Data Analysts are essential in helping companies make strategic decisions supported by numbers. They collect, analyse, and interpret data to understand consumer behaviour, improve operations, and provide customers with a seamless online experience.
Data analysis falls under data science and uses advanced mathematics, statistics, and computation to derive insights from data. In South Africa, the demand for data analysts has been on the rise, with various industries expressing growing interest. As the demand increases, so does the salary of experienced data analysts.
In this article, we will cover the data analyst salary in South Africa for various experience levels, factors that can affect salaries, and how data analysts can improve their packages.
Table of Contents
What is the Entry-Level Data Analyst Salary in South Africa?
Data analysts require a strong understanding of advanced mathematics, statistics, and programming languages like Python. Most have an undergraduate qualification, such as a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, to gain overall competency.
According to Talent.com, entry-level Data Analyst salary in South Africa starts at R270,000 annually as of December 2024. Fresh graduates who wish to begin working as Data Analysts can find entry-level roles in various industries, such as e-commerce, retail, and banking.
Students need to complete their undergraduate qualification from an accredited programme such as the one offered by the Regenesys School of Technology. Students should work on projects and complete internships while studying to demand competitive salaries.
Read more on What Does Computer Science Teach here.
What is the Junior Data Analyst’s Salary in South Africa?
A Junior Data Analyst is an entry-level position in which the candidate assists in collecting and analysing raw data. They also help support senior data analysts and teach them how to run basic analysis and quality checks on data. In this role, candidates gain experience in using visualisation tools and understand analytics processes to help prepare them for senior-level positions.
According to Talent.com, as of December 2024, graduates who apply for this role can typically earn R270,000 annually. According to Indeed.com, for the same period, the salary of a Junior Data Analyst is the highest in Pretoria at R293,556 annually.
Junior Data Analysts can move into mid-level positions, such as Senior Data Analyst or Lead Analyst, before progressing to either management roles or senior technical positions.
What is the Senior Data Analyst Salary in South Africa?
A Senior Data Analyst is a mid-level position that requires between 3 to 7 years of work experience in data science or data analytics roles. They should have worked on projects using advanced statistical analysis and predictive modeling, and should have expertise in various programming languages.
According to Talent.com, the Senior Data Analyst salary in South Africa is R720,006 as of December 2024. Industries such as banking and financial services, technology, and healthcare usually pay higher salaries to senior data analysts.
As data analysts progress towards senior roles, they gain more responsibilities and are expected to develop predictive models, improve processes, manage large-scale projects, and collaborate with various stakeholders.
What is the Average Data Analyst Salary Per Month in South Africa?
The Data Analyst salary in South Africa can vary depending on the candidate’s role and experience. Fresh graduates can begin from a mid-level position if they demonstrate expertise and practical experience.
Data analysts work within the larger field of data science and can have various job titles depending on their experience and also the industry that they are in. The table below lists the average salary for data analysts in South Africa from mid to senior-level positions.
The Data Analyst salary per month figures have been taken from Talent.com, Indeed.com, and Glassdoor and are updated as of December 2024.
| Role | Average Monthly Salary |
| Junior Data Analyst | R22,500 |
| Data Analyst | R22,500 |
| Data Processor | R17,500 |
| Senior Data Analyst | R60,001 |
| Data Scientist | R60,697 |
| Analytics Head | R85,001 |
What is the Data Analyst Average Salary in South Africa?
The technology field is constantly evolving, and data analysts need to keep up with the trends to help bring improvements to their processes. Emerging technologies allow analysts to process large amounts of raw data at the source, which can lead to quicker insights.
Updated data visualisation tools make it easier to convert raw data into insightful reports that can help in strategic decision-making. Data analysts must be adaptable to these new technologies and regularly upskill to meet the demands of the changing marketplace. Expertise in niche and emerging technologies also allows them to demand higher salaries.
According to Indeed.com, the average salary for a Data Analyst is R321,228 in South Africa as of December 2024. However, these numbers can vary depending on the city and the type of industry.
The table below breaks down the average salary of a Data Analyst according to cities from salary figures sourced from Indeed.com as of December 2024:
| City | Average Salary |
| Johannesburg North | R506,376 |
| Randburg | R458,455 |
| Pretoria | R429,670 |
| Midrand | R148,326 |
| Centurion | R340,951 |
| Durban | R425,127 |
Comparison: Data Analyst vs. Data Scientist Salary in South Africa
Since data analysts work within the field of Data Science, many individuals are often confused about the role of a Data Analyst and a Data Scientist. Both these job profiles require candidates to have an undergraduate qualification in Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and be fluent in various programming languages, advanced mathematics, and statistics.
