Engineering
Electrical Engineer
You work with power, electronics and the systems that keep the lights on.
- Starting salary
- R25 000 – R42 000
- Job demand
- Growing fast
- Key subjects
- Mathematics, Physical Sciences
What do they do?
You work with power, electronics and the systems that keep the lights on.
A day in the life
You design circuits or power systems, test equipment, and solve energy problems.
Skills you need
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Precision
- Problem solving
School subjects that help
- Mathematics
- Physical Sciences
- Engineering Graphics & Design
How long does it take?
3 main steps after school, usually 1–3 years of study, or longer at university.
Study path
- 1High school
- 2BEng / Diploma
- 3Candidate engineer
- 4Professional engineer
Ways in: University degree · University of Technology · TVET College · Learnership. University is not the only route.
Where can I study?
- University of Cape Town
- University of the Witwatersrand
- University of Pretoria
- University of KwaZulu-Natal
- University of Johannesburg
- Tshwane University of Technology
- Durban University of Technology
- TVET Colleges nationwide
Admission requirements differ by institution, always check the official website.
What can I earn?
Entry level
R25 000 – R42 000
per month (estimate)
Mid career
R48 000 – R80 000
per month (estimate)
Experienced / senior
R85 000 – R150 000+
per month (estimate)
Estimated salary ranges only. Salaries vary based on experience, qualification, industry, location and employer.
How to start preparing now
- • Build simple circuits with a kit
- • Learn how solar panels work
- • Join a robotics club
Try this career
Design a solar-powered solution for a load-shedding problem at home.
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This tool is designed to help you explore career possibilities. It does not replace professional career counselling, school guidance or official university admission requirements.