High-Paying Jobs that Don't Require Maths in South Africa - Studies (2024)

So, you are one of those folks that strongly feel like mathematics’ importance in today’s society is highly exaggerated? Well, in this article, we list various high-paying jobs that don’t require maths in South Africa. South Africa, like many other countries, has a high demand for jobs that do not require mathematical skills. This is particularly true for those who may have struggled with math in the past or for those who simply do not have an interest in the subject. Despite this, many of these jobs offer competitive salaries, providing a great opportunity for those who may not have excelled in math to still have a successful career.

According to a report by Statistics South Africa, the literacy and numeracy skills among adults in South Africa are alarmingly low, with only about 27% of adults having basic numeracy skills. This significant gap in skills means that a large portion of the population is excluded from many job opportunities that require mathematical proficiency, which exacerbates unemployment and economic inequality. Despite this, there are still numerous well-paying careers that do not require advanced math skills, such as in sales, creative arts, and some administrative roles, providing alternative pathways for success and financial stability in the workforce​ (DHET)​​ (UNICEF)​​ (GroundUp News)​.

List of High-Paying Jobs that Don’t Require Maths in South Africa

Here are a few examples of high-paying jobs that do not require math in South Africa:

Sales Representative

Sales representatives are responsible for promoting and selling products or services to customers. This role does not require advanced math skills as it focuses more on communication, persuasion, and relationship-building. They typically earn a base salary with the potential to earn commissions based on their sales. According to Payscale, the average salary for a sales representative in South Africa is R144,000 per year.

Human Resources Manager

Human resources managers oversee the personnel of an organization, handling tasks such as recruiting, hiring, and training employees. This position does not require advanced math skills because it is more about understanding people, organizational behavior, and effective communication. According to Payscale, the average salary for a human resources manager in South Africa is R510,000 per year.

Public Relations Specialist

Public relations specialists manage an organization’s image and reputation. They handle communication with the public and the media, crafting messages that maintain or enhance the public perception of their organization. This role does not require advanced math skills as it focuses on strategic thinking, creativity, and communication. According to Payscale, the average salary for a public relations specialist in South Africa is R360,000 per year.

Graphic Designer

Graphic designers create visual concepts using computer software or by hand to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, or captivate consumers. This position does not require advanced math skills because it relies on creativity, technical skills, and an eye for detail. According to Payscale, the average salary for a graphic designer in South Africa is R180,000 per year.

Social Worker

Social workers provide assistance and support to individuals and families in need, helping them navigate challenges and improve their well-being. This job does not require advanced math skills as it is centered around empathy, patience, and strong interpersonal skills. They typically earn a base salary with the potential to earn bonuses based on their performance. According to Payscale, the average salary for a social worker in South Africa is R180,000 per year.

Real Estate Agent

Real estate agents assist clients in buying, selling, and renting properties. This role emphasizes negotiation, market knowledge, and interpersonal skills rather than advanced math. According to Payscale, the average salary for a real estate agent in South Africa is R220,000 per year.

Event Planner

Event planners coordinate and manage events such as weddings, conferences, and parties. This job relies on organizational skills, creativity, and attention to detail. According to Payscale, the average salary for an event planner in South Africa is R200,000 per year.

Executive Assistant

Executive assistants provide high-level administrative support to executives in organizations. This role focuses on organization, communication, and problem-solving rather than math skills. According to Payscale, the average salary for an executive assistant in South Africa is R300,000 per year.

Journalist

Journalists research, write, and report news stories for various media outlets. This job requires strong writing, research, and communication skills rather than math. According to Payscale, the average salary for a journalist in South Africa is R180,000 per year.

Customer Service Manager

Customer service managers oversee customer service departments, ensuring customer satisfaction and handling complaints. This position emphasizes communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills. According to Payscale, the average salary for a customer service manager in South Africa is R270,000 per year.

Administrative Assistant

Administrative assistants handle various office tasks, such as scheduling, filing, and correspondence. This role requires organizational and communication skills rather than math. According to Payscale, the average salary for an administrative assistant in South Africa is R120,000 per year.

Legal Secretary

Legal secretaries provide administrative support to lawyers and legal teams. This job requires attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and knowledge of legal procedures rather than math. According to Payscale, the average salary for a legal secretary in South Africa is R180,000 per year.

Marketing Specialist

Marketing specialists develop and implement marketing strategies to promote products and services. This role emphasizes creativity, communication, and strategic planning rather than math. According to Payscale, the average salary for a marketing specialist in South Africa is R240,000 per year.

Travel Agent

Travel agents assist clients in planning and booking travel arrangements. This job focuses on customer service, organization, and knowledge of travel options rather than math. According to Payscale, the average salary for a travel agent in South Africa is R150,000 per year.

Content Writer

Content writers create written content for websites, blogs, and other digital platforms. This role requires strong writing and research skills rather than math. According to Payscale, the average salary for a content writer in South Africa is R150,000 per year.

These careers offer viable opportunities for individuals who may not have strong math skills but possess other valuable talents and attributes.

Video: The Highest Paying Jobs That DON’T REQUIRE MATH

In conclusion, South Africa has a high demand for jobs that do not require mathematical skills. This is particularly true for those who may have struggled with math in the past or for those who simply do not have an interest in the subject. Despite this, many of these jobs offer competitive salaries, providing a great opportunity for those who may not have excelled in math to still have a successful career. The jobs listed above are just a few examples of high-paying jobs that do not require math in South Africa, and there are many more opportunities available to those who may not have strong math skills.

Lack of Mathematics Skills is not the End of the World

It can be disappointing to not have passed mathematics in grade 12 as well as you had hoped. However, it’s important to remember that there are many courses and career paths available to you that may not necessarily require a strong background in mathematics.

It’s true that some fields, such as engineering or finance, may require a stronger background in math. However, there are many other fields, such as business, marketing, design, and social work, that do not require a strong math background.

It’s also important to remember that even in fields that do require math, there are often ways to succeed without excelling in the subject. For example, you may be able to take courses or seek out resources that can help you improve your math skills, or you may be able to find a role within the field that doesn’t require as much math.

Overall, it’s important to keep in mind that your future is not limited by your performance in one subject. There are many opportunities available to you and many ways to succeed. I encourage you to explore different fields and career paths, and to not let your performance in math hold you back.