Categories: Career AdviceNews

Average Biologist salary in South Africa 2024

Published by
Lethabo Ntsoane

The average Biologist salary in South Africa is R62,000.00 per month. Biologists work in a variety of fields, including analyzing living organisms. Their work is primarily done in laboratories, where they analyze various particles.

Biologists are researchers who can work for a private company, a university, the government, or a public company. They earn above-average salaries because of their dedication and the level of education required.

Biologists receive bonuses in addition to a salary. A Biologist’s annual bonus ranges from R21,000.00 to R86,000.00. Despite the fact that many Biologists earn bonuses in South Africa, 42% of Biologists do not.

According to Salary Explorer, 58% of South African Biologists received a bonus in 2023. Those who received a bonus reported receiving a bonus ranging from 3% to 6% of their annual salary.

A Biologist’s salary rises at a rapid pace. However, some factors influence a Biologist’s salary in South Africa. Below, we look at the factors that influence a Biologist’s salary.

Factors that influence the salary of a Biologist

Education

A bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement for becoming a biologist. Biologists with a postgraduate degree earn more money. A Biologist with a Bachelor’s degree, for example, earns an average monthly salary of R47,800.00.

A Biologist with a master’s degree, on the other hand, earns R65,800.00 per month. Those with a master’s degree earn 38% more than Biologists with a bachelor’s degree.

When comparing the salary of a Ph.D. graduate to those with a bachelor’s or master’s degree, the salary gap widens. A Biologist with a Ph.D. earns R108,000.00 per month on average, which is 64% more than a Biologist with a master’s degree.

Employer

Biologists in South Africa work for a variety of companies. Their salary is likely to be determined by the industry in which they work. Employment sectors include but are not limited to, the private and public sectors.

Several factors are considered by the employer when determining the salary of a Biologist such as their level of experience and education. A Biologist’s employer can also provide benefits and a bonus structure. As a result, working for a company that provides benefits and bonuses is ideal.

Another influencing factor is the Biologist’s level of experience. We look at how the level of experience impacts the salary of a Biologist below. 

Salary of a Biologist based on their level of experience

Salary of a Biologist with 0 – 2 years of work experience in 2024

A Biologist with 0 to 2 years of experience can expect to earn R40,700.00 per month on average. Biologists with 0 years of experience earn the least in this group, with an average monthly salary of R34,000.00.

Biologists with 2 years of experience earn the most in this group, earning an average monthly salary of R46,800.00.

Salary of a Biologist with 3 – 5 years of work experience in 2024

A Biologist with 3 to 5 years of experience can expect to earn R52,300.00 per month on average. The salary represents a 29% increase over the average salary of Biologists with 0 to 2 years of experience.

Biologists with 5 years of experience earn the most in this group, with an average monthly salary of R61,500.00. Biologists with 3 years of experience earn the least in this group, with an average monthly salary of R48,300.00.

Salary of a Biologist with 6 – 10 years of work experience in 2024

A Biologist with 6 to 10 years of experience can expect to earn R72,200.00 per month on average. The salary represents a 38% increase over the average salary of Biologists with 3 to 5 years of experience.

Biologists with 10 years of experience earn the most in this category, with an average monthly salary of R82,900.00. Biologists with 6 years of experience earn the least in this group, with an average monthly salary of R65,500.00.

Salary of a Biologist with 11 – 15 years of work experience in 2024

A Biologist with 11 to 15 years of experience can expect to earn R89,400.00 per month on average. The salary represents a 24% increase over the average salary of Biologists with 6 to 10 years of experience.

Biologists with 15 years of experience earn the most in this group, with an average monthly salary of R92,710.00. Biologists with 11 years of experience earn the least in this group, with an average monthly salary of R84,000.00.

Salary of a Biologist with 16 – 20 years of work experience in 2024

A Biologist with 16 to 20 years of experience can expect to earn R95,800.00 per month on average. The salary represents a 7% increase over the average salary of Biologists with 11 to 15 years of experience.

Biologists with 20+ years of experience earn the most, with an average monthly salary of R102,000.00. A Biologist’s monthly salary can be as high as R110,000.00.

Conclusion

Biology requires knowledge that goes beyond what meets the eye, so a tertiary education is always required for the job. Obtaining a Ph.D. as a Biologist is a common practice, and those with a PhD have the highest earnings. As a result, anyone looking to earn a high salary should pursue a PhD in the field to get the best salary that is above average.

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Lethabo Ntsoane

Lethabo Ntsoane holds a Bachelors Degree in Accounting from the University of South Africa. He is a Financial Product commentator at Rateweb. He is an expect financial product analyst with years of experience in reviewing products and offering commentary. Lethabo majors in financial news, reviews and financial tips. He can be contacted: Email: lethabo@rateweb.co.za Twitter: @NtsoaneLethabo