowledge, practical skills, and industry insights necessary to thrive as Data Engineers, shaping the future of data-driven decision-making and innovation in the tech industry.
Skills Required to Become a Data Engineer in South Africa
To excel as a Data Engineer in South Africa, professionals need a blend of technical skills, soft skills, and a solid educational background. Technical skills such as proficiency in programming languages like Python, SQL, and Java and expertise in data warehousing and ETL processes are essential. Additionally, strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills are vital for Data Engineers to collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
The Digital Regenesys Data Science Course offers a comprehensive curriculum comprising fundamental modules for aspiring Data Engineers. Individuals applying for this course gain practical skills and industry-relevant knowledge through hands-on experience, real-world projects, and case studies.
By enroling in the Digital Regenesys Data Science Course, individuals can benefit from a structured learning environment that focuses on building a strong foundation in data engineering and preparing them for successful careers in the field. This career-focused approach is designed to make potential students feel ambitious and motivated.
Last Updated: 30 September 2025
