South Africa might have the highest unemployment rate globally, but it still has several opportunities for job seekers. Some of these openings pay as high as 1,000,000 ZAR yearly. However, here’s what you should keep in mind – South Africa’s highest-paying jobs require professional expertise. In other words, you need to be an expert in your field to secure a good position.
This article explores all the highest-paying opportunities available in SA. Here, you’ll learn how much these opportunities pay and how to go about securing these placements.
10 HIGHEST-PAYING JOBS IN SOUTH AFRICA
Below is a compilation of the best-paying jobs in SA.
MARKETING DIRECTORS
People in this position handle the organization’s communication and marketing strategies. They’re in charge of implementing methods that can generate more revenue. As a result, they create marketing plans, yearly campaigns, and events and set a budget for the organization to work with.
Aside from having a college degree, you must be skilled at project and people management. You must also possess leadership and good communication skills. In addition to this, you must perform analysis with information from market trends.
Marketing directors in SA earn between 21,000 ZAR to 64,000 ZAR.
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PILOTS
An airline pilot creates a plan for the craft’s journey and follows through with it. To do this, they consider the flight’s altitude, fuel, and overall performance. The position also includes pre-flight checks and working with a crew to ensure the safety of all on board.
You must be a BSc holder in engineering or aviation to step into this position. You must also have a license to prove that you’ve been through extensive flight training.
A pilot’s job is risky; they earn between 25,000 ZAR to 71,000 ZAR.
COLLEGE PROFESSORS
The education industry is another where you can earn a considerable salary. Aside from its pay, being a college professor has its perks. First, you can teach a subject that you love if you have the right qualifications.
College professors teach and create educational tasks that students can follow. Teachers mold students and influence their moral life in the process.
A good position in this field pays between 98,000 ZAR to 85,000 ZAR
ORTHODONTIST
An orthodontist specializes in evaluating, correcting, and preventing irregularities of the teeth and jaw. Their job also entails the creation of orthodontic appliances to reset the lower jaw, aiding people with teeth deformities.
Since it’s in line with medical care, this position requires certification and expertise in oral health. An orthodontist earns an average salary of 32,500 ZAR to 96,000 ZAR
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CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICERS
Chief financial officers sit at the top of the financial team in any organization. They work closely with other departments to keep track of the financial standing based on operational data and internal reports. The job description also includes advising the chief executive officers on the best approach to use to improve the company’s financial status.
CFOs must have a versatile understanding of business, accounts, and finance management. Companies also prefer individuals who hold higher certificates than a Bachelor’s degree.
A CFO’s salary ranges from 33,000 ZAR to 99,000 ZAR monthly.
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Graphics designers handle operations concerning designs of media products, advertisements, and the likes. The best part about being a graphic designer is working in-house or remotely.
However, you must excel in your field to catch the attention of clients. You should know how to use tools to create a design that’ll suit your client’s specifications.
Due to the remoteness of the job, these designers could earn between 35,000 ZAR to $100,000. Earnings also depend on the designer’s ability to stick to deadlines.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
CEOs manage the entire operations and divisions of a company. They steer the organization towards its goals and ensure that every unit meets standards. They also make all the significant decisions concerning finances and expansion.
CEO positions are one of the most difficult ones to come across in SA. This position often goes to the staff who have dedicated several years of their lives working.
CEOs earn between 36,000 ZAR to 106,000 ZAR, depending on the company’s revenue.
LAWYERS
Lawyers are the civilian’s mouthpiece in the court of law. They advise, present, and defend people’s cases during legal proceedings. There are different types of lawyers, but each position demands discipline and intelligence.
Lawyers usually spend several years studying and learning the ins and outs of a country’s legal system. This position is usually best for South Africans. If you’re not a native, it’ll be best to familiarize yourself with their laws and regulations.
A lawyer’s salary ranges between 41,000 ZAR to 121,000 ZAR monthly.
IT MANAGERS
IT managers coordinate all computer-related activities in an organization. They analyze the company’s technical needs and draft plans to help improve these systems.
IT managers earn as high as 45,000 ZAR to 130,000 ZAR monthly.
SURGEONS AND DOCTORS
The medical field remains one of the highest-paying jobs in South Africa. Surgeons, in particular, have a very delicate job as they deal with life and death.
Becoming a surgeon is no easy feat as it requires several years of study and practice. An average doctor earns between 60,000 ZAR to 177,000 ZAR though this could be higher in some cases.
HOW DO I FIND A JOB IN SOUTH AFRICA?
There are several ways to find some of the highest-paying jobs in SA. Below are six methods that can improve your job search.
INFORM YOUR CONTACTS
When seeking a job position, the first place you should turn to is your contacts, including friends and family members. Many might find it weird to advertise their need for a job, but it’s one of the fastest ways to get an opportunity. Besides, several employers tend to recruit people who they meet via referrals, especially if the referral is a trusted person.
The first step will be to put together a list of people you believe can connect you to the opportunity you seek. Then, in a friendly manner, reach out to these people. You could opt for an outing to discuss your goals and interest with the other party.
ATTEND NETWORKING EVENTS
When seeking an opportunity, the best place to find it is amongst people. That said, you should attend more conferences, expositions, and educational forums. Here, you get to meet other individuals with similar interests who might help you in your job search.
CONTACT COMPANIES
Organizations now have websites that let you reach out to them easily. Therefore, you can apply for different positions through the internet. Sometimes, the company will demand that you send your details via email to ensure that you’re qualified for the post.
If a company is interested in your application, they will get back to you through any contact means you indicated on your application. However, if the role you applied for is already occupied, or if they find better options, they might not get back to you.
To begin, create a list of all the companies with vacancies for posts you’re interested in. Create an attractive and genuine portfolio containing your qualification. You must meet all the necessary criteria before applying.
USE SOCIAL MEDIA
Social media is the fastest and easiest means to find job opportunities and companies you’ll love to work with. You can utilize media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. These two digital networks usually advertise job positions that will suit you, depending on your frequent searches. Furthermore, you can use the search option on the sites to tailor your search.
For more information, it’s best to follow and like the company’s pages. This would keep you updated on their interests and working style. You can also reach out and connect with them by commenting on their posts and asking relevant questions.
If you’re using social media to reach out, ensure your profile looks responsible, conveying a good image to the public. With this, you boost your chances of being accepted should you apply for a suitable position.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Getting any of the highest-paying jobs in South Africa is no easy feat. Nonetheless, with the right qualifications, research, and approach, you stand a higher chance of securing a position of your choice.
