AI Engineer vs Data Scientist salary
In South Africa, a ai engineer and a data scientist earn about the same — $63,598 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
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | AI Engineer | Data Scientist |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $37,841 | $39,559 |
| 25th | $50,719 | $51,575 |
| Median | $63,598 | $63,598 |
| 75th | $79,338 | $78,287 |
| Senior (90th) | $95,079 | $92,981 |
National South Africa figures in ZAR. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
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Frequently asked questions
- Does a ai engineer or data scientist earn more in South Africa?
- A ai engineer and a data scientist earn roughly the same in South Africa, around R 1 040 000 per year.
- What is the salary range for these roles in South Africa?
- A ai engineer typically earns R 618 800–R 1 554 800, while a data scientist earns R 646 900–R 1 520 500 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in South Africa?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a ai engineer averages about R 86 700 and a data scientist about R 86 700.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in South Africa, a ai engineer earns about R 618 800 while a data scientist earns about R 646 900 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in South Africa, a ai engineer earns about R 1 554 800 while a data scientist earns about R 1 520 500 per year.
- Are ai engineer and data scientist similar careers?
- Both roles sit in the Technology 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.