Some careers are easier to find a job in, because South Africa needs more of these workers. This list shows the careers in our guides with strong demand right now, best pay first. Each one links to a full guide with what to study, where, and how to pay for it.
Demand can change over time, and the government updates its scarce-skills list now and then. Use this as a starting point, then read each career for the real picture.
- 1
Doctor
Health & social servicesIn demandDegree · from R 40 000/mo
R 90 000
median /mo
- 2
Cybersecurity specialist
Technology & ITIn demandDegree · from R 30 000/mo
R 70 000
median /mo
- 3
Engineer
Engineering & technologyIn demandDegree · from R 35 000/mo
R 65 000
median /mo
- 4
Psychologist
Health & social servicesIn demandDegree · from R 40 000/mo
R 60 000
median /mo
- 5
Accountant
Business & financeIn demandDegree · from R 25 000/mo
R 55 000
median /mo
- 6
Software developer
Technology & ITIn demandDegree · from R 25 000/mo
R 55 000
median /mo
- 7
Real estate agent
Property & real estateIn demandLearnership or trade · from R 12 000/mo
R 35 000
median /mo
- 8
Nurse
Health & social servicesIn demandDegree · from R 22 000/mo
R 33 000
median /mo
- 9
Social worker
Health & social servicesIn demandDegree · from R 24 000/mo
R 32 000
median /mo
- 10
Paramedic
Health & social servicesIn demandHigher certificate · from R 18 000/mo
R 32 000
median /mo
- 11
Electrician
Trades & artisansIn demandLearnership or trade · from R 12 000/mo
R 25 000
median /mo
- 12
Plumber
Trades & artisansIn demandLearnership or trade · from R 12 000/mo
R 25 000
median /mo
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