Knowing what your profession earns in Kenya helps you negotiate your salary, plan your finances, and make informed career decisions. This guide covers average gross and net salaries across major professions in Kenya for 2026, based on publicly available market data from BrighterMonday, LinkedIn Salary Insights, and industry surveys.
How to Read This Guide
All salaries below are monthly gross figures — what your employer pays before deductions. Your actual take-home pay is lower after PAYE tax, SHIF, NSSF Phase 4, and Housing Levy deductions.
These figures are market estimates based on salary survey data — not official government statistics. Actual salaries vary by employer, location, qualifications, and negotiation. Use our free PAYE calculator to see exactly what any gross salary becomes after all 2026 deductions.
Technology & Software
The technology sector offers some of the highest salaries in Kenya, particularly for experienced professionals with in-demand skills.
| Role | Entry (0–2 yrs) | Mid (3–5 yrs) | Senior (6+ yrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Developer | KES 60,000–90,000 | KES 120,000–200,000 | KES 250,000–500,000+ |
| Data Analyst | KES 50,000–80,000 | KES 100,000–160,000 | KES 180,000–300,000 |
| UX/UI Designer | KES 45,000–70,000 | KES 90,000–150,000 | KES 160,000–250,000 |
| IT Support | KES 30,000–50,000 | KES 55,000–85,000 | KES 90,000–150,000 |
| Cybersecurity Analyst | KES 70,000–110,000 | KES 130,000–200,000 | KES 220,000–400,000 |
| Product Manager | KES 80,000–120,000 | KES 150,000–250,000 | KES 280,000–500,000 |
Net pay example: A mid-level software developer earning KES 150,000 gross takes home approximately KES 107,200 after all 2026 deductions. Calculate yours →
Finance & Accounting
| Role | Entry | Mid | Senior |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accountant | KES 40,000–65,000 | KES 80,000–130,000 | KES 150,000–300,000 |
| Auditor | KES 50,000–75,000 | KES 90,000–150,000 | KES 170,000–350,000 |
| Financial Analyst | KES 55,000–85,000 | KES 100,000–170,000 | KES 190,000–350,000 |
| Bank Teller | KES 30,000–45,000 | KES 50,000–75,000 | KES 80,000–120,000 |
| Relationship Manager | KES 60,000–90,000 | KES 100,000–180,000 | KES 200,000–400,000 |
| CFO | — | KES 300,000–500,000 | KES 500,000–1,500,000 |
Healthcare
| Role | Entry | Mid | Senior |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical Officer | KES 35,000–55,000 | KES 60,000–100,000 | KES 110,000–180,000 |
| Registered Nurse | KES 30,000–50,000 | KES 55,000–90,000 | KES 95,000–150,000 |
| Pharmacist | KES 60,000–90,000 | KES 100,000–160,000 | KES 170,000–300,000 |
| Medical Doctor (GP) | KES 80,000–130,000 | KES 150,000–250,000 | KES 280,000–600,000 |
| Specialist Doctor | KES 200,000–350,000 | KES 400,000–700,000 | KES 700,000–2,000,000 |
| Lab Technologist | KES 35,000–55,000 | KES 60,000–95,000 | KES 100,000–160,000 |
Engineering
| Role | Entry | Mid | Senior |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civil Engineer | KES 50,000–80,000 | KES 100,000–170,000 | KES 180,000–350,000 |
| Electrical Engineer | KES 55,000–85,000 | KES 110,000–180,000 | KES 190,000–360,000 |
| Mechanical Engineer | KES 50,000–80,000 | KES 100,000–165,000 | KES 175,000–330,000 |
| Structural Engineer | KES 55,000–90,000 | KES 110,000–190,000 | KES 200,000–400,000 |
| Project Manager | KES 80,000–130,000 | KES 150,000–250,000 | KES 270,000–500,000 |
Education
| Role | Entry | Mid | Senior |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Teacher (TSC) | KES 21,000–35,000 | KES 38,000–55,000 | KES 58,000–90,000 |
| Secondary Teacher (TSC) | KES 28,000–45,000 | KES 48,000–70,000 | KES 75,000–120,000 |
| University Lecturer | KES 80,000–130,000 | KES 140,000–220,000 | KES 230,000–450,000 |
| School Principal | KES 60,000–100,000 | KES 110,000–180,000 | KES 190,000–350,000 |
Legal
| Role | Entry | Mid | Senior |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lawyer (Advocate) | KES 50,000–90,000 | KES 120,000–250,000 | KES 300,000–1,000,000+ |
| Legal Officer | KES 55,000–85,000 | KES 100,000–170,000 | KES 180,000–350,000 |
| Paralegal | KES 30,000–50,000 | KES 55,000–85,000 | KES 90,000–150,000 |
Sales & Marketing
| Role | Entry | Mid | Senior |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sales Representative | KES 25,000–45,000 + commission | KES 50,000–90,000 + commission | KES 100,000–200,000 + commission |
| Marketing Officer | KES 40,000–65,000 | KES 75,000–130,000 | KES 140,000–250,000 |
| Digital Marketer | KES 35,000–60,000 | KES 70,000–120,000 | KES 130,000–220,000 |
| Brand Manager | KES 70,000–110,000 | KES 130,000–210,000 | KES 220,000–400,000 |
What Affects Your Actual Salary
Location: Nairobi salaries are typically 20–40% higher than the same role in other Kenyan cities. NGO and multinational salaries are often 30–60% above equivalent local company roles.
Employer type: Government, NGO, multinational, and listed companies generally pay more than small private firms. However small companies sometimes offer equity or faster career progression.
Certifications: A CPA qualification adds approximately 20–30% to accounting salaries. AWS or Google Cloud certifications add 25–40% to IT salaries. Professional qualifications have direct salary impact in Kenya.
Negotiation: Most Kenyan employers expect negotiation. The initial offer is rarely the final figure. Research your market rate using this guide before entering any salary discussion.
How Much of Your Salary Do You Actually Take Home in 2026?
After PAYE, SHIF (2.75%), NSSF Phase 4, and Housing Levy (1.5%) deductions, here is approximately what you take home. These figures are calculated using our verified 2026 tax logic — use our PAYE calculator for your exact amount.
| Gross salary | Approx. net (take-home) | Effective total deduction |
|---|---|---|
| KES 30,000 | KES 22,800 | 24% |
| KES 60,000 | KES 45,200 | 25% |
| KES 100,000 | KES 73,600 | 26% |
| KES 150,000 | KES 107,200 | 29% |
| KES 250,000 | KES 172,800 | 31% |
| KES 500,000 | KES 328,500 | 34% |
Important note: These are estimates based on statutory deductions only — PAYE, SHIF, NSSF Phase 4, and Housing Levy. Your actual take-home may be lower if you have additional deductions such as HELB loan repayments, company SACCO contributions, or employer medical cover premiums. Use our free PAYE calculator and enter your exact gross salary for a precise breakdown.
Summary
Salaries in Kenya vary significantly by sector, experience, employer type, and location. Technology, finance, legal, and healthcare consistently offer the highest compensation. Teaching and entry-level roles remain the lowest paid despite their social importance.
Whatever you earn, understanding your net take-home pay is essential for budgeting accurately. Gross salary figures on job listings can be misleading — always calculate what you will actually receive before accepting an offer. Use our free PAYE calculator to see your exact deductions instantly.