South African Tech Salaries 2025

In 2025, South African IT professionals are experiencing impressive salary growth, with the latest survey revealing that the average salary for full-time tech workers is significantly above the national average. The survey, conducted in February 2025, received over 2,500 responses from developers, network professionals, systems administrators, and executives working at local companies.

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Key Findings from the 2025 Tech Salary Survey

The survey reveals several key statistics about the state of tech salaries in South Africa:

47% of IT Professionals Saw Salary Increases in 2025: A majority of professionals are benefiting from salary hikes, reflecting the increasing demand for skilled workers in the tech industry.
55% Received Bonuses in 2024: Bonuses are common, indicating a competitive and rewarding environment for IT employees.
60% Believe They Are Paid Fairly: While many feel satisfied with their compensation, about 40% of professionals believe they are underpaid.
Average Salaries: The average monthly salary for full-time IT professionals is R88,635, with part-time workers earning R44,336 on average.

These figures stand in stark contrast to the average South African salary of R28,220, as reported by Statistics South Africa in their Q3 2024 survey.

Breakdown of IT Salaries by Role and Experience Level

IT salaries can vary greatly depending on experience, role, and company size. Below is an overview of the salary breakdown by job role and experience level:

C-Level Executives: R55,500 to R220,000, depending on experience and seniority.
Programming and Software Development: R39,000 to R150,000.
Consultants: R12,000 to R156,000.
Analysts: R34,000 to R140,000.
IT Management: R25,500 to R133,200.
Security Professionals: R21,500 to R109,616.
Systems Administration: R15,986 to R76,000.

The Demand for Skilled Tech Workers

The demand for tech professionals in South Africa continues to rise. Large companies, particularly those based in major cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town, offer higher salaries compared to smaller enterprises in rural areas. This trend underlines the growing importance of the tech industry and the increasing investment being made in IT and digital transformation across various sectors.

Regional Variations and Company Size

Salary variations can also be attributed to regional differences and the size of the company. Large corporations in Gauteng and Cape Town tend to pay more, reflecting the cost of living and the scale of operations in these areas. In contrast, employees at small businesses or in smaller towns may earn lower salaries but often enjoy more flexibility and diverse roles within their companies.

IT Salaries in Context

IT salaries have been rising consistently over the years, driven by the growing reliance on technology and digital transformation in various industries. Companies are investing heavily in skilled professionals to drive innovation, cybersecurity, data analytics, and software development. As the demand for digital skills increases, it’s likely that salaries will continue to rise, particularly in high-demand fields such as AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity.

The 2025 tech salary survey indicates that South African IT professionals are in a strong position, with salaries well above the national average and excellent prospects for growth. As the tech industry expands, skilled professionals will remain highly sought after, ensuring that those in the field can command competitive compensation packages. For those considering a career in tech or looking to upskill, this survey underscores the potential for lucrative opportunities in the South African market.