No degree? Here are South Africa’s highest-paying jobs in 2025

You don’t always need a degree to land a high-paying job. Some of the country’s top positions, including the presidency, are open to individuals without formal academic qualifications.

In these roles, salaries range from R16 000 to over R260 000 per month, showing that ambition, skill, and experience can match, or even surpass, the value of a degree.

The top-paying jobs in South Africa, sans degree

Many South Africans skip university due to financial constraints, low grades, or a preference for hands-on careers. In 2025, the job market is increasingly welcoming workers without higher education.

Anja Bates, Head of Data Insights at Pnet, noted that demand remains strong in fields such as sales, administration, marketing, construction, and IT, where soft skills and practical experience often matter more than formal qualifications.

“We see many people who start out answering the phone or doing basic bookkeeping move into more high-powered roles in their companies,” Bates said.

While it is true that more employers are no longer demanding degrees, Bates added that candidates still need to demonstrate their value.

“It is necessary for candidates to show that they have invested in developing their skills and expertise,” she said.

From sales consultants and graphic designers to construction managers and politicians, the opportunities are vast.

Below is a breakdown of 12 top-paying jobs, according to BusinessTech, that don’t require a degree in South Africa, with average monthly salary ranges: