Highest Paying Jobs With Maths Literacy in South Africa

Maths literacy focuses on practical numeracy skills. It applies mathematics to real-world contexts, including interest calculations, budgeting, workplace problem-solving, and understanding data. The subject prepares students for careers that primarily rely on practical maths skills and do not require advanced technical knowledge.

If you are someone who has chosen maths literacy as a subject, you should have an idea about the well-paid jobs that are available. This article will serve as a guide in this regard, informing you about the highest-paying jobs with maths literacy.

What Is Maths Literacy in South Africa?

Maths literacy is a subject in the South African schools in the Further Education and Training (FET) phase (grades 10-12). It is structured as an alternative to mathematics. Learners progressing to the FET phase must choose one of these two options. This selection can set the course of a student’s entire future, making it a highly important decision.

Maths literacy as a subject aims at developing the confidence and ability of learners to think spatially and numerically. This is to analyse and interpret daily situations critically and to solve issues.

Read: Is Maths Required for an MBA? Understanding Its Importance

Top Highest-Paying Jobs With Maths Literacy in South Africa

It is a common misconception that maths literacy limits career opportunities for students. There are, in fact, high-earning job opportunities available for those who have opted for maths literacy as a subject. Knowing about the highest-paying jobs with maths literacyin South Africa would help you set career goals for yourself and prepare accordingly.

Have a look at some of the top-paying jobs with maths literacy in SA:

1. Lawyer

This is another lucrative career option for those who have chosen maths literacy. This can be a fulfilling profession as you get to help people in dire circumstances.

A Bachelor of Laws degree is necessary to become a lawyer in South Africa. After completing an LLB, there can be other requirements that need to be fulfilled before one can become a qualified lawyer in South Africa.

There are some institutions in South Africa that can accept candidates with maths literacy as a subject to pursue an LLB programme. 

2. Graphic Designer

Graphic designers are responsible for the production and layout design of advertisements, brochures, logos, magazines and more. They typically work across digital and print media. Creative individuals who are willing to apply their creativity in their work can look forward to this career option.

There are several programmes available that can help gain the qualifications required to be a graphic designer. Individuals who have chosen maths literacy as a subject can also pursue these.

3. Human Resources Manager

Human resources management is one of the highest-paying career options with maths literacy. 

A Human Resources manager oversees every aspect of employee relations and employment practices in an organisation. This includes employee conflict resolution, payroll management, talent recruitment and more. It can be an excellent option for individuals who enjoy working with people.

There are multiple programmes available to help you acquire the qualifications required to become a Human Resources manager. Individuals who have taken maths literacy as a subject can pursue these programmes.

4. Nurse

Those interested in medicine can pursue nursing as a career. Nurses form the backbone of medical practice.

Their responsibilities often involve administering medication and performing minor medical procedures for patients.

Individuals who want to begin their career as a nurse must possess a South African Nursing Council (SANC)-accredited qualification. Those who have chosen maths literacy as a subject can pursue programmes that can help acquire such a qualification.

Know about The Highest Paying Jobs in South Africa in 2026.

Salary Expectations for Maths Literacy Jobs in South Africa

The salaries for the jobs that can be taken up by those who have chosen maths literacy as a subject can vary as per roles, locations, hierarchy levels, and other factors. To gain an idea, you can check the average salaries of the highest-paying jobs with maths literacy. This will help you with the salary expectations. 

Here are the average annual salaries of the different job roles in South Africa as of 2026:

• Nurse – According to Indeed, the average salary for a registered nurse is R344,459.
• Lawyer – According to Payscale, the average salary for a lawyer is R247,330.
• Graphic Designer – According to Payscale, the average salary for a graphic designer is R192,216.
• Human Resources Manager –  According to Payscale, the average salary for a Human Resources manager is R428,704.

Also read: What Level of Maths Do You Need for Accounting?

Skills That Help Maths Literacy Students Earn Higher Salaries

The skill set that helps maths literacy students earn higher salaries can include advanced skills relevant to their fields. 

For instance, if someone works in graphic design, they can gain proficiency with advanced graphic design software. They can also gain advanced skills in UX design, UX copywriting, UI design, and Environmental graphic design.

Those who are in the nursing field can look forward to gaining advanced practice skills to get higher-paying opportunities. These include skills focused on ICU technical expertise and improved patient outcomes. 

Individuals must check their respective fields to identify which additional skills can help them earn higher salaries.

Programmes That Increase Pay After Maths Literacy

Programmes that increase pay after maths literacy can vary, depending on the field of the profession. The programmes available to a candidate also depend on their current educational qualifications. 

For instance, a nurse seeking higher salaries can pursue advanced clinical specialisations. These can include Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS).

Also, candidates who have chosen maths literacy as a subject can study several other subjects, which can help increase their pay. For example, these individuals can take up business management as a subject. Some institutions offer such opportunities to candidates who do not have a strong background in pure maths but are willing to pursue a business career.

Candidates with maths literacy can also study social work, community development, tourism management, disaster management and other subjects. These can help increase their earnings. 

Conducting proper research to identify programmes that can increase pay is necessary. Additionally, one should ensure they check the eligibility criteria for the programmes they want to pursue to increase their pay.

Is Maths Literacy Enough for Long-Term Career Growth in South Africa?

Choosing maths literacy may not be enough for long-term career growth in South Africa, though it can still lead to high-paying careers. 

However, candidates who have chosen maths literacy as a subject can increase their chances of long-term career growth by studying other subjects. For instance, studying business management can help these candidates pursue a career in business. Opting to study business management can lead to diverse career opportunities across multiple fields. In addition, these individuals can choose entrepreneurship and run their own enterprise.

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Conclusion

The decision to pursue maths literacy or mathematics should be made carefully. Maths literacy can be a viable option for those who find mathematics challenging. Those who choose maths literacy as a subject can find multiple career options to pursue. 

Now that you know about the highest-paying jobs with maths literacy, you can plan for your career. If you plan on pursuing a programme that can provide you with the skills to land a high-paying job, consider a reputable institution as your learning partner.

Choose Regenesys Education if you want to study at an institution that provides holistic education.

Visit the website to check the programme requirements.

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