Categories: Career AdviceNews

Average Geologist salary in South Africa 2024

Published by
Lethabo Ntsoane

The average geologist salary in South Africa is R47,300.00 per month. Geologists have a wide range of knowledge and skills in chemistry, physics, mathematics, and geology. They are in charge of measuring various aspects of the earth, including rocks, minerals, and so on.

With such a demanding field, it is obvious that it should be one of the highest-paying professions in South Africa due to the specialized knowledge required. Geologists receive bonuses for their efforts. Bonuses can range from R3,000.00 to R155,000.00 per year.

Every year, most geologists in South Africa receive a bonus. According to Salary Explorer data, 60% of South African geologists received a bonus in 2023, while 40% did not. Those who received a bonus received between 3% and 7% of their annual salary.

As a result, bonuses are likely to supplement a Geologist’s income. Commissions are not common among geologists, but they do receive benefits from their employers. Employers can contribute to policies such as a pension fund, medical aid, and other benefits.

A geologist’s salary in South Africa is influenced by a variety of factors. Below, we look at the factors that influence a Geologist’s salary.

Factors that influence the salary of a Geologist

Employer

The employer is arguably the most influential factor in determining a Geologist’s salary. Employers determine a Geologist’s salary, which they set based on a variety of factors they deem important.

Employers are also responsible for establishing the bonus structure and benefits to which an employee is entitled. Working for a company that offers bonuses and benefits can help with retirement and life planning.

Gender

Men and women do not earn the same salary as geologists as men earn slightly more than women. Males account for 51.9% of the workforce, while females account for 48.1%. (Payscale).

Male geologists earn an average of R57,000.00 per month, while female geologists earn an average of R51,600.00 per month. Males earn 11% more than females.

Education

A Geologist’s salary is affected by their level of education. A Bachelor’s degree is required for the job of a Geologist, and the degree is the lowest paying for all Geologists on average based on their level of education. A bachelor’s degree in the field earns an average monthly salary of R32,600.00.

Geologists with a master’s degree earn an average monthly salary of R51,100.00, which is 57% higher than the average salary for those with a bachelor’s degree. Geologists with a Ph.D. earn R85,700.00 per month on average, which is 68% more than those with a master’s degree.

Another factor that influences a Geologist’s salary is their level of experience in the field. Below we look at the impact of work experience on the salary of Geologists in South Africa. 

Salary of Geologists based on their level of experience

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

A Geologist with 0 to 2 years of experience can expect to earn R28,500.00 per month on average. Geologists with a Bachelor’s degree and no years of experience earn the least in this group, with an average monthly salary of R25,100.00.

Those with two years of work experience earn the most in this category, with an average monthly salary of R31,700.00. Geologists with 2 years of experience and a Ph.D. receive the highest salary in this category.

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

A Geologist with 3 to 5 years of experience can expect to earn R38,100.00 per month on average. When compared to those with 0 to 2 years of work experience, the salary represents a 34% increase on average.

Geologists with 5 years of experience earn the highest salaries in this group, with an average monthly salary of R44,300.00. Those with three years of work experience earn the least in this group, with an average monthly salary of R35,800.00.

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

A Geologist with 6 to 10 years of experience can expect to earn R56,300.00 per month on average. The salary represents a 48% increase in salary over that of Geologists with 3 to 5 years of experience.

Those with 6 years of work experience earn the least in this group, with an average monthly salary of R48,500.00. Geologists with 10 years of experience earn the highest salary in this category, with an average monthly salary of R62,700.00. 

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

A Geologist with 11 to 15 years of experience earns an average monthly salary of R68,700.00. The salary represents a 22% increase in salary over that of Geologists with 6 to 10 years of experience.

Geologists with 15 years of experience earn the most, with an average monthly salary of R71,000.00. Those with 11 years of work experience earn the least, with an average salary of R64,900.00.

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

A Geologist with 16 to 20 years of experience earns an average monthly salary of R74,900.00. The salary represents a 9% increase on the average salary of Geologists with 11 to 15 years of experience.

Geologists with more than 20 years of experience earn the most in this category, with an average salary of R81,100.00. A Geologist’s monthly salary in South Africa can reach R87,600.00.

Conclusion

From year 2 to year 15 of working experience, a Geologist’s salary increases at a rapid rate. It is more rewarding to stay longer in the field and attain higher levels of education. Every 18 months, geologists can expect a 13% increase in their salary.

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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