{
    "url": "https://www.spotsalary.com/salary/data-scientists/south-africa-za",
    "canonical": "https://www.spotsalary.com/salary/data-scientists/south-africa-za",
    "headline": "Data scientists Salary in South Africa",
    "description": "Median Data scientists salary in South Africa is R189.4K per year. Compare P10–P90 salary bands by experience, take-home pay and a five-year outlook.",
    "occupation": {
        "name": "Data scientists",
        "slug": "data-scientists",
        "family": null,
        "soc_code": null,
        "aliases": [],
        "description": null
    },
    "location": {
        "name": "South Africa",
        "slug": "south-africa-za",
        "type": "country",
        "iso2": "ZA",
        "currency": "ZAR"
    },
    "period": 2026,
    "confidence": 80,
    "status": "published",
    "method": "model",
    "updated_at": "2026-10-29T19:49:35+00:00",
    "salary_bands": [
        {
            "level": "entry",
            "years_experience": [
                0,
                2
            ],
            "p10": 79139.53,
            "p25": 98484.75,
            "p50": 123105.94,
            "p75": 142802.89,
            "p90": 170941.39,
            "base_share": 95,
            "bonus_share": 5,
            "equity_share": 0
        },
        {
            "level": "mid",
            "years_experience": [
                3,
                5
            ],
            "p10": 121753.13,
            "p25": 151515,
            "p50": 189393.75,
            "p75": 219696.75,
            "p90": 262986.75,
            "base_share": 88,
            "bonus_share": 8,
            "equity_share": 4
        },
        {
            "level": "senior",
            "years_experience": [
                6,
                9
            ],
            "p10": 200892.66,
            "p25": 249999.75,
            "p50": 312499.69,
            "p75": 362499.64,
            "p90": 433928.14,
            "base_share": 80,
            "bonus_share": 10,
            "equity_share": 10
        },
        {
            "level": "executive",
            "years_experience": [
                10,
                15
            ],
            "p10": 340908.75,
            "p25": 424242,
            "p50": 530302.5,
            "p75": 615150.9,
            "p90": 736362.9,
            "base_share": 65,
            "bonus_share": 15,
            "equity_share": 20
        }
    ],
    "take_home": {
        "currency": "ZAR",
        "tax_rate": 18,
        "top_rate": null,
        "method": "progressive",
        "label": "progressive brackets",
        "standard_deduction": 0,
        "rebate": 0,
        "source": "PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries",
        "source_url": "https://taxsummaries.pwc.com/south-africa/individual/taxes-on-personal-income",
        "retrieved_at": "2026-10-23T00:00:00.000000Z",
        "verified": true,
        "notes": "excludes tax rebates; slightly overestimates tax",
        "bands": [
            {
                "level": "entry",
                "gross": 123105.94,
                "taxable": 123105.94,
                "tax": 22159.069199999998,
                "effective_rate": 18,
                "net_annual": 100946.8708,
                "net_monthly": 8412.239233333334,
                "method": "progressive",
                "top_rate": null,
                "standard_deduction": 0,
                "rebate": 0,
                "source": "PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries",
                "source_url": "https://taxsummaries.pwc.com/south-africa/individual/taxes-on-personal-income",
                "retrieved_at": "2026-10-23T00:00:00.000000Z",
                "verified": true,
                "notes": "excludes tax rebates; slightly overestimates tax"
            },
            {
                "level": "mid",
                "gross": 189393.75,
                "taxable": 189393.75,
                "tax": 34090.875,
                "effective_rate": 18,
                "net_annual": 155302.875,
                "net_monthly": 12941.90625,
                "method": "progressive",
                "top_rate": null,
                "standard_deduction": 0,
                "rebate": 0,
                "source": "PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries",
                "source_url": "https://taxsummaries.pwc.com/south-africa/individual/taxes-on-personal-income",
                "retrieved_at": "2026-10-23T00:00:00.000000Z",
                "verified": true,
                "notes": "excludes tax rebates; slightly overestimates tax"
            },
            {
                "level": "senior",
                "gross": 312499.69,
                "taxable": 312499.69,
                "tax": 61641.9194,
                "effective_rate": 19.725433775630304,
                "net_annual": 250857.7706,
                "net_monthly": 20904.814216666666,
                "method": "progressive",
                "top_rate": null,
                "standard_deduction": 0,
                "rebate": 0,
                "source": "PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries",
                "source_url": "https://taxsummaries.pwc.com/south-africa/individual/taxes-on-personal-income",
                "retrieved_at": "2026-10-23T00:00:00.000000Z",
                "verified": true,
                "notes": "excludes tax rebates; slightly overestimates tax"
            },
            {
                "level": "executive",
                "gross": 530302.5,