However, while data analysts use past data to discover trends and patterns, data scientists use advanced programming and machine learning to create predictive models. Data Scientists usually have a postgraduate degree and this role is considered more senior than a Data Analyst.
Data analysts can gain experience and then transition to a Data Scientist position.
According to Indeed.com, data scientists earn R844,895 in South Africa as of December 2024. They earn the highest in Johannesburg, with an average of R856,108.
The table below compares Data Analyst salary in South Africa with that of a Data Scientist.
| City | Data Analyst | Data Scientist |
| Johannesburg | R506,376 | R856,108 |
| Randburg | R458,455 | R814,655 |
| Pretoria | R429,670 | R532,434 |
| Centurion | R340,951 | R620,603 |
| Durban | R425,127 | R707,301 |
Read more on Data Science vs Data Analytics: In-Depth Look at Career Path, Skills & Salaries here.
What are the Factors That Influence Data Analyst Salaries in South Africa?
Data Analyst salary in South Africa is affected by numerous factors, with the most obvious being education, experience and skill set. However, geographical location and industry and also be deciding factors in a salary.
If individuals wish to secure larger salary packages, big cities such as Johannesburg and Randburg offer the best salaries. However, these cities also have a higher cost of living and are more competitive.
1. Educational Qualification
This is one of the main determinants of the salary of an entry-level data analyst. Students with an undergraduate degree in Computer Science from an accredited institute such as Regenesys can earn higher salaries than someone who has completed a short course or a certification.
2. Experience and Skills
As data analysts move onto middle senior-level positions, their experience and advanced skills will help determine the salaries that they can negotiate. Professionals who upskill and are adept in emerging technologies will be in greater demand and command higher salaries.
3. Geographical Location
In general, geographical location plays a significant role in determining data analyst salary in South Africa. This is because larger cities such as Johannesburg are economic hubs with a greater concentration of businesses and demand for skilled analysts. Additionally, they also have a higher cost of living than smaller cities such as Pretoria.
Know Why is pursuing a BSc in Computer Science crucial for shaping one’s career? here.
How to Increase Your Data Analyst Salary in South Africa?
A data analyst’s technology-based role involves working with new applications, interfaces, and constantly evolving frameworks. Therefore, data analysts need to be updated on market trends and gain certifications in emerging technologies if they are useful for their career goals.
Certifications can lead to more responsibilities and promotions, resulting in higher salaries. Data analysts can enrol in short online courses and certifications to make their resume more attractive for senior positions.
Certifications for Data Analysts
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Scientist Associate Certification
- AWS Certified Data Analytics
- Certified Analytics Professional (CAP)
Conclusion
Data analysts are crucial in helping businesses leverage data to make informed decisions and improve customer experience. The demand for skills analysts in on the rise in South Africa, as companies depend on reliable data to help guide business strategies.
The salary of a Data Analyst in South Africa depends on various factors, such as experience, skills, geographic location, and industry. As individuals gain experience and skills, they can move to senior-level positions in analytics or transition to data science.
The first step to a successful career as a Data Analyst is a strong educational background. Interested students should check curriculum details and the application process for the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science offered by Regenesys.
Data Analyst Salary in South Africa – FAQs
What is the entry-level data analyst salary in South Africa?
According to Talent.com, entry-level Data Analyst salary in South Africa starts at R270,000 as of December 2024. This number can vary depending on the industry and location of the job.
What qualifications do I need to become a data analyst in South Africa?
A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Statistics, or Mathematics is typically required. They also need to have expertise in programming languages and analytical tools.
What industries pay the highest salaries for data analysts in South Africa?
Banking, healthcare, and technology sectors typically offer the highest salaries for data analysts due to the need for advanced analytical skills.
What is the difference between a data analyst and a data scientist?
While both roles involve working with data, a data scientist focuses more on advanced predictive modelling and machine learning, whereas a data analyst analyses past data to identify trends and patterns.
Is experience or education more important for a higher salary as a data analyst?
The accredited BSc in Computer Science offered by Regenesys will prepare students for the responsibilities required for entry-level roles. Practical experience and expertise in advanced tools and technologies are crucial for higher salaries and senior positions.
