It often happens that someone with a technical qualification from a college ends up earning more than someone with a general academic degree from a university. This is because there is a specific set of technical skills in high demand in South Africa that will allow you to earn a lucrative salary if you have the right certification, experience, and training.
Here is a list of the top 10 highest-paying careers you can go into without a university degree*:
10. Land surveyor: up to R35 000 per month
Assistant or junior land surveyors do not initially earn that much, but with sufficient experience in construction and a National Diploma, a person in this role can earn anything from R25 000 to R35 000 per month.
9. Millwright: up to R35 000 per month
With experience in a production environment, and a National Diploma and Trade Test certification in this field, you can earn a substantial salary as a millwright.
Find out more about studying a Millwright Course here: Millwright Courses.
8. Electrical technician: up to R38 000 per month
An experienced and qualified electrical technician can earn a very good salary. Enrolling for a National Qualification in Electrical Engineering via distance learning will give you the opportunity to start gaining part-time work experience while you complete your qualification before you go on to earn your Trade Test certification.
7. Rigger: up to R40 000 per month
A rigger requires a relevant National Diploma and Trade Test certification to find work. Once you start working and gaining experience in this profession, however, you will be able to build a well-paying career.
6. Executive assistant: up to R40 000 per month
With a secretarial qualification under the belt, some relevant experience, and the essential skills, you can earn up to R40 000 per month as an executive assistant to a CEO.
5. HR manager: up to R40 000 per month
As an HR representative, you might not initially earn that much more than any other employee, but become an HR manager, and you will be one of the best-paid white-collar professionals that are not necessarily required to have a university degree.
4. Instrument technician: up to R40 000 per month
Instrument technicians often step into high-paying entry-level positions. And after 5 to 10 years’ experience, the salary could amount to as much as R40 000 per month.
3. Web developer: up to R50 000 per month
While a qualification never hurts, web developers rely mostly on proven skills and experience. That said, an accredited qualification or professional certification can be useful to verify your skills to an employer or client. Either way, you could earn up to around R50 000 per month in this position.
2. Software developer: up to R60 000 per month
Some companies require you to have a degree for high-end software development, but professionals in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector are in such high demand that skilled employees generally do not struggle to secure well-paying jobs. With a relevant computer programming qualification, you can easily do well for yourself — with senior software developers earning up to R60 000 per month.
1. Sales manager: R10 000 – R75 000 per month
With plenty of experience and good managerial training, a sales manager can earn up to R75 000 a month in South Africa.
*This list uses data from Career Junction Index, Payscale, and Salaryexplorer. The salary estimates were taken from actual jobs advertised in South Africa. It should be noted, however, that these numbers might not necessarily reflect average salaries in these professions.
Those who earn even more
The people who earn the most in South Africa are not on this list. And they aren’t doctors or engineers with 8-year university degrees, either.
The people who earn the most are business owners, CEOs, Executive Directors, and Sales Directors. They take in hundreds of thousands each month.
What is important to know about these people is that most of them got to where they are by working hard, working smart, and working their way up. No degree can be used as a substitute for this!
So remember: you don’t need a university degree to make a good living. You just need the right skills, the will to work hard, die-hard dedication, and a big dream.
Hey I’m ski an I would like to know more about public management
Hi, Silindile (or Ski)
Please take a look at our courses here: https://www.oxbridgeacademy.edu.za/courses/public-sector/
You can also contact our student advisors at info@oxbridgeacademy.edu.za
Kind regards
Oxbridge Academy
Hi, it is my desire to get a diploma in information technology but I’m currently working fulltime, is it possible for me to study that distance
Hi, Nomthandazo
Please take a look at our IT Comptia courses on this page: https://www.oxbridgeacademy.edu.za/courses/computer/. These are all online courses which mean that you can work full-time and study in your free time. The 4 Comptia courses listed here covers Hardware and Software, take a look at the first Comptia A+ (Hardware) course – https://www.oxbridgeacademy.edu.za/courses/online/skills-certificate-comptia-220-901-exam-preparation/. If you need more info please contact our student advisors at info@oxbridgeacademy.edu.za.
Kind regards
Oxbridge Academy
It is a great experience to read your blog. It is great source of information. Thank you for sharing such informative blog.
I’m find myself in this page i’m really interested to complete my studies and go to the the industry!
Hi,i need to know if i could be able to qualify for which career, in which which institute too if i did Mathematical Literacy?
Hi, Goodness
If you successfully completed matric with Maths Lit, then you can study any of our N4-N6 courses, including Educare. https://www.oxbridgeacademy.edu.za/courses/national-qualifications/list/
To receive your diploma you wiill need to do 18 months practical or internship.
Kind regards
Oxbridge Academy
Hi,do you have teaching training courses?
Hi Anathi
We don’t have teacher courses, but we do have ECD courses, please take a look here: https://www.oxbridgeacademy.edu.za/courses/childcare/.
If you have any questions contact one of our student advisors at info@oxbridgeacademy.edu.za.
Kind regards
Oxbridge Academy