Understanding Salaries in Dar es Salaam
Dar es Salaam is Tanzania's economic heart, and salaries here are the highest in the country — typically 20-40% above other cities. However, the cost of living is also higher, particularly for housing in popular neighborhoods like Masaki, Mikocheni, and Oyster Bay.
Salaries in Tanzania are typically quoted monthly in Tanzanian Shillings (TZS). Most formal employers offer additional benefits including health insurance (NHIF or private), pension contributions (NSSF), and annual leave. Some companies, particularly multinationals and NGOs, offer housing allowances and transport allowances on top of base salary.
Salary Ranges by Industry
**Technology & Software Development** - Junior Developer: TZS 800,000 – 1,500,000/month - Mid-level Developer: TZS 1,500,000 – 3,000,000/month - Senior/Lead Developer: TZS 3,000,000 – 7,000,000/month - IT Manager: TZS 3,500,000 – 8,000,000/month
**Banking & Financial Services** - Teller/Customer Service: TZS 500,000 – 1,000,000/month - Accountant: TZS 800,000 – 2,000,000/month - Financial Analyst: TZS 1,500,000 – 3,500,000/month - Branch Manager: TZS 2,500,000 – 5,000,000/month
**Sales & Marketing** - Sales Representative: TZS 500,000 – 1,200,000/month + commissions - Marketing Coordinator: TZS 700,000 – 1,500,000/month - Sales Manager: TZS 1,500,000 – 4,000,000/month - Head of Marketing: TZS 3,000,000 – 7,000,000/month
**Healthcare** - Nurse: TZS 500,000 – 1,500,000/month - General Practitioner: TZS 1,500,000 – 3,500,000/month - Specialist Doctor: TZS 3,000,000 – 8,000,000/month - Hospital Administrator: TZS 2,000,000 – 5,000,000/month
**Hospitality & Tourism** - Front Desk/Reception: TZS 400,000 – 800,000/month - Chef/Cook: TZS 500,000 – 2,000,000/month - Hotel Manager: TZS 1,500,000 – 4,000,000/month - General Manager (International Hotel): TZS 5,000,000 – 15,000,000/month
Negotiation Tips for the Tanzanian Market
Salary negotiation is common and expected in Tanzania. Here are practical tips:
**Research first:** Use Nafasi's salary data and ask professionals in your network about typical ranges for your role and experience level.
**Consider the full package:** A lower base salary with housing allowance, health insurance, and transport can be more valuable than a higher base with no benefits.
**Know your minimum:** Calculate your cost of living in Dar es Salaam before entering negotiations. Rent alone can consume 30-50% of a mid-level salary.
**Timing matters:** Negotiate at the offer stage, not during initial interviews. Express enthusiasm for the role before discussing numbers.
**Be realistic:** International salary benchmarks don't directly apply to Tanzania. Focus on local market rates for your experience level.
Cost of Living Context
**Housing (monthly rent):** - 1-bedroom apartment, Mikocheni area: TZS 400,000 – 800,000 - 2-bedroom apartment, Masaki area: TZS 800,000 – 2,000,000 - 3-bedroom house, Mbezi Beach: TZS 600,000 – 1,500,000
**Other monthly costs:** - Groceries: