If you’re curious about the average project manager salary, you’re in the right place.
This year, the average project manager in South Africa earns R41,352.00 per month. That’s a pretty solid income, especially considering the wide range of responsibilities they handle daily.
From overseeing projects to ensuring they are completed on time, the role certainly justifies this pay.
What’s even better is that some project managers can earn as much as R70,000.00 per month, making it one of the more rewarding career paths in the country.
What Contributes to a Project Manager’s Salary?
Even if you’re just starting out with no prior experience, there are still benefits that come with the job. Employers often offer perks such as contributions to medical aid, provident funds, and retirement plans. If you’re lucky, you might also land performance bonuses.
In fact, the yearly bonus for project managers can range from R9,000.00 to R97,000.00, according to Payscale.
Some project managers also get commissions, which can range anywhere from R5,000.00 to R245,000.00 per year, depending on the size and scope of their projects.
How Location Impacts Your Earnings
Where you work in South Africa also plays a role in how much you can earn as a project manager.
Major cities tend to offer higher salaries compared to smaller towns, so this is something to keep in mind if you’re open to relocating for the job.
Salary for Project Managers at Different Stages of Their Career
Early-Career Project Managers (0 – 2 Years)
If you’re new to the industry, you can expect to make around R23,800.00 per month. While that may seem modest compared to senior roles, the good news is that having a degree can bump your salary by 45%, and a Master’s degree can see it rise by up to 71%.
In 2024, entry-level project managers might earn anywhere from R20,100.00 to R26,000.00 per month.
Mid-Level Project Managers (3 – 5 Years)
Once you’ve been in the industry for a few years, your salary can jump to an average of R30,600.00 per month – a 29% increase over the starting rate.
The top earners in this bracket can make up to R36,500.00 per month, especially if they hold a degree or postgraduate qualification in the field.
Experienced Project Managers (6 – 10 Years)
At this stage in your career, with around 6 to 10 years under your belt, your salary could be around R42,200.00 per month.
This figure represents a 38% bump compared to those earlier in their careers. Senior project managers in this group could earn more than R50,000.00 per month, especially with advanced qualifications.
Senior Project Managers (11 – 15 Years)
As you gain more expertise, your salary continues to rise. Senior project managers with over a decade in the field make around R52,300.00 per month on average, with some earning as much as R55,000.00. Those closer to 11 years of experience typically earn around R45,000.00 per month.
Highly Experienced Project Managers (16 – 20 Years)
With two decades in the industry, project managers can expect an average salary of R56,100.00 per month, and in some cases, they can earn as much as R65,000.00 depending on the company. Large corporations usually offer the most competitive salaries at this level, along with attractive bonuses and commissions.
How Much Should a Project Manager Make?
So, how much should a project manager make?
It largely depends on their stage in the career, qualifications, and location.
However, project managers in South Africa tend to be well-compensated, especially in larger companies and big cities.
With the right mix of education and experience, you can significantly boost your earning potential in this field.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the average project manager salary in South Africa?
The average project manager salary in South Africa is around R41,352 per month in 2024. However, this can go as high as R70,000 per month for more experienced professionals. - How much should a project manager make with 5 years of experience?
After 5 years in the industry, a project manager in South Africa can expect to earn between R30,600 and R36,500 per month, depending on qualifications and location. - Can project managers earn bonuses?
Yes, project managers can earn annual performance bonuses ranging from R9,000 to R97,000, along with commissions that can go up to R245,000 per year. - What factors affect a project manager’s salary?
A project manager’s salary depends on their career stage, education level, the industry they work in, and the location of their job.
Takeaway
The average project manager salary in South Africa is impressive, especially for those committed to growing in their careers through continuous learning and higher education.
A postgraduate degree can open up more opportunities for career growth and salary increases, making it a great investment for your future.
Whether you’re just starting out or have significant experience under your belt, this is a profession where your efforts are recognized and rewarded.