Aerospace Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer salary
In South Africa, a aerospace engineer earns about 5% more than a mechanical engineer — $53,141 vs $50,450 per year.
Showing amounts in USD (USD default; source data is ZAR). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies
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Engineering
Aerospace Engineer$53,141/yr
- Monthly
- $4,427
- Hourly
- $26
- Range
- $35,921–$74,183
- 10-yr outlook
- +6%
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Aerospace Engineer | Mechanical Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $35,921 | $34,557 |
| 25th | $44,531 | $42,507 |
| Median | $53,141 | $50,450 |
| 75th | $63,665 | $60,161 |
| Senior (90th) | $74,183 | $69,872 |
National South Africa figures in ZAR. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Engineering comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a aerospace engineer or mechanical engineer earn more in South Africa?
- A aerospace engineer earns more, at about R 869 000 per year vs R 825 000 for a mechanical engineer — roughly 5% (R 44 000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in South Africa?
- A aerospace engineer typically earns R 587 400–R 1 213 100, while a mechanical engineer earns R 565 100–R 1 142 600 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in South Africa?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a aerospace engineer averages about R 72 400 and a mechanical engineer about R 68 800.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in South Africa, a aerospace engineer earns about R 587 400 while a mechanical engineer earns about R 565 100 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in South Africa, a aerospace engineer earns about R 1 213 100 while a mechanical engineer earns about R 1 142 600 per year.
- Are aerospace engineer and mechanical engineer similar careers?
- Both roles sit in the Engineering category on Pay by Role, which is why we compare them head-to-head. Day-to-day work still differs — review each job page for skills and outlook.