Carpenter vs Chef salary
In South Africa, a chef earns about 21% more than a carpenter — $24,583 vs $20,302 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 | Carpenter | Chef |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $13,906 | $15,734 |
| 25th | $17,104 | $20,156 |
| Median | $20,302 | $24,583 |
| 75th | $24,210 | $29,989 |
| Senior (90th) | $28,118 | $35,401 |
National South Africa figures in ZAR. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Skilled Trades comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a carpenter or chef earn more in South Africa?
- A chef earns more, at about R 402 000 per year vs R 332 000 for a carpenter — roughly 21% (R 70 000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in South Africa?
- A carpenter typically earns R 227 400–R 459 800, while a chef earns R 257 300–R 578 900 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in South Africa?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a carpenter averages about R 27 700 and a chef about R 33 500.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in South Africa, a carpenter earns about R 227 400 while a chef earns about R 257 300 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in South Africa, a carpenter earns about R 459 800 while a chef earns about R 578 900 per year.
- Are carpenter and chef similar careers?
- Both roles sit in the Skilled Trades 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.