Highest Paying Jobs in Zambia

You could be a recent high school graduate looking for a career in Zambia, or you could be a recent lay-off or small company owner affected by the present economic slowdown. You could also be looking for a career shift that you’re enthusiastic about. Whatever it is, staying on top of the highest paying jobs is vital for people at all stages of their careers, and knowing which careers pay the most per year will help you determine which path to choose.

When deciding on a career path for yourself, you must examine numerous aspects.

While some people prioritize personal motivation, flexibility, and professional happiness when deciding on a career, others decide the highest paying jobs. If you fall into the latter category, we’ve uncovered jobs in a variety of industries in Zambia where you can earn much more money.

Mining, medical, finance, engineering, technology, legal, and human resources are among the industries represented. This article will cover the average income per year for each job, ensuring that you have all the necessary information.

All pay data has been taken from

. Zambia Labour Market Trends Report

. Salary surveys and industry reports

1o. Highest Paying Jobs in Zambia.

1. Mining Sector

Zambia is renowned for its rich mineral resources, making the mining sector a cornerstone of the economy. Professionals in this industry, such as mining engineers, geologists, and project managers, are highly sought after and well-compensated. With ongoing investments in copper, cobalt, and other minerals, mining-related careers continue to offer attractive salaries and benefits.

. Mining Engineer

. Average Salary: ZMW 400,000 per year

. Skills: Mining operations management, engineering expertise

2. Medical and Healthcare

Healthcare professionals, including doctors, specialists, and healthcare administrators, are crucial in providing essential services to Zambia’s population. The demand for qualified medical professionals is high, especially in urban centres and rural areas where healthcare infrastructure is expanding. Competitive salaries, along with opportunities for career advancement and specialization, make healthcare a rewarding field in Zambia.

. Medical Specialist (e.g., Surgeon)

. Average Salary: ZMW 350,000 per year

. Skills: Medical expertise, surgical skills, patient care

3. Information Technology (IT) Manager

With the rapid digital transformation across Zambia, IT and telecommunications professionals are in high demand. Roles such as software developers, network engineers, and IT project managers are essential for businesses and organizations adopting new technologies. The IT sector offers attractive salaries, particularly for individuals with skills in cybersecurity, cloud computing, and data analytics.

. IT Manager

. Average Salary: ZMW 300,000 per year

. Skills: IT infrastructure management, software development

4. Finance and Banking (e.g. Financial Manager)

The finance and banking sector in Zambia is another area where skilled professionals can command high salaries. Roles such as financial analysts, investment bankers, and risk managers are critical in driving economic growth and stability. As Zambia’s economy expands, so does the demand for financial expertise, making this sector a lucrative option for ambitious professionals.

5. Pilot [Commercial]

The job of a pilot is challenging; you need to stay away from family and friends for weeks. At the same time, you will enjoy free flying to different destinations and meet new people, and get paid a good salary.

Pilot (Commercial)

. Average Salary: ZMW 250,000 per year

. Skills: Aviation knowledge, flight operations, safety regulations

6. Oil and gas engineer

In Zambia, oil and gas engineers play a critical role in the exploration, extraction, and management of oil and gas resources. Their responsibilities include: Exploration and Drilling: Production Management: maintenance and safety, projects management, and regulatory compliance.

Zambia’s oil and gas sector is relatively small compared to other countries, but it is growing, particularly with potential exploration and production activities. Engineers in this field often work with both local and international companies, contributing to the development of the country’s energy sector and its economic growth.

Engineer (e.g. Oil and gas engineers)

. Average Salary: ZMW 240,000 per year

. Skills: Petroleum engineering, project management

7. Legal Services (e.g. Attorney)

Legal professionals, including lawyers and legal advisors, play a crucial role in safeguarding business interests and ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks. The legal sector in Zambia offers well-paying opportunities, particularly for those specializing in corporate law, commercial litigation, and regulatory affairs.

Legal Practitioner (e.g., Attorney)

. Average Salary: ZMW 220,000 per year

. Skills: Legal expertise, litigation, legal advisory

8. Human resources (HR) Manager

Human Resources (HR) is a department within an organization that focuses on managing and supporting employees. HR responsibilities typically include recruiting and hiring staff, administering employee benefits, handling workplace disputes, ensuring compliance with labour laws of Zambia, and fostering a positive work environment. The goal of HR is to maximize employee performance and satisfaction while aligning with the organization’s objectives.

Average Salary: ZMW 200,000 per year

. Skills: Human resources management, employee relations

9. Marketing Manager

A Marketing Manager is responsible for planning, executing, and overseeing marketing strategies to promote a company’s products or services. Their duties include conducting market research in Zambia, developing marketing campaigns, managing budgets, and analysing campaign performance. They work to understand consumer needs, identify market trends, and position the brand effectively to drive sales and enhance brand awareness. They often collaborate with other departments, such as sales and product development, to align marketing efforts with overall business goals.

. Marketing Manager

. Average Salary: ZMW 180,000 per year

. Skills: Marketing strategy, digital marketing, consumer behaviour

10. Civil Engineer

Engineering remains a pivotal sector in Zambia, encompassing civil engineering, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering, among others. Infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, and energy initiatives, require skilled engineers to ensure successful implementation. Engineers with specialized skills and experience can expect competitive compensation packages and opportunities to contribute to Zambia’s development goals.

. Average Salary: ZMW 160,000 per year

. Skills: Infrastructure design, construction management

In conclusion, Zambia offers a range of highest paid jobs across different sectors, driven by economic growth and industry demands. Whether you are considering a career change or starting your professional journey, exploring opportunities in mining, finance, healthcare, IT, engineering, legal services, and management consulting can lead to rewarding careers with competitive salaries and prospects for advancement.