Graduating in South Africa in 2025 means stepping into a job market that is slowly stabilising after years of uncertainty. Entry-level salaries vary widely depending on the industry, qualifications, and demand for skills. This guide provides graduates with a breakdown of average starting salaries by field, what factors influence pay, and tips for negotiating your first job package.
What Is the Average Graduate Salary in South Africa (2025)?
The average entry-level salary for graduates in South Africa in 2025 ranges from R12,000 to R22,000 per month, depending on qualification and sector. Tech, finance, and engineering graduates tend to earn the most, while social sciences and creative industries often start lower.
Entry-Level Salary by Industry
1. Engineering
- Average salary: R20,000 – R27,000 per month
- Civil, mechanical, and electrical engineers remain in high demand due to infrastructure projects and renewable energy investments.
2. Information Technology (IT)
- Average salary: R18,000 – R25,000 per month
- Software developers, data analysts, and cybersecurity professionals start strong, with global demand creating opportunities for remote work.
3. Accounting & Finance
- Average salary: R16,000 – R22,000 per month
- Chartered Accountant trainees (CAs) are among the highest paid graduates, especially in major firms like Deloitte, PwC, and EY.
4. Medical & Health Sciences
- Average salary: R18,000 – R23,000 per month
- Newly qualified doctors during community service earn around R27,000 monthly, while nurses and pharmacists start closer to R15,000 – R20,000.
5. Law
- Average salary: R12,000 – R18,000 per month
- Candidate attorneys generally start lower but salaries rise significantly once admitted as attorneys or advocates.
6. Education
- Average salary: R10,000 – R15,000 per month
- Graduate teachers employed by the Department of Basic Education start modestly but benefit from structured salary scales and annual increases.
7. Humanities & Social Sciences
- Average salary: R8,000 – R12,000 per month
- Careers in NGOs, social work, journalism, or the arts typically start lower, though opportunities in communications and digital marketing can push salaries upward.
Factors Influencing Graduate Salaries in 2025
- Field of study – STEM and finance careers pay more than arts and humanities.
- Location – Jobs in Johannesburg and Cape Town pay up to 25% higher than in smaller towns.
- Company size – Large corporates and multinationals generally offer better packages than SMEs.
- Skills – Digital skills (AI, coding, data analytics) boost employability and starting pay.
- Postgraduate qualifications – Master’s or Honours graduates often earn 10–20% more than those with only a bachelor’s degree.
Tips for Graduates Entering the Job Market
- Research salary benchmarks before interviews to know your worth.
- Highlight in-demand skills like data literacy, AI tools, or coding—even in non-IT careers.
- Negotiate beyond salary, such as for benefits (medical aid, study bursaries, leave days).
- Leverage internships: Many employers prefer candidates with some work exposure.
- Network actively through LinkedIn and graduate recruitment programmes.
Conclusion
The 2025 job market in South Africa offers both challenges and opportunities for graduates. While salaries vary, industries like engineering, IT, and finance stand out for higher entry-level pay. For graduates entering lower-paying fields, upskilling with digital and business skills can significantly boost career growth and earnings potential.
Starting salaries set the foundation for long-term career success, so graduates should approach the job market informed, confident, and prepared to negotiate for their true value.
