We know finding a job in South Africa isn’t easy because the competition is fiercer than ever. But there are actually certain jobs that need specific skill sets that are quite high in demand these days.

Here are some of the most popular jobs in South Africa today – have a look, you might be a perfect fit for one of them!

Which jobs in South Africa are in demand?

1. Civil Engineer

Field/Industry	Engineering
Annual salary range	R153,000 to R724,000

Civil engineers are at the core of building various infrastructures in the country. They are tasked with conceptualising, designing, making, repairing and maintaining all these projects.

But this is not limited to only buildings. This also includes roads, tunnels and bridges among others.

Apart from that, they ensure that each project complies with all the local and national regulations.

2. Cybersecurity Engineer

Field/Industry	Information Technology (IT)
Annual salary range	R527,777 to R928,831

Despite the technological advancements today, there are safety issues that come into play, especially with sensitive data. Now, this is where cybersecurity engineers come in.

They ensure that a company’s database is safeguarded from any cyberattacks. Plus, they add different security and protection software to deflect any digital threats.

Aside from this, they also identify and address any vulnerable areas in a computer’s network or systems to keep hackers away.

3. Agricultural Engineer 

Field/Industry	Engineering
Annual salary range	R171,600 to R547,200

As agriculture is a significant industry in our country, having engineers in this field is essential. Compared to civil engineers, agricultural engineers focus on applying technical concepts to resolve problems in our environment.

This includes using energy wisely, handling agricultural waste and storing food properly. They also look after the different machines and facilities in different farms and labs in the country, especially in rural areas.

With current crop and livestock production issues, there are more openings for this position now more than ever.

4. Data Scientist

Field/Industry	Information Technology (IT)
Annual salary range	R540,000 to R8,970,000

Data scientists encompass different fields including Information Technology (IT), mathematics and science. They gather and analyse large sets of data, making the job very challenging.

They don’t only need great knowledge of math, but also require good technical computer skills. Data scientists add value to survey firms, marketing firms and government offices, among others.

5. Software Developer

Field/Industry	Computer Science
Annual salary range	R143,000 to R587,000

Software develops create and manage software programmes for different companies while making sure they meet the needs of their users. Also, they help upgrade these existing systems to make them more efficient.

6. Cloud Computing Specialist

Field/Industry	Information Technology (IT)
Annual salary range	R540,000 to R9,600,000

Cloud computing involves providing IT-related services, such as data storage, analytics, and networking, via the Internet, a.k.a. “the cloud”.

This role requires basic tech experience and a very specific skill set. This also includes the designing, implementing, testing and maintaining of all related cloud environments of the firm.

7. Content Creator

Field/Industry	Marketing
Annual salary range	R180,000 to R471,000

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you might have heard about the rising popularity of content creators. They are usually tasked with marketing different products and services to their audience.

But don’t let this fool you into thinking that it’s all about making videos or posing in front of a camera. This job requires great charisma and personality, as well PR skills, to successfully promote a product without hardselling.

8. Marketing Manager

Field/Industry	Marketing
Annual salary range	R300,000 to R5,400,000

A marketing manager is tasked with conceptualising creative campaigns, developing strategies, and streamlining promotional efforts for a brand.

It’s also a supervisory role, as you’ll be managing the careers to marketing officers or assistants.

To become a good marketing manager, 

9. Brand Manager

Field/Industry	Marketing
Annual salary range	R150,000 to R725,000

Make no mistake, a brand manager is different from a marketing manager, even if they are in the same field. A brand manager is more big picture-focused, developing the identity, positioning, and value of the brand itself.

10. Business Consultant

Field/Industry	Business and Finance
Annual salary range	R97,000 to R705,000

A business consultant’s main role is to find solutions for businesses. They also ensure that the goals of the company are met.

Their other responsibilities include modifying business processes, introducing new methods and improving the company’s practices.

Although it’s a rewarding job, it takes a lot of effort to thrive as a business consultant. Sometimes, you have to work long hours reaching more than the usual 40 hours in a week.

11. Financial Manager

Field/Industry	Finance
Annual salary range	R419,106 to R8,759,750

From the name of the role itself, financial managers look after the financial health of the company. They take a long and hard look at how the company is spending and raising money, and generate and propose strategies to maximise profit.

12. Accountant

Field/Industry	Accounting
Annual salary range	R119,000 to R6,600,000

South Africa needs more accountants! This is a very technical position as applicants should be equipped with strong accounting skills – from auditing and account analysis, to creating financial statements.

13. Nursing Assistant

Field/Industry	Healthcare
Annual salary range	R252,000 to R7,141,104

Nursing assistants one of the healthcare industry’s most precious assets because they provide support to the entire medical staff.

They also provide emotional and spiritual support to patients, helping aid their recovery.

Applicants for this position are required to have finished at least a related Bachelor’s Degree, and be registered with the South African Nursing Council (SANC).

14. Hospital Administrator

Field/Industry	Healthcare
Annual salary range	R258,000 to R2,158,618

Although they usually work behind the scenes, a hospital administrator is an essential member of the healthcare community. They make sure hospital operations run smoothly and they also check on the well-being of the employees.

Apart from that, they work with the local government and other related institutions for the implementation of their programs.

15. Surgeon

Field/Industry	Medicine
Annual salary range	R238,500 to R8,886,000

Surgery is one of the most difficult specialties for doctors. There are different other sub-specialisations one can focus on, such as General Surgery, Pediatric Surgery, and more.

Although it comes with a hefty salary, the job is extremely challenging to say the least. Long hours in the Operating Room require a strong stamina – physically, emotionally, and mentally.

16. Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) Officer

Field/Industry	Safety Management
Annual salary range	R180,000 to R540,012

As its name suggests, environmental health and safety (EHS) officers are there to ensure the security of workers.

They check and monitor the company’s environment, equipment, and processes in compliance with our government’s standards. If there are emergencies, they are the first to respond and help resolve the situation.

17. Customer Service Officer

Field/Industry	Varies
Annual salary range	R35,064 to R49,980

Customer service officers can work in different industries, from healthcare to retail. Their main tasks involve handling the complaints of clients and providing solutions to different issues.

Since this job position involves interacting with different people (whether over the phone or in person), it can be quite taxing and challenging. It’s important to have strong problem-solving and relational skills to thrive in this job.

18. Lawyer

Field/Industry	Legal
Annual salary range	R70,000 to R605,000

South Africa could use more lawyers. In fact, the demand for this job has increased over the years.

Lawyers can specialise in various legal fields, from family law and personal injury law to even entertainment law. 

19. Pilot

Field/Industry	Aviation
Annual salary range	R171,000 to R5,124,600

Maneuvering an aircraft is no easy feat and pilots are the amazing people who make it possible for us to travel to and fro by air.

Although most pilots work for commercial airlines, there are also those who have specialised roles for the private and military sectors. They can even be tasked with search and rescue operations whenever necessary.

20. E-Commerce Specialist

Field/Industry	Business
Annual salary range	R222,000 to R912,750

As we are now shifting into a more digital world, e-commerce continues to rise over the years. Specialists in this sector are necessary since they help in developing and maintaining the online presence of various businesses.

They also help in creating marketing tactics to increase brand awareness and eventually lead to profit. Having a good background in retail and communications is a great way to increase your chances of getting hired for this position.

FAQs

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