Pay by Role
South Africa · Salary comparison

Carpenter vs Electrician salary

In South Africa, a electrician earns about 18% more than a carpenter $23,972 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

Skilled Trades
Carpenter
$20,302/yr
Monthly
$1,694
Hourly
$10
Range
$13,906$28,118
10-yr outlook
+4%
Pays more
Skilled Trades
Electrician
$23,972/yr
Monthly
$2,000
Hourly
$11
Range
$16,419$33,199
10-yr outlook
+11%

Pay range, side by side

PercentileCarpenterElectrician
Entry (10th)$13,906$16,419
25th$17,104$20,198
Median$20,302$23,972
75th$24,210$28,588
Senior (90th)$28,118$33,199

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 electrician earn more in South Africa?
A electrician earns more, at about R 392 000 per year vs R 332 000 for a carpenter — roughly 18% (R 60 000) more.
What is the salary range for these roles in South Africa?
A carpenter typically earns R 227 400–R 459 800, while a electrician earns R 268 500–R 542 900 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 electrician about R 32 700.
How do entry-level salaries compare?
At the 10th percentile in South Africa, a carpenter earns about R 227 400 while a electrician earns about R 268 500 per year.
How do senior-level salaries compare?
At the 90th percentile in South Africa, a carpenter earns about R 459 800 while a electrician earns about R 542 900 per year.
Are carpenter and electrician 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.