Data Engineer vs Software Engineer salary
In South Africa, a software engineer earns about 8% more than a data engineer — $58,094 vs $53,936 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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Technology
Software Engineer$58,094/yr
- Monthly
- $4,843
- Hourly
- $28
- Range
- $37,180–$83,656
- 10-yr outlook
- +17%
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Data Engineer | Software Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $34,520 | $37,180 |
| 25th | $44,225 | $47,637 |
| Median | $53,936 | $58,094 |
| 75th | $65,799 | $70,875 |
| Senior (90th) | $77,669 | $83,656 |
National South Africa figures in ZAR. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Technology comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a data engineer or software engineer earn more in South Africa?
- A software engineer earns more, at about R 950 000 per year vs R 882 000 for a data engineer — roughly 8% (R 68 000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in South Africa?
- A data engineer typically earns R 564 500–R 1 270 100, while a software engineer earns R 608 000–R 1 368 000 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in South Africa?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a data engineer averages about R 73 500 and a software engineer about R 79 200.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in South Africa, a data engineer earns about R 564 500 while a software engineer earns about R 608 000 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in South Africa, a data engineer earns about R 1 270 100 while a software engineer earns about R 1 368 000 per year.
- Are data engineer and software engineer 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.