There are many factors that influence peoples’ choice of career or job. Most of the times, after considering what one has the ability to do and love doing, the next thing that usually comes to mind is the job’s pay pack – the remuneration. Only a few people will swap the best paying jobs for a lesser paid one for just no very tangible reasons. These days, it is no longer enough to enjoy what you do, it is equally very important for what you do to be able to pay your bills and take very good care of your other excesses.
Therefore, for those who are looking to make serious career choices, it is important to know the kind of job you want but most importantly, to know the paying ability of such a job because, in a world such as ours, job satisfaction almost always begins with the amount you are paid. I believe that people will scarcely prefer a lesser paid job to a highly paid one for just no very tangible reasons. In case you are searching for a job in South Africa or you intend settling there, these are the highest paid jobs available in the country at the moment.
10. Chartered Accountant
A career in chartered accountancy certainly isn’t for everyone. It generally takes at least four years of academic study at South Africa’s top universities and another three years of practical training, it, therefore, calls for sacrifice, discipline and talent. But all of the work pays off once you start work. The average pay of a Chartered Accountant is R434,191 per year.
9. Air Traffic Controller
Air traffic control is a career like no other. They coordinate the movement of air traffic to ensure that aircraft stay safe distances apart. It is one of the most stressful jobs because a great amount of concentration will be required to ensure that no aircraft moves in the wrong lane at the wrong time. As a reward for all this stress and risky work, air traffic controllers can expect to earn around R583,450 per year.
8. Actuary
An actuary is a business professional who deals with the financial impact of risk and uncertainty. To be an Actuary, you’ll need a math degree. They examine the potential of an uncertain event to happen – such as an earthquake, hurricane, or any other natural disaster – and assess the impact of financial losses. Actuaries must have a strong background in asset management, liability management, business knowledge, and analytical skills, as well as a deep understanding of the human behaviour. Experienced Actuaries receive approximately 598,055 per annum.
7. Management Consultant
Management Consultants help organizations to improve their performance. They do this by primarily through the analysis of existing organizational problems and the development of plans for improvement. Depending on their level of expertise and the company involved, a management consultant can earn between R392,000 and R672,000 per annum.
6. Petroleum Engineers
Because petroleum engineering is a combination of innovation, exploration and expansion, it requires a lot of intelligence and training. This is why it takes longer to study petroleum engineering at the university. This job is, therefore, one of the highest paying jobs in South Africa. This career path demands tremendous dedication and commitment. The salary of a South African petroleum engineer is R572,600 per year.
5. Specialist Doctors
Medical specialists are doctors who have completed advanced education and clinical training in a specific area of medicine. The salary range for doctors ranges greatly based on the speciality. Neurosurgeons often are at the higher end of the spectrum, while a general practitioner would be at the lower end. It is a known as a financially rewarding profession. The years of schooling may stop many from pursuing a medical degree, but the options are limitless once it has been achieved. Depending on the rank of speciality, these people receive between R476,000 to R616,000 a year.
See Also: 15 Most Dangerous Jobs in The World
4. IT Managers
An IT manager monitors operational requirements, researches strategies and technology solutions, and builds most cost-effective and efficient systems. As the race towards more efficient technology continues every day, there is a higher demand for IT managers and professionals who understand what the technology. As hard as their work is, they can expect the starting sum of R620,230 per year. This is expected to grow as expertise in the profession grows.
3. Lawyers
It is said that no individual or business organisation is immune from being confronted with a legal matter that requires expert legal understanding and advises. It is for this reason that lawyers are constantly in demand. Starting salaries for qualified lawyers in South Africa are between R643,440 and R655,000 per annum. The more years of practice one has, the higher the salary.
2. Pilot
It is a certainty that the work of a pilot is not one that can be done by any other person except one who is as well-trained and just as skilful. The pilot industry really is a hard path because you need certain flying hours to become a qualified pilot for any big airline and remember flying hours cost lots of money. Qualified and experienced pilots in South Africa get R695,800 per annum.
1. Software Engineers
The first and highest paying job in South Africa is software engineering. Software Engineers manage the design, development and maintenance of software programs. Though the field is fairly young, it has quickly become one of the country’s most important professions. Software engineers most likely have degrees in computer science and programming, and the higher-paid professionals will also have graduate-level degrees and a wealth of professional experience. A Software Engineer earns approximately R1.2 million rand per annum
See why you need to choose your career wisely? But it does not matter if you already chose, you can always change it to something much more worth your while. Don’t waste your time effort and love doing something that will not pay your bills.
