Gross salary is the amount before tax and statutory deductions; net (take-home) pay is what reaches your account after them. Every vacancy on this site shows a gross monthly range in US dollars, so compare offers on the same basis and ask the employer for a net estimate.
When a vacancy says "Gross monthly salary: USD 1,200–1,800", that is the amount before anything is deducted. What you take home will be lower.
What is deducted from gross pay?
Deductions differ by country and change over time, but they commonly include:
- Income tax (PAYE) — Pay As You Earn, deducted by your employer and paid to the revenue authority (for example the Kenya Revenue Authority, Uganda Revenue Authority or Tanzania Revenue Authority).
- Social security / pension contributions — for example NSSF in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, or RSSB in Rwanda.
- Health insurance or levies where the law requires them — for example Kenya's Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) and the affordable housing levy.
Rates and thresholds change with budgets and new laws, so check the current figures with the relevant revenue authority or your employer's HR team rather than relying on an old payslip.
Why do adverts here show USD?
Many roles in the region are compared across borders, and some employers pay in US dollars. Showing every salary as a gross monthly USD range lets you compare a vacancy in Kigali with one in Dar es Salaam on the same basis.
If an employer pays in a local currency — KES, UGX, TZS, RWF and so on — the job page says so. In that case the USD figures are the employer's stated equivalent, and the shillings or francs you receive may move with exchange rates. We never convert currencies ourselves.
Benefits are separate
Medical cover, pension top-ups, transport or housing allowances, bonuses and commission are listed separately from the salary range. Two jobs with the same gross salary can be very different once benefits are included, so read that section too.
How to compare two offers
- Compare gross monthly to gross monthly.
- Ask each employer for an estimated net figure.
- Add the value of benefits you would otherwise pay for yourself (for example medical cover).
- Consider the currency you will be paid in.
Asking about salary is normal
On this platform the salary range is mandatory, so you never have to guess. It is still reasonable to ask how the final figure within the range is decided.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between gross and net salary?
Gross salary is before tax and statutory deductions. Net salary, or take-home pay, is what remains after them.
Why are salaries shown in US dollars?
So candidates can compare roles across East African countries on the same basis. If the employer pays in local currency, the job page says so and the USD range is their stated equivalent.
Are allowances included in the salary range?
No. Benefits, allowances, bonuses and commission are listed separately and are in addition to the gross salary range.
How do I find out my net salary?
Ask the employer for the net amount for your role. Deductions differ by country and by your situation.
Is the advertised range the final offer?
No. It's the range the employer plans to pay for the role; your offer depends on your experience and the interview.
Why do some jobs mention a local currency?
The employer pays in that currency. The USD range is the employer's stated equivalent, and what you receive can differ with exchange rates.
