▼40%
R488,500
Avg. Base Salary (ZAR)
/ year
Avg. Base Salary (ZAR)
10%
ZAR 290k
MEDIAN
ZAR 488k
90%
ZAR 896k
The average salary for a Data Scientist is R488,500 in 2026
Base Salary
R290k - R896k
Bonus
R10k - R129k
Profit Sharing
R0 - R3k
Total Pay
R296k - R918k
Is Average Data Scientist with SQL Skills Salary in South Africa your job title? Find out what you should be paid
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What is the Pay by Experience Level for Data Scientists?
Find your market worth – how it works:
Common Health Benefits for a Data Scientist
Medical
44%
Dental
10%
Vision
8%
None
56%
Gender Breakdown for Data Scientists
Male
69.9%
Female
30.1%
This data is based on 73 survey responses. Learn more about the gender pay gap.
FAQs About Data Scientists
What is the highest pay for Data Scientists?
Our data indicates that the highest pay for a Data Scientist is ZAR 896k / year
What is the lowest pay for Data Scientists?
Our data indicates that the lowest pay for a Data Scientist is ZAR 290k / year
How can Data Scientists increase their salary?
Increasing your pay as a Data Scientist is possible in different ways. Change of employer: Consider a career move to a new employer that is willing to pay higher for your skills. Level of Education: Gaining advanced degrees may allow this role to increase their income potential and qualify for promotions. Managing Experience: If you are a Data Scientist that oversees more junior Data Scientists, this experience can increase the likelihood to earn more.