South Africa’s top 10 fastest growing jobs in 2025
As South Africa's unemployment rates continue to soar, the latest report from CareerJunction has revealed the top 10 fastest-growing jobs in the country.
Image: Henk Kruger/Independent Newspapers
As South Africa's unemployment rates continue to soar, the latest report from CareerJunction has revealed the top 10 fastest-growing jobs in the country.
Last week, Statistics South Africa revealed that unemployment has jumped to 33.2% in the second quarter of 2025, with around 8.4 million people now unemployed.
The report also revealed that young people continue to bear the brunt of unemployment, with around 42% of the unemployed aged between 15 and 34.
“The number of jobs we are creating as a country is not catching up with the gap of those who are unemployed,” Statistician-General Risenga Maluleke said earlier this week.
However, according to the latest CareerJunction Employment Insights Report, amid the growing crisis of joblessness in the country, some jobs are growing rapidly.
The report highlights the top 10 fastest-growing roles in South Africa, with strong demand for skilled professionals in fields like engineering, manufacturing, and creative industries.
According to the report, these are the top 10 fastest-growing jobs in South Africa:
Civil and structural engineers
Since 2021, demand for Civil / Structural Engineers has skyrocketed by +232%, with a steady year-on-year growth of +2%," the report noted.
Mechanical engineers
Since 2021, demand for Mechanical Engineers has skyrocketed by +142%, with a notable leap in hiring activity from 2022 to 2023. Year-on-year, hiring has continued to grow by +7%"
Tool and die makers
"Since 2021, demand for Tool / Die Makers has shot up by +78%, with a significant leap in growth from 2022 to 2023. Year-on-year, hiring activity has grown by +14%, underscoring the increasing need for these critical artisans in the manufacturing sector".
Electrical and Electronic equipment technicians
Labour demand for Electrical & Electronic Equipment Technicians has surged by +57% since 2021, indicating strong employment prospects for jobseekers. With +37% growth in hiring activity year-on-year.
Graphic, print, and packaging designers
Since 2021, demand for Graphic / Print / Packaging Designers has soared by +63%, making it a high-growth field. With a +24% year-on-year increase in hiring activity
Payroll and wages officers
Since 2021, demand for Payroll & Wages Officers has grown dramatically by +78%, with a +10% increase in hiring activity year-on-year.
Senior managers
Since 2021, demand for Senior Managers has increased by +23%, reflecting their vital role in business success. With +21% year-on-year growth in hiring activity,
Executive managers and Directors
Since 2021, demand for Executive Managers / Directors has risen by +14%, with a +11% increase in hiring activity year-on-year
Taxation specialists
Since 2021, demand for Taxation Specialists has grown by +33%, with a significant boost in hiring activity from 2022 to 2023. Year-on-year, hiring has increased by +6%
Business developer
Since 2021, demand for Business Developers has grown by +23%, with year-on-year growth of +1%. While hiring activity has remained steady
mthobisi.nozulela@iol.co.za
IOL Business