An IT Engineer is a technology professional who helps to set up and maintain an organisationā€™s digital infrastructure. This includes hardware, software, and network designs, making their role critical in daily organisational operations.
Understanding the salary of an IT professional is important for anyone considering a career in this field. It helps them to manage expectations and take steps to qualify for higher earning potential.
In this article, we will explore the IT Engineer salary in South Africa. Learn about the factors that affect salary and how you can improve wages.
Table of Contents
What is an IT Engineer?
Organisations rely on the expertise of IT Engineers to ensure that all the computers within their network are connected. They help companies make transactions and operate securely and efficiently.
Entry-level IT engineers usually provide technical support and help to resolve user problems. They can also help to test new software and upgrade systems. As they gain experience, they help senior engineers implement new software and ensure systems are compatible. This allows companies to continue working without losing manpower hours.
Some of their tasks include:
- Managing network infrastructure
- Ensuring systems are safe from cyber attacks
- Troubleshooting hardware and software-related issues
- Upgrading systems for efficient operations
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IT Engineer Salary in South Africa
The salary of an IT Engineer in South Africa can vary based on various factors. It is important to note that average salary figures are not the same as actual salaries. Actual salaries can depend on various external factors. At the same time, the candidates’ ability to negotiate and position themselves also makes a significant difference.
According to SalaryExpert, the average annual salary for an IT Engineer in South Africa is R770,420. This figure is more than double the average salary in South Africa.
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IT Engineer Salary by City
Salaries can also vary significantly based on the city where the IT Engineer is employed. Major economic hubs often offer higher compensation due to demand and cost of living.
Cities with strong financial, commercial, and technology sectors generally offer more competitive compensation packages. These organisations typically require advanced IT infrastructure and cybersecurity systems
The table below provides an overview of the average annual salary of an IT Engineer according to city. These figures have been gathered from various sources and are updated as of February 2025.
| City | Average Annual Salary |
| Johannesburg | R1,129,614 |
| Linbro Park | R593,042 |
| Durban | R852,281 |
| Northern Suburbs | R499,177 |
| Cape Town | R835,491 |
IT Engineer Salary by Experience
As IT engineers gain experience, they can take on greater responsibilities at work. This helps to improve their annual earnings. Many IT professionals increase their earnings by transitioning into senior roles within new organisations.
The table below shows the average IT Engineer salary in South Africa by experience level. These figures are sourced from Indeed.
| Experience | Average Annual Salary |
| Junior IT Engineer | R202,771 as of January 2026 |
| Senior IT Engineer | R460,880 as of January 2026 |
Factors that Influence Salary
When we explore the IT Engineer salary in South Africa, it can vary due to numerous factors. Therefore, it is important for students and professionals to examine these before finalising their positions.
Some factors that can affect salary are:
- Education: It may be possible to land entry-level jobs in small firms, but well-paying jobs require formal education. Structured education provides technical knowledge and skills.Ā
- Experience: As professionals gain experience, they become better prepared to handle complex systems. Senior engineers are entrusted with strategic responsibilities that directly impact earnings.
- Technical Skills: Expertise in areas such as cloud computing, cybersecurity, network architecture, and automation commands higher pay. This is because employers are willing to pay more to professionals who can manage critical infrastructure.Ā
- Interpersonal Skills: Communication and leadership skills also influence salary growth. IT engineers who can collaborate and present technical solutions to management earn higher wages.
- Location: Major economic hubs with strong corporate and financial sectors often offer higher pay. This is due to variations in the cost of living and demand.
- Industry: Industries such as finance, telecommunications, consulting, and large-scale technology services tend to offer higher salaries.Ā
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Skills That Improve Salary
Employers are willing to offer higher compensation to professionals who demonstrate expertise in both technical and interpersonal skills. These help them stand apart from the competition and simultaneously show the firm that you are willing to invest in yourself and improve over time.
Engineers who develop specialised skills can seek senior positions or niche positions. These pay significantly higher salaries due to high demand but a low number of qualified professionals.
Some skills that can help improve the IT Engineer salary in South Africa are:
- Cloud Computing
- Cybersecurity
- Project Management
- Data Management
- Programming
How Does Education Affect Salary?
Education plays an important role in defining salary. While entry-level roles do not require advanced degrees, they are necessary for promotions. This is because formal education provides a structured pathway to learning. At the same time, programmes offered by the Regenesys School of Technology take a practical approach to learning.
This helps to prepare graduates for the realities of the workplace. Roles such as those of an IT Engineer are critical to an organisation’s functioning. Therefore, these firms seek graduates with deep knowledge and skills.
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Salary Trends for IT Engineers in South Africa
The IT sector in South Africa continues to grow steadily. This is driven by rapid digital transformation across organisations. As they rely more on secure networks and cloud computing systems, they require IT engineers to keep them connected.
Businesses are prioritising secure digital environments. This is also increasing competition for experienced engineers. Professionals who invest in themselves and complete advanced degrees improve their chances of improving salaries.
At the same time, since technology is constantly evolving, it is important to stay up to date on trends. Professionals can also complete certifications or on-site training to improve their technical skills.
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Conclusion
An IT Engineer plays an important role in maintaining and securing an organisation’s network. As companies continue to expand their digital footprint, the value of skilled IT engineers remains strong.
While education plays an important role in determining salary, other factors are equally important. These include experience, job location, and the industry they work in. Professionals who invest in formal education, practical experience, and specialised skills position themselves for a higher IT Engineer salary in South Africa.
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FAQs
What is the average IT Engineer salary in South Africa?
According to Salary Expert, the average annual salary is approximately R770,420 as of February 2026.
Do IT Engineers earn more in major cities?
Yes, cities such as Johannesburg and Cape Town pay higher salaries to IT engineers. This is due to stronger economic activity and demand for technical professionals.
Does experience affect the salary of an IT Engineer?
Yes, as IT engineers gain experience and handle more complex responsibilities, their earning potential increases.
What are some skills that can improve the salary of an IT Engineer?
Some skills that can improve salary include expertise in cloud computing, cybersecurity, and data management.
Is IT Engineering a stable career in South Africa?
Yes, the ongoing digital transformation makes this a stable profession with high demand in South Africa.
