▲58%
R300,171
Avg. Base Salary (ZAR)
/ year
Avg. Base Salary (ZAR)
10%
ZAR 188k
MEDIAN
ZAR 300k
90%
ZAR 571k
The average salary for a Research Scientist is R300,171 in 2025
Base Salary
R188k - R571k
Bonus
R7k - R49k
Profit Sharing
R0 - R6k
Total Pay
R186k - R595k
Is Average Early-Career Research Scientist with Research Analysis Skills Salary in South Africa your job title? Find out what you should be paid
Use our tool to get a personalized report on your market worth.What's this?
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What is the Pay by Experience Level for Research Scientists?
What Do Research Scientists Do?
Find your market worth – how it works:
Common Health Benefits for a Research Scientist
Medical
50%
Dental
8%
Vision
8%
None
50%
Gender Breakdown for Research Scientists
Female
50.0%
Male
50.0%
This data is based on 18 survey responses. Learn more about the gender pay gap.
FAQs About Research Scientists
What is the highest pay for Research Scientists?
Our data indicates that the highest pay for a Research Scientist is ZAR 571k / year
What is the lowest pay for Research Scientists?
Our data indicates that the lowest pay for a Research Scientist is ZAR 188k / year
How can Research Scientists increase their salary?
Increasing your pay as a Research 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 Research Scientist that oversees more junior Research Scientists, this experience can increase the likelihood to earn more.