A Project Manager is a business professional who is in charge of planning, organising, and executing projects. They use tools to track progress and allocate resources to ensure the final result passes quality checks and it completed on time.
The role of a Project Manager is to serve as a link between upper management and the execution team. They are technically qualified and have excellent leadership and communication skills. A Project Manager is a middle to senior level role that reflects on their salary.
In this article, we will cover details regarding Project Manager salary in South Africa, the factors influencing salaries, and how professionals can successfully negotiate higher salaries.
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Project Manager Salary in South Africa
The salary of a Project Manager in South Africa is the compensation they earn for executing projects for their company. Project managers can also work independently. At any given time, these managers work on multiple projects simultaneously.
The annual salaries of a Project Manager can depend on various factors, such as experience, job location, expertise, and track record. One of the best ways to gain expertise, improve track record, and increase salary is by gaining experience.
Most project managers start as Project-Coordinators, which is an entry-level role. As they gain practical experience and take on more responsibilities they evolve in their position.
What is the Average Project Manager Salary in South Africa?
While the Project Manager salary in South Africa is determined by various factors, the average annual salary is approximately R600,000, as of December 2024, according to Talent.com.
These figures also tend to vary depending on the industry in which the Project Manager is employed. The table below breaks down the average Project Manager salary in South Africa according to industry. The salary figures are compiled from Talent, Glassdoor, Indeed, and Payscale and are correct as of December 2024.
| Industry | Average Annual Salary |
| Construction | R480,000 |
| Information Technology | R660,000 |
| Healthcare | R652,540 |
| Finance | R512,989 |
| Renewable Energy | R607,879 |
| Manufacturing | R460,000 |
What is the Project Manager Salary Per Month in South Africa?
We have covered the average project manager’s salary in various industries in South Africa. Industry is a factor that helps to determine salary. Another factor determining salary is location, with project managers in big cities earning larger paychecks.
The monthly salary of a Project Manager is approximately R50,000 per month as of December 2024, according to Talent.com.
The table below lists the average monthly Project Manager salary in South Africa, depending on location. The average monthly salary figures have been sourced from Talent.com and Indeed.com:
| City | Average Monthly Salary |
| Centurion | R52,924 |
| Durban | R41,012 |
| Kempton Park | R63,490 |
| Pretoria | R36,942 |
| Port Elizabeth | R29,456 |
What is the Entry-Level Project Manager Salary in South Africa?
Entry-level project managers work to support the Senior Project Manager by helping with documentation, creating schedules, and monitoring tasks. As they gain experience, they might be given bigger responsibilities, such as quality checks or collaborating with stakeholders.
According to Talent.com, the average entry-level Project Manager salary is R360,000 annually. This position can sometimes be known as an Associate Project Manager. Project managers have a collaborative role, therefore they need strong interpersonal skills and leadership qualities.
What is the Junior Project Manager Salary in South Africa?
As entry-level project managers gain experience, they can be promoted to the position of Junior Project Manager. In this position, they can be expected to liaise with suppliers, communicate with stakeholders, and help meet milestones. At this stage in their career, project managers learn to balance short term goals with the overall objective of the project.
A Junior Project Manager salary in South Africa is R300,006 annually, while experienced workers can earn up to R1,800,00 annually in this position. The salary figures are sourced from Talent.com and are updated as of December 2024.
Junior Project Manager salaries can be affected by:
1. Project Management Tools
A Junior Project Manager should be able to assist in managing projects through tools such as Zoho, Asana, or Gantt Charts.
2. Time Management and Organisation Skills
They should also be able to demonstrate time management and prioritise tasks. Since many tasks happen simultaneously, project managers need to be organised with resources and budget.
3. Leadership
Junior project managers must demonstrate leadership, motivate their team, and clearly define the project’s goals and objectives. They must also be collaborative and guide the team when they face challenges.
What is the Senior Project Manager Salary in South Africa?
Senior project managers have years of practical experience and are trained to assess and mitigate risks. Most managers at this level have a Master of Business Administration (MBA) qualification and a relevant undergraduate degree.
A Senior Project Manager’s Salary in South Africa is approximately R826,800. Entry-level positions start at R411,000, and experienced managers earn up to 8,400,000 annually.
At this stage in their careers, the biggest factors determining salary are:
- Industry
- Geographical Location
- Size of the Company
- Advanced Qualifications
Read more on Innovative Approaches to Project Management: Regenesys MBA Insights here
Project Manager vs Engineer Salary in South Africa
When a project is underway, the qualifications of a Project Manager and Engineer are required for completion. It is possible for a Project Manager to be an engineer, especially in construction and IT-related projects.
A Project Manager focuses on the business side of things and helps maintain and allocate the budget and resources while maintaining progress. An engineer, on the other hand, is responsible for the technical aspect of the project and is involved in designing, testing, and maintaining systems.
Engineers can complete a MBA or a Project Management Certification if they wish to transfer to the business side. The extra qualification can help to increase their salary as they will bring both technical and interpersonal skills to the job.
The table below lists the average annual salary for various engineering roles in South Africa, according to December 2024 data sourced from Talent.com:
| Engineering Qualification | Annual Salary |
| Construction Engineer | R655,000 |
| Software Engineer | R569,143 |
| Systems Engineer | R540,006 |
| Electrical Engineer | R540,000 |
| Civil Engineer | R576,000 |
| Environmental Engineer | R375,000 |
| Computer Engineer | R621,000 |
Read more on Project Management: A Critical Life Skill here
How to Increase Your Project Manager Salary in South Africa?
Project managers in South Africa are in high demand in various industries, such as engineering, mining, financial services, and IT. Those who are looking to pursue a career in the field should set themselves apart from the competition by completing an advanced qualification such as an MBA.
In addition, they can complete a Project Manager Professional (PMP) certification. It’s essential for them to start by leading smaller projects to build competency and gradually progress to managing more complex projects to gain experience and expertise.
Tips to Improve Project Manager Salary in South Africa:
- Pursue advanced educational qualifications
- Obtain professional certifications
- Gain experience in leading complex projects
- Build diverse industry experience
- Expand your professional network
- Develop strong leadership skills
Conclusion
A Project Manager is a crucial role within any industry and is responsible for overseeing the planning, execution, and successful completion of projects. Their responsibilities require a blend of technical expertise, leadership skills, and the ability to manage resources and timelines effectively. As businesses in South Africa continue to grow and take on complex projects, the demand for skilled project managers continues to grow.
The salary of a Project Manager varies based on experience, industry, location, and education. Professionals can substantially increase their salary potential by acquiring relevant certifications, gaining experience in managing complex projects, and developing leadership capabilities.
If you are interested in becoming a Project Manager, check out the details of the MBA programme offered by Regenesys Business School today.
Project Manager Salary in South Africa – FAQs
What is a project manager’s salary?
The average salary for a Project Manager in South Africa is approximately R600,000 per year, but it varies by industry and location.
What factors influence the salary of a Project Manager in South Africa?
Factors that influence salary salary include experience, industry, location, company size, and qualifications.
How can I increase my salary as a Project Manager in South Africa?
To increase salary, consider gaining certifications like PMP or an MBA, managing larger projects, and networking within the industry.
What qualifications are required to become a Project Manager?
A Bachelor’s degree is typically required, and additional certifications, such as PMP or an MBA, often help advance career prospects.
Is it possible to switch from engineering to project management?
Many engineers transition to project management roles by gaining relevant certifications like PMP and pursuing further qualifications such as an MBA. This combination of technical and leadership skills can lead to higher salaries.
