Plumber vs Welder salary
In South Africa, a plumber earns about 25% more than a welder — $23,482 vs $18,835 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 | Plumber | Welder |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $16,083 | $13,411 |
| 25th | $19,783 | $16,120 |
| Median | $23,482 | $18,835 |
| 75th | $28,001 | $22,149 |
| Senior (90th) | $32,521 | $25,464 |
National South Africa figures in ZAR. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Skilled Trades comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a plumber or welder earn more in South Africa?
- A plumber earns more, at about R 384 000 per year vs R 308 000 for a welder — roughly 25% (R 76 000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in South Africa?
- A plumber typically earns R 263 000–R 531 800, while a welder earns R 219 300–R 416 400 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in South Africa?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a plumber averages about R 32 000 and a welder about R 25 700.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in South Africa, a plumber earns about R 263 000 while a welder earns about R 219 300 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in South Africa, a plumber earns about R 531 800 while a welder earns about R 416 400 per year.
- Are plumber and welder 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.