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While JavaScript remains the most used programming language in South Africa, SQL is still a crucial part of a developer’s data-wrangling toolkit. Here, we’ll look at the average SQL developer salary by experience and how they’ve changed since 2023. We’ll also compare average SQL developer salaries to those of widely-used programming languages: PHP, Python, C# and JavaScript.
Average entry-level and junior SQL developer salary trends
The average entry-level SQL developer salary starts at R24 804 per month, 10.6% more than in 2023.
SQL developers with fewer than two years of experience earn 68% more than their PHP counterparts, 5.3% more than entry-level C# developers, 11% more than Python developers, and 22% more than rookie JavaScript developers.
Once they’ve been in the business for at least two years, the average salary for a junior SQL developer increases by 37.1%. This gives them an average monthly salary of R34 004, 8.4% more than 2023’s average.
At this stage of their careers, they’re still ahead of JavaScript and PHP developers by 10.9% and 20.1%, respectively. However, junior SQL developers trail the average Python developer with comparable experience by 2.8%.
SQL developers can expect their most significant pay increase once they reach mid-career level: Intermediate SQL developers with at least four years of experience see their salaries rise by 41.5%, giving them an average salary of R48 127. Despite this increase, the gap between themselves and their JavaScript counterparts has narrowed to 5.1%, while the gap between SQL and Python widens to 6.5%.
Average SQL Developer Salaries by Experience
Average Salary by Years Experience, showing 25th and 75th percentiles
| Years of Experience | 25th Percentile | Average | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-2 | R10,000 | R24,804 | R29,500 |
| 2-4 | R17,500 | R34,004 | R39,500 |
| 4-6 | R32,500 | R48,127 | R55,500 |
| 6-10 | R42,500 | R65,314 | R72,500 |
| 10+ | R62,500 | R89,444 | R97,500 |
Average senior SQL developer salary trends
Salary growth for SQL developers initially remains stable at the senior level. Senior SQL developers with more than six years of experience can expect a 35.7% pay rise, giving them an average monthly salary of R65 314, 2.3% more than they earned in 2023.
Despite this increase, they continue to trail behind Python developers by 5.7%. At the same time, they maintain a 5.8% advantage over senior C# developers with comparable experience.
The average senior SQL developer’s salary increases by an additional 36.9% once they pass the ten-year mark and gives them an average salary of R89 444. At this stage of their careers, they’ve been overtaken by their JaveScript and C# counterparts by 1.1% and 1.3%, respectively.
Average SQL Developer Salaries in 2023 vs 2024
| Years of Experience | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| 0-2 | R22,427 | R24,804 |
| 2-4 | R31,355 | R34,004 |
| 4-6 | R44,825 | R48,127 |
| 6-10 | R63,831 | R65,314 |
| 10+ | R84,521 | R89,444 |
Keep in mind
The data in this article is taken from OfferZen's 2024 State of the Software Developer Nation Report. In this article, 'salary' refers to the gross monthly salary (before tax) provided by more than 3935 survey respondents.
Average salaries are single data points and only one part of a bigger story. It's expected that many respondents may earn significantly more or less than these averages. However, we hope to provide a picture of underlying trends by mapping the average salaries for different experience levels.
Salaries depend on the industry, individual, perks and nature of work. These factors all influence the salary a company will offer to a prospective hire. In addition, most developers are "fluent" in several languages, which will affect the final figures.
It's also important to remember that every individual's context is different. Ultimately, salary is a personal conversation that should take place between employee and employer.
On OfferZen, you can hire SQL developers and find SQL developer jobs.
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- State of South Africa’s Software Developer Nation
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- Developer Salaries 2023: Cape Town, Johannesburg and Pretoria
- Developer Salary Hub
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