A post on X by @lelethubb on 21 May 2026 asked South Africans earning R50,000 or more per month to disclose their profession. Responses ranged from chartered accountants and cyber security experts to, surprisingly, plumbers pulling in R150,000 in a good month. Mzansi had a lot to say.

A man has a R100 note in his hand. Image: Phil Magakoye
Source: Getty Images

Some South Africans responded to the viral post with pride, while others sat in silent disbelief. The gap between those high earners and the country's realities was impossible to ignore. South Africa's national minimum wage is only R30.23 per hour as of March 2026. This works out to approximately R5,890 per month for a standard 45-hour working week. According to Stats SA, the average monthly wage in formal employment is approximately R29,490.

So when someone casually mentions that his mother brings home Rs 58,000 per month after taxes, it takes on a different meaning.

Jobs with big salaries

Sectors like computer science, mining, cyber security, medical and chartered accountancy came up repeatedly in the answers. Project management also proved to be a solid earner. One man revealed that his mother, an operations manager, takes home almost R58,000 SARS Monthly deduction is Rs 26,000. Another said he earns around Rs 150,000 per month, in a good month, as a plumber. One commentator humorously suggested that his income might be of interest to the Madlanga Commission.

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This post was quite impactful against the backdrop of deepening job losses. South Africa's unemployment rate rose to 32.7% in the first quarter of 2026. Youth unemployment is worse. Approximately 4.7 million young South Africans are currently without work and looking for work. For many reading this thread, R50,000 per month is not just an aspiration, it is almost unimaginable.

Look post below: :

More information about salary

  • The South African Reserve Bank is reportedly paying employees an average annual package of about R1.4 million, making it one of the largest banks in the country. best paying public institutions.
  • eskom Workers in bargaining unit expected to earn more through July 2026 after new multi-year wage agreement protected annual salary There will be growth in the next three years.
  • South Africans were projected to receive an average wage increase of 5.2% in 2026, supported by strong Economic conditions and low inflation.

Source: News in Brief

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