Higher Certificate in Business Management is a short undergraduate programme offering introductory business management knowledge. It is aimed at students who wish to complete an undergraduate degree in management but have not received a matric score to qualify for a Bachelor’s programme. They can use the certification received after completing the higher certificate to enrol for a Bachelor’s degree.
It is also the preferred education path for students who want to quickly gain knowledge in a particular field and join the workforce. Students who complete this programme can find well-paying entry-level corporate positions.
This article will explore the Higher Certificate in Business Management salary, factors influencing salary, and the demand for business management professionals in South Africa.
Table of Contents
What are The Salary Expectations for a Higher Certificate in Business Management?
According to Payscale, the average higher certificate in business management salary is approximately R258,000 per annum as of November 2024. These figures depend on various factors such as the job’s location, experience, company size, etc.
According to Talent.com, the average salary for business management roles, irrespective of education qualification, is R450,000 for the same time period. For the same period, business management graduates took home an average of R264,000 for entry-level roles. Senior-level salaries in business management reach a maximum of R6,000,000 per annum.
Read more on How a Higher Certificate in Business Management Can Enhance You Career
What are The Job Roles for Higher Certificate in Business Management Graduates?
Students who complete a higher certificate in business management can find employment in various industries, such as retail, logistics, and supply chain management. Business management students can choose to specialise in finance, HR, operations, marketing, or strategy.
These specialised departments are found in most companies, allowing business management graduates to gain experience across industries.
The table below lists the higher certificate in business management salary according to Indeed.com and its job role as of November 2024.
| Higher Certificate In Business Management Job Profile | Higher Certificate In Business Management Salary (per month) |
| Administrative Assistant | R8,546 |
| Office Manager | R17,331 |
| Sales Co-ordinator | R14,171 |
| Customer Service Supervisor | R21,745 |
| Retail Manager | R17,284 |
Read more on Business Management Jobs in South Africa
What are the Factors Influencing Salary in Business Management?
In any professional field, various elements determine salary. These factors also influence a higher certificate in business management or a business management salary with a degree.
In general, jobs in large cities pay more to match the higher cost of living. Larger companies in finance, consulting, or technology all pay higher salaries due to the nature of work and responsibilities expected of business managers.
Students need to understand that a single factor does not define a higher certificate in business management salary but rather a combination of factors.
The factors given below affect the higher certificate in business management salary in South Africa:
- Education and Qualifications: Higher levels of education lead to higher annual salaries. The more specialised or advanced a qualification, the more value it adds to the profile. Since these professionals have a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
- Industry: In general, industries such as finance, consulting, and technology pay higher salaries due to the higher levels of pressure and targets that employees need to meet.
- Experience: While educational qualifications matter, experience is also a critical factor that defines salary. Experienced professionals command higher salaries due to their practical business acumen and their problem-solving abilities.
- Performance: Annual performance reviews also help to determine the salaries that business management graduates take home. Additionally, certain industries might reward end-of-year bonuses that can also affect salary.
Comparison of Salaries in Related Fields
Managerial positions pay higher salaries as these professionals have the knowledge and practical skills needed to manage a team. Business managers are skilled professionals who help to plan, organise, and lead activities that help a business achieve its goals.
Business management is a broad-scope role in which managers help to coordinate all aspects of a business. In some instances, they might be responsible for a particular department’s overall administration and management.
The table below compares salary figures for business management and other managerial positions with annual income figures from Talent.com. These numbers are as of November 2024.
| Roles | Salary (annual) |
| Business Management | R450,000 |
| Financial Management | R630,000 |
| Project Management | R660,000 |
| HR Management | R818,925 |
| Operations Management | R540,000 |
| Supply Chain Management | R1,200,000 |
| Retail Management | R450,000 |
What is the Demand for Business Management Professionals in South Africa?
Business management professionals are critical to the success of a business as they help guide an organisation towards meeting its objectives. In small companies, business managers help overlook all departments and must have a basic understanding of how each functions. This also allows them to understand how to make the departments collaborate and work cohesively.
As business managers gain experience, they can lead specialised management teams as operations, supply chain, or marketing managers. These managers are in high demand in South Africa, as businesses require the experience and aptitude of skilled managers to help them meet their targets and generate revenue.
According to Business Tech magazine, there is an increased year-on-year demand for business and management professionals in KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga.
Business management remains in demand because it teaches essential skills that allow managers to work for a company or start their own business.
Where to Study for a Higher Certificate in Business Management?
Regenesys is one of the top private institutes in South Africa and offers higher certificate programmes in various fields. The Regenesys Business School offers an accredited Higher Certificate in Business Management and a Higher Certificate in Business Management in Retail Management programme.
The Higher Certificate in Business Management covers subjects such as marketing and financial management. It also offers electives such as operations management, project management, and credit management, which allow students to work towards a specialisation.
Students who complete a higher certificate programme receive an NQF Level 5 qualification, which they can use to apply for entry-level jobs or progress towards a bachelor’s programme in a relevant field.
Conclusion
A Higher Certificate in Business Management can be the ideal step to gain entry into the corporate world. Alternatively, students can continue towards an undergraduate programme, which will help increase their earning potential. On average, a higher certificate in business management salary is R258,000 per annum.
Business management salaries are generally competitive, but specialised management roles like project management or financial management offer higher salaries. Ultimately, the higher certificate in business management salary depends on the scope of responsibilities, industry, level of experience, and geographical location.
Students interested in a Higher Certificate in Business Management should visit the Regenesys website for complete details regarding the programme.
Higher Certificate in Business Management Salary – FAQs
What is the entry-level salary with a higher certificate in business management?
According to Payscale, the entry-level salary is R258,000 per annum as of November 2024.
What is the average salary for business management?
The average salary for the business management roles is R450,000, according to Talent.com.
What are some available jobs with a higher certificate in business management?
Some entry-level jobs for graduates with higher certificates in business management include office administrator, sales coordinator, and retail manager.
Where to study for a higher certificate in business management?
The Regenesys Business School is one of the top choices for studying for a Higher Certificate in Business Management.
How does a Higher Certificate in Business Management compare to a degree in Business Management?
A higher certificate provides foundational knowledge and entry-level skills, while a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management leads to higher-paying, senior roles. However, the Higher Certificate can be a good first step, allowing graduates to work while they pursue further studies.