                "taxable": 530302.5,
                "tax": 125635.9,
                "effective_rate": 23.691364834221975,
                "net_annual": 404666.6,
                "net_monthly": 33722.21666666667,
                "method": "progressive",
                "top_rate": null,
                "standard_deduction": 0,
                "rebate": 0,
                "source": "PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries",
                "source_url": "https://taxsummaries.pwc.com/south-africa/individual/taxes-on-personal-income",
                "retrieved_at": "2026-10-23T00:00:00.000000Z",
                "verified": true,
                "notes": "excludes tax rebates; slightly overestimates tax"
            }
        ]
    },
    "outlook": {
        "direction": "stable",
        "inflation_pct": 4.8,
        "real_growth_pct": 0.4,
        "forecasts": [
            {
                "year": 2027,
                "scenario": "base",
                "p25": 186490.72,
                "p50": 199242.23,
                "p75": 211993.73,
                "confidence": 74,
                "drivers": [
                    {
                        "name": "Inflation (CPI)",
                        "note": "4.8% annual price growth",
                        "weight": "high",
                        "direction": "up"
                    },
                    {
                        "name": "Wage growth",
                        "note": "5.2% nominal wage trend",
                        "weight": "high",
                        "direction": "up"
                    },
                    {
                        "name": "Role demand trend",
                        "note": "0.0% annual role demand",
                        "weight": "high",
                        "direction": "steady"
                    },
                    {
                        "name": "Hiring demand",
                        "note": "Demand index 50/100",
                        "weight": "medium",
                        "direction": "steady"
                    },
                    {
                        "name": "Automation exposure",
                        "note": "35% exposure",
                        "weight": "high",
                        "direction": "steady"
                    },
                    {
                        "name": "Real wage growth",
                        "note": "0.4% after 4.8% inflation",
                        "weight": "high",
                        "direction": "up"
                    },
                    {
                        "name": "Scenario growth",
                        "note": "5.2% modelled nominal growth",
                        "weight": "high",
                        "direction": "up"
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "year": 2027,
                "scenario": "conservative",
                "p25": 183831.63,
                "p50": 196401.32,
                "p75": 208971,
                "confidence": 74,
                "drivers": [
                    {
                        "name": "Inflation (CPI)",
                        "note": "4.8% annual price growth",
                        "weight": "high",
                        "direction": "up"
                    },
                    {
                        "name": "Wage growth",
                        "note": "5.2% nominal wage trend",
                        "weight": "high",
                        "direction": "up"
                    },
                    {
                        "name": "Role demand trend",
                        "note": "0.0% annual role demand",
                        "weight": "high",
                        "direction": "steady"
                    },
                    {
                        "name": "Hiring demand",
                        "note": "Demand index 50/100",
                        "weight": "medium",
                        "direction": "steady"
                    },
                    {
                        "name": "Automation exposure",
                        "note": "35% exposure",
                        "weight": "high",
                        "direction": "steady"
                    },
                    {
                        "name": "Real wage growth",
                        "note": "0.4% after 4.8% inflation",
                        "weight": "high",
                        "direction": "up"
                    },
                    {
                        "name": "Scenario growth",
                        "note": "5.2% modelled nominal growth",
                        "weight": "high",
                        "direction": "up"
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "year": 2027,
                "scenario": "optimistic",
                "p25": 189149.81,
                "p50": 202083.13,
                "p75": 215016.45,
                "confidence": 74,
                "drivers": [
                    {
                        "name": "Inflation (CPI)",
                        "note": "4.8% annual price growth",
                        "weight": "high",
                        "direction": "up"
                    },
                    {
                        "name": "Wage growth",
                        "note": "5.2% nominal wage trend",
                        "weight": "high",
                        "direction": "up"
                    },
                    {
                        "name": "Role demand trend",
