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Engineering Cost Estimator Salary in South Africa

How much does an Engineering Cost Estimator make in South Africa?

R740,219 (ZAR)/year

Average Bonus

R25,538 (ZAR)

per Year
Total Compensation

R756,192.56

As of July, 23, 2026, the average engineering cost estimator gross salary in South Africa is R740,219 or an equivalent hourly rate of R316. In addition, engineering cost estimators earn an average bonus of R25,538. An entry level engineering cost estimator with 1-3 years of experience earns an average salary of R524,070. At the higher end of the pay range, an senior level engineering cost estimator with 8+ years of experience earns an average salary of R856,365. Salary estimates are based on salary survey data collected directly from employers in South Africa.
Data powered by ERI

Salary Potential for an Engineering Cost Estimator

Explore the estimated salary growth for an Engineering Cost Estimator in South Africa for up to 5 years. The estimated salary of an Engineering Cost Estimator will be R760,958 in 1 year and R849,892 in 5 years.
View Salary by Year
Estimated Salary
R782,279
Average Growth
5.7%
The estimated salary for an Engineering Cost Estimator in 2 years is R782,279, which is 5.7% average growth. This information is based on ERI's compensation database.

Typical Engineering Cost Estimator Education

This chart displays the highest level of education for Engineering Cost Estimators.

  • 0% of Engineering Cost Estimators have less than a High School Diploma
  • 6% of Engineering Cost Estimators have a High School Diploma
  • 11% of Engineering Cost Estimators have an Associate's Degree
  • 59% of Engineering Cost Estimators have a Bachelor's Degree
  • 24% of Engineering Cost Estimators have a Master's Degree
  • 0% of Engineering Cost Estimators have a Doctorate Degree

The typical field of study for an Engineering Cost Estimator is Mechanical Engineering.

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Popular Skills for an Engineering Cost Estimator

Estimates costs
88%
Itemizes tools
25%
Coordinates production
12%
Reviews quality
12%

These are the most popular skills for Engineering Cost Estimators. About 88% of Engineering Cost Estimators have a skill in Estimates costs. The top 3 most popular skills for Engineering Cost Estimators are estimates costs, itemizes tools, and coordinates production.

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Cost of Living in South Africa

The cost of living in South Africa is equal to the national average.
0% equal to
than the national average
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Frequently Asked Questions

What does an Engineering Cost Estimator do?
Estimates costs for construction projects, manufacturing of engineering products, or other projects or services requested to aid management in bidding on or determining price of product or service. Determines type of materials or equipment requirements; utilizes knowledge of products to be manufactured, services to be performed, or type of structure to be built, using blueprints and specifications. This position is distinguished from other cost estimator positions.
How much does an Engineering Cost Estimator make in South Africa?
The average salary for an Engineering Cost Estimator is R740,219 per year or R316.33 per hour in South Africa. Top earners have reported making up to R856,365. However, the typical pay range in South Africa is between R524,070 and R856,365 annually.
What is the salary trajectory for an Engineering Cost Estimator?
Engineering Cost Estimator is projected to see a 14.8 % salary change in 5 years.
How can you increase your salary?
Increasing your salary often starts with understanding your value in today’s job market. You can increase your earning potential by building your skills, advancing your education, moving into a new role or industry, switching companies, or negotiating pay.
How can you negotiate a salary offer? 
Negotiating a salary offer involves preparation and finding our your market value. Use our salary calculator to find out how much you should be paid based on what someone in your area, with similar experience, earns. Use this personalized report to help negotiate a higher salary offer or find your dream career. 
What are some factors that impact Engineering Cost Estimator salaries? 
Several factors can impact your salary, including experience, company size, job market, location, industry, and more. Understanding how these factors affect your role can help you spot pay gaps and provide opportunities for a competitive salary.

About Our Data

This page is an excerpt of the much more complete compensation information available in ERI's Assessor Series.

ERI compiles the most robust and accurate salary, cost-of-living, and executive compensation survey database available. Data are analyzed using AI and traditional statistics, depending on which approach is best for a particular application. ERI collects salary survey data from five different sources, which you can learn about here.

Verified Sources
Data sourced from internal salary surveys, purchased surveys, public sources, HRIS data, and proprietary databases.
Real-Time Data
Our salary database is updated and verified approximately every six weeks.
Quality Assurance
Along with our data scientists, we have included AI in our rigorous process to analyze and provide the highest quality data.

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