Account Executive Salary in Johannesburg

Comprehensive salary insights for Account Executive positions in Johannesburg, updated November 2025.

Median Base Salary
R857 925

per year

Median Commission
R618 075

uncapped structure

Total Compensation
R1 476 000

base + commission

Experience Level
mid

career stage

Salary Range Overview
Base salary range from entry to top earners
Entry Level
R428 963
Median
R857 925
Senior/Top Earners
R1 286 888

Understanding Account Executive salaries in Johannesburg helps you negotiate better packages and plan your career path. This guide provides the data you need to make confident compensation decisions.

This comprehensive salary guide provides detailed insights into Account Executivecompensation in Johannesburg. Our data is compiled from 2025market research across multiple sources to ensure accuracy and relevance.

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Estimate your earning potential as a Account Executive in Johannesburg
0 years15+ years
Below targetExceeds target
Estimated Base SalaryR986 614
Estimated CommissionR710 786
Total CompensationR1 697 400

Note: These are estimates based on market data for Johannesburg. Actual salaries may vary based on company size, specific industry, and individual negotiation.

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level
How compensation changes with experience in Johannesburg

Entry Level

0-2 years experience

R1 107 000

total compensation

Base Salary

R643 444

Est. Commission

R463 556

+R369 000 potential increase to next level

Mid LevelCurrent

3-5 years experience

R1 476 000

total compensation

Base Salary

R857 925

Est. Commission

R618 075

+R442 801 potential increase to next level

Senior Level

6-10 years experience

R1 918 801

total compensation

Base Salary

R1 115 303

Est. Commission

R803 498

+R442 799 potential increase to next level

Executive Level

10+ years experience

R2 361 600

total compensation

Base Salary

R1 372 680

Est. Commission

R988 920

Note: These figures are estimates based on market data. Actual salaries may vary based on company size, performance, and specific industry factors.

Commission Structure Details
Understanding the commission component for Account Executive roles

Commission Structure

uncapped

Median Commission

R618 075

About Uncapped Commission

No upper limit on commission, rewarding high performers with unlimited earning potential.

Minimum Commission

R247 230

~29% of base salary

Median Commission

R618 075

Most common earning

Maximum Commission

R988 920

~115% of base salary

Commission Earning Potential

Conservative Estimate (25th percentile)R1 105 155
Median Total (50th percentile)R1 476 000
High Performer (75th percentile)R1 846 845
Location Factors
How Johannesburg impacts compensation for Account Executive positions

Cost of Living

Johannesburg cost of living index: 115. Industry benefits offset expenses.

Market Presence

Johannesburg has strong SaaS sector presence

Location-Specific Insights

  • SaaS sector offers premium compensation in Johannesburg
  • Specialized industry knowledge commands higher rates
  • Johannesburg is a major hub for SaaS
  • Industry-specific commission structures apply

City-Specific Considerations

As a major city, Johannesburg typically offers higher salaries compared to smaller towns, but this is balanced by higher living costs. Consider commute times, housing costs, and lifestyle preferences when evaluating opportunities.

Career Progression Path
Typical advancement trajectory for Account Executive professionals

Specialization in SaaS accelerates career growth

1

Junior Account Executive

0-2 years experience

R643 444

est. base salary

Key Responsibilities

  • Learn fundamentals
  • Support senior team
  • Build skills
Next step: +R214 481 potential increase
2

Account ExecutiveYou are here

2-5 years experience

R857 925

est. base salary

Key Responsibilities

  • Independent execution
  • Meet objectives
  • Grow expertise
Next step: +R343 170 potential increase
3

Senior Account Executive

5-8 years experience

R1 201 095

est. base salary

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead initiatives
  • Mentor team
  • Strategic input
Next step: +R514 755 potential increase
4

Management Role

8+ years experience

R1 715 850

est. base salary

Key Responsibilities

  • Team leadership
  • Strategic planning
  • Business impact

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Account Executive salary in Johannesburg?

The median Account Executive salary in Johannesburg is R857 925 per year. This figure represents the base salary before commission and bonuses.

How much commission can Account Executive earn in Johannesburg?

Commission for Account Executive positions in Johannesburg typically ranges from R247 230 to R988 920, with a median of R618 075. The structure is uncapped.

What is the total compensation for Account Executive in Johannesburg?

Including base salary and commission, the median total compensation is R1 476 000 per year. High performers can earn significantly more with uncapped commission structures.

What factors affect Account Executive salaries in Johannesburg?

Key factors include: SaaS sector offers premium compensation in Johannesburg, Specialized industry knowledge commands higher rates, Johannesburg is a major hub for SaaS, Industry-specific commission structures apply. Johannesburg cost of living index: 115. Industry benefits offset expenses.

What is the career progression for Account Executive?

Specialization in SaaS accelerates career growth

What are the tax implications for Account Executive salaries in Johannesburg?

Annual income R857 925 taxed at applicable rates.

Trusted Salary Data

Our salary insights are compiled from multiple reputable sources to provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Last updated: 5 November 2025