                        "note": "0.0% annual role demand",
                        "weight": "high",
                        "direction": "steady"
                    },
                    {
                        "name": "Hiring demand",
                        "note": "Demand index 50/100",
                        "weight": "medium",
                        "direction": "steady"
                    },
                    {
                        "name": "Automation exposure",
                        "note": "35% exposure",
                        "weight": "high",
                        "direction": "steady"
                    },
                    {
                        "name": "Real wage growth",
                        "note": "0.4% after 4.8% inflation",
                        "weight": "high",
                        "direction": "up"
                    },
                    {
                        "name": "Scenario growth",
                        "note": "5.2% modelled nominal growth",
                        "weight": "high",
                        "direction": "up"
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "year": 2029,
                "scenario": "base",
                "p25": 204626.01,
                "p50": 220502.17,
                "p75": 236378.32,
                "confidence": 62,
                "drivers": [
                    {
                        "name": "Inflation (CPI)",
                        "note": "4.8% annual price growth",
                        "weight": "high",
                        "direction": "up"
                    },
                    {
                        "name": "Wage growth",
                        "note": "5.2% nominal wage trend",
                        "weight": "high",
                        "direction": "up"
                    },
                    {
                        "name": "Role demand trend",
                        "note": "0.0% annual role demand",
                        "weight": "high",
                        "direction": "steady"
                    },
                    {
                        "name": "Hiring demand",
                        "note": "Demand index 50/100",
                        "weight": "medium",
                        "direction": "steady"
                    },
                    {
                        "name": "Automation exposure",
                        "note": "35% exposure",
                        "weight": "high",
                        "direction": "steady"
                    },
                    {
                        "name": "Real wage growth",
                        "note": "0.4% after 4.8% inflation",
                        "weight": "high",
                        "direction": "up"
                    },
                    {
                        "name": "Scenario growth",
                        "note": "5.2% modelled nominal growth",
                        "weight": "high",
                        "direction": "up"
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "year": 2029,
                "scenario": "conservative",
                "p25": 195997.21,
                "p50": 211203.89,
                "p75": 226410.57,
                "confidence": 62,
                "drivers": [
                    {
                        "name": "Inflation (CPI)",
                        "note": "4.8% annual price growth",
                        "weight": "high",
                        "direction": "up"
                    },
                    {
                        "name": "Wage growth",
                        "note": "5.2% nominal wage trend",
                        "weight": "high",
                        "direction": "up"
                    },
                    {
                        "name": "Role demand trend",
                        "note": "0.0% annual role demand",
                        "weight": "high",
                        "direction": "steady"
                    },
                    {
                        "name": "Hiring demand",
                        "note": "Demand index 50/100",
                        "weight": "medium",
                        "direction": "steady"
                    },
                    {
                        "name": "Automation exposure",
                        "note": "35% exposure",
                        "weight": "high",
                        "direction": "steady"
                    },
                    {
                        "name": "Real wage growth",
                        "note": "0.4% after 4.8% inflation",
                        "weight": "high",
                        "direction": "up"
                    },
                    {
                        "name": "Scenario growth",
                        "note": "5.2% modelled nominal growth",
                        "weight": "high",
                        "direction": "up"
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "year": 2029,
                "scenario": "optimistic",
                "p25": 213504.42,
                "p50": 230069.42,
                "p75": 246634.42,
                "confidence": 62,
                "drivers": [
                    {
                        "name": "Inflation (CPI)",
                        "note": "4.8% annual price growth",
                        "weight": "high",
                        "direction": "up"
                    },
                    {
                        "name": "Wage growth",
                        "note": "5.2% nominal wage trend",
                        "weight": "high",
                        "direction": "up"
                    },
                    {
                        "name": "Role demand trend",
                        "note": "0.0% annual role demand",
                        "weight": "high",
                        "direction": "steady"
                    },
                    {
                        "name": "Hiring demand",
                        "note": "Demand index 50/100",
                        "weight": "medium",
                        "direction": "steady"
                    },
                    {
                        "name": "Automation exposure",
                        "note": "35% exposure",
                        "weight": "high",
                        "direction": "steady"
                    },
                    {
                        "name": "Real wage growth",
                        "note": "0.4% after 4.8% inflation",
                        "weight": "high",
                        "direction": "up"
                    },
                    {
                        "name": "Scenario growth",
                        "note": "5.2% modelled nominal growth",
                        "weight": "high",
                        "direction": "up"
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "year": 2031,
                "scenario": "base",
                "p25": 224508.18,
                "p50": 244030.63,
                "p75": 263553.08,
                "confidence": 50,
                "drivers": [
                    {
                        "name": "Inflation (CPI)",
                        "note": "4.8% annual price growth",
                        "weight": "high",
                        "direction": "up"
                    },
                    {
                        "name": "Wage growth",
                        "note": "5.2% nominal wage trend",
                        "weight": "high",
                        "direction": "up"
                    },
                    {
                        "name": "Role demand trend",
                        "note": "0.0% annual role demand",
                        "weight": "high",
                        "direction": "steady"
                    },
                    {
                        "name": "Hiring demand",
                        "note": "Demand index 50/100",
                        "weight": "medium",
                        "direction": "steady"
                    },
                    {
                        "name": "Automation exposure",
                        "note": "35% exposure",
                        "weight": "high",
                        "direction": "steady"
                    },
                    {
                        "name": "Real wage growth",
                        "note": "0.4% after 4.8% inflation",
                        "weight": "high",
                        "direction": "up"
                    },
                    {
                        "name": "Scenario growth",
                        "note": "5.2% modelled nominal growth",
                        "weight": "high",
                        "direction": "up"
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "year": 2031,
                "scenario": "conservative",
                "p25": 208952.35,
                "p50": 227122.12,
                "p75": 245291.88,
                "confidence": 50,
                "drivers": [
                    {
                        "name": "Inflation (CPI)",
                        "note": "4.8% annual price growth",
                        "weight": "high",
                        "direction": "up"
                    },
                    {
                        "name": "Wage growth",
                        "note": "5.2% nominal wage trend",
                        "weight": "high",
                        "direction": "up"
                    },
                    {
                        "name": "Role demand trend",
                        "note": "0.0% annual role demand",
                        "weight": "high",
                        "direction": "steady"
                    },
                    {
                        "name": "Hiring demand",
                        "note": "Demand index 50/100",
                        "weight": "medium",
                        "direction": "steady"
                    },
                    {
                        "name": "Automation exposure",
                        "note": "35% exposure",
                        "weight": "high",
                        "direction": "steady"
                    },
                    {
                        "name": "Real wage growth",
                        "note": "0.4% after 4.8% inflation",
                        "weight": "high",
                        "direction": "up"
                    },
                    {
                        "name": "Scenario growth",
                        "note": "5.2% modelled nominal growth",
                        "weight": "high",
                        "direction": "up"
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "year": 2031,
                "scenario": "optimistic",
                "p25": 240976.99,
                "p50": 261931.51,
                "p75": 282886.03,
                "confidence": 50,
                "drivers": [
                    {
                        "name": "Inflation (CPI)",
                        "note": "4.8% annual price growth",
                        "weight": "high",
                        "direction": "up"
                    },
                    {
                        "name": "Wage growth",
                        "note": "5.2% nominal wage trend",
                        "weight": "high",
                        "direction": "up"
                    },
                    {
                        "name": "Role demand trend",
                        "note": "0.0% annual role demand",
                        "weight": "high",
                        "direction": "steady"
                    },
                    {
                        "name": "Hiring demand",
                        "note": "Demand index 50/100",
                        "weight": "medium",
                        "direction": "steady"
                    },
                    {
                        "name": "Automation exposure",
                        "note": "35% exposure",
                        "weight": "high",
                        "direction": "steady"
                    },
                    {
                        "name": "Real wage growth",
                        "note": "0.4% after 4.8% inflation",
                        "weight": "high",
                        "direction": "up"
                    },
                    {
                        "name": "Scenario growth",
                        "note": "5.2% modelled nominal growth",
                        "weight": "high",
                        "direction": "up"
                    }
                ]
            }
        ]
    },
    "skills": [],
    "sources": [
        {
            "name": "Numbeo / OECD composite (US=100)",
            "url": null,
            "type": "market_signal",
            "tier": "derived"
        },
        {
            "name": "Open exchange rates (2026)",
            "url": null,
            "type": "market_signal",
            "tier": "official"
        },
        {
            "name": "World Bank / IMF (2026 est.)",
            "url": null,
            "type": "market_signal",
            "tier": "official"
        },
        {
            "name": "OECD / national tax tables",
            "url": null,
            "type": "market_signal",
            "tier": "derived"
        },
        {
            "name": "ILO modelled estimates (2026)",
            "url": null,
            "type": "market_signal",
            "tier": "official"
        },
        {
            "name": "SpotSalary deterministic wage model",
            "url": null,
            "type": "deterministic_model",
            "tier": "derived"
        }
    ],
    "faqs": [
        {
            "question": "What is the average salary of a Data scientists in South Africa?",
            "answer": "SpotSalary models a median annual salary of R189.4K for a Data scientists in South Africa, or about R15,783 per month before tax. The middle 50% of the estimate ranges from R151.5K to R219.7K, with a full P10–P90 range of R121.8K to R263K. This is a modelled estimate, not a job offer."
        },
        {
            "question": "How much does an entry-level Data scientists earn in South Africa?",
            "answer": "The entry-level band for a Data scientists in South Africa centres on R123.1K per year (P25–P75: R98.5K–R142.8K). Entry-level pay typically covers the first 2 years of experience and depends on company size, skills and responsibilities."
        },
        {
            "question": "How much does a senior or executive Data scientists earn in South Africa?",
            "answer": "The executive band for a Data scientists in South Africa has a median of R530.3K per year and a P75 of R615.2K. Senior and executive packages often include a larger bonus and equity component; this benchmark shows the total-compensation split for each level."
        },
        {
            "question": "What is the salary outlook for a Data scientists in South Africa?",
            "answer": "The outlook is stable. In the base scenario, median pay reaches R244K by 2031, about 28.8% above today before inflation and 0.4% per year in real terms after 4.8% inflation. Scenario bands widen over time and are not guarantees."
        },
        {
            "question": "What is the take-home pay for a Data scientists in South Africa?",
            "answer": "After an effective income tax rate of 18.0%, the mid-level Data scientists in South Africa takes home about R155,303 per year, or R12,942 per month. The estimate uses imported national tax brackets and does not include social contributions or local levies."
        },
        {
            "question": "How does SpotSalary calculate these salary estimates?",
            "answer": "Estimates are anchored to external market signals — GDP per capita PPP, inflation, wage growth, cost of living, demand and automation exposure — and synthesised with AI. Deterministic validation rejects implausible outputs. This report carries 80% confidence."
        }
    ],
    "related": {
        "occupation_locations": [],
        "occupation_hub": "https://www.spotsalary.com/occupations/data-scientists",
        "location_hub": "https://www.spotsalary.com/locations/south-africa-za",
        "all_salaries": "https://www.spotsalary.com/salaries"
    },
    "citation": {
        "plain": "Data scientists Salary in South Africa. SpotSalary. https://www.spotsalary.com/salary/data-scientists/south-africa-za",
        "updated_at": "2026-10-29T19:49:35+00:00"
    }
}