Environmental & Sciences Salary Guide 2026 – South Africa

These are PMG Recruitment Services’ indicative 2026 market benchmarks for environmental and scientific roles in South Africa, covering environmental, sustainability and SHEQ roles, natural resources, water and earth sciences, and laboratory, life and applied sciences.

Indicative monthly CTC ranges span roughly R14,000 for early-career laboratory analysts to R130,000+ for senior sustainability and ESG managers. Professional registration, regulatory sign-off responsibility, ESG and carbon capability, water expertise and site-based experience attract the strongest premiums, and total reward, including site and travel allowances, is a central part of competitive offers.

The full guide includes salary tables for 29 roles across three career stages, the 2026 market outlook, regional and sector considerations, skills attracting a premium, and advice for employers and professionals.