SOUTH AFRICA · SALARY IN RANDS

Electronics Engineers, Except Computer salary in South Africa

About R562,735 a year, before tax. That is about R46,895 a month. Then the work, the skills, and a free assessment if you want to know whether it fits.

  • Compatibility Test Engineer
  • Design Engineer
  • Electronics Design Engineer
  • Engineer
  • Evaluation Engineer
  • Integrated Circuit Design Engineer (IC Design Engineer)
  • Product Engineer
  • Radio Frequency Engineer (RF Engineer)
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What is an electronics engineers, except computer?

Electronics Engineers, Except Computer design and develop electronic equipment, systems, and components that do not primarily involve computer technologies. They work on a wide range of products and systems, including those used in communications, aerospace, automotive, consumer electronics, and industrial applications. These engineers focus on the principles of electricity, electromagnetism, and electronics to create and implement devices such as radio frequency systems, signal processing equipment, and circuit design. Their work often involves analyzing system performance, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring compliance with regulations and safety standards. They collaborate with other engineers, technicians, and clients to bring innovations to life, often employing advanced modeling techniques and simulation software to optimize designs before implementation.

What the work actually is

  • Design electronic components, software, products, or systems for commercial, industrial, medical, military, or scientific applications.
  • Operate computer-assisted engineering or design software or equipment to perform electronics engineering tasks.
  • Evaluate project work to ensure effectiveness, technical adequacy, or compatibility in the resolution of complex electronics engineering problems.
  • Direct or coordinate activities concerned with manufacture, construction, installation, maintenance, operation, or modification of electronic equipment, products, or systems.
  • Confer with engineers, customers, vendors, or others to discuss existing or potential electronics engineering projects or products.

Skills employers expect

Skills

  • Complex Problem Solving Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
  • Critical Thinking Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
  • Reading Comprehension Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
  • Speaking Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Active Listening Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Abilities

  • Deductive Reasoning The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
  • Inductive Reasoning The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
  • Information Ordering The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
  • Near Vision The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  • Oral Comprehension The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

Knowledge

  • Engineering and Technology Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
  • Computers and Electronics Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
  • Design Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
  • Mathematics Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
  • English Language Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

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How people get into it

Education of new hires

Bachelor's degree
Associate's degree
Master's degree

A normal week

  • Working with Computers
  • Analyzing Data or Information
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  • Getting Information

Tools used on the job

Tools

  • Signal generators Function generators
  • Multimeters
  • Wattmeters
  • Light absorption meters Wave meters
  • Counters Electronics counters

Who it suits

Realistic

Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

Investigative

Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.

Conventional

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

The Electronics Engineers, Except Computer guide

How to Know if You are Ready to be an Electronics Engineer (Non-Computer) in South Africa

The field of Electronics Engineering, specifically focusing on non-computer systems, is currently experiencing a period of robust growth within the South African economy. With 1 active jobs currently available and an average salary of R46,894pm, the demand for skilled professionals is high. Our data indicates a positive upward trend in remuneration throughout 2024, with monthly averages rising from approximately R41,267 in January to an impressive R51,584 by December. This trajectory reflects the critical role these engineers play in our national infrastructure and industrial sectors.

Is Electronics Engineering Right for Me? (Psychometric Checklist)

Before committing to this rigorous career path, evaluate whether your natural inclinations align with the demands of the profession. Consider the following traits:

  • Analytical Aptitude: Do you have a natural flair for mathematics and the physical sciences?
  • Systemic Problem-Solving: When a device fails, is your first instinct to dismantle it to understand the underlying fault?
  • Precision and Focus: Can you maintain high levels of concentration when working with intricate components and complex circuit diagrams?
  • Methodical Nature: Do you enjoy following structured processes and international standards to ensure safety and reliability?
  • Spatial Awareness: Are you able to visualise how different electronic components will interact within a three-dimensional physical space?
  • Resilience: Can you remain calm and logical when troubleshooting critical system failures under time constraints?

A Day in the Life of a South African Electronics Engineer

In the South African context, an Electronics Engineer (excluding computer hardware specialists) operates at the intersection of innovation and physical implementation. Your morning might begin in a consulting office in Sandton or a manufacturing hub in Gqeberha, reviewing schematic designs for a new telecommunications array or a renewable energy inverter. You aren't just working on screens; you are dealing with the tangible flow of power.

Midday often involves collaborative meetings with project managers to ensure compliance with ECSA (Engineering Council of South Africa) standards. The afternoon could find you "in the field"—perhaps at a mine in the North West or a bottling plant in the Western Cape—supervising the installation of control systems or testing the electromagnetic compatibility of industrial equipment. It is a career that balances sedentary design work with active, hands-on technical management.

Education & Upskilling

To enter this profession in South Africa, a formal qualification is non-negotiable. You typically require a Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) or a Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSc Eng) from a recognised university. Alternatively, a Diploma or BTech in Electrical Engineering (Light Current) from a University of Technology or a TVET college provides a more practical, vocational entry point.

However, your degree is merely the starting point. The South African engineering landscape is evolving rapidly, particularly within the green energy and automation sectors. To remain competitive and move toward the R51,000+ salary bracket, you must embrace continuous learning through:

  • Professional Registration: Working towards Candidate and eventually Professional Engineer (Pr Eng) status with ECSA.
  • Specialised Certifications: Short courses in Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Radio Frequency (RF) design, or Signal Processing.
  • Compliance Training: Staying updated on SANS (South African National Standards) and international safety protocols.

Continuous professional development is not just a recommendation; it is a requirement for maintaining your licence to practise and ensuring you remain an asset in a high-tech economy.

Next Steps

Deciding on a career in Electronics Engineering is a significant commitment that promises both financial stability and the chance to build the future of South African industry. If you have the mathematical heart of a scientist and the practical hands of a builder, you may be the perfect fit for this thriving sector. Test your readiness now by taking our comprehensive career assessment to see if you have the technical DNA to succeed in this field.

Compare this with Computer Hardware Engineers, Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians and Electrical Engineers, which pay a similar kind of salary in South Africa.

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Questions people ask

How much does an electronics engineers, except computer earn in South Africa?

The average Electronics Engineers, Except Computer salary in South Africa is about R562,735 a year, before tax. A typical range is R439,932 to R704,172 a year.

What is an electronics engineers, except computer?

Design electronic components, software, products, or systems for commercial, industrial, medical, military, or scientific applications, Operate computer-assisted engineering or design software or equipment to perform electronics engineering tasks and Evaluate project work to ensure effectiveness, technical adequacy, or compatibility in the resolution of complex electronics engineering problems.

How do I know if this career fits me?

Take the free Assessify career assessment. It matches your answers to careers and shows the South African salary next to each one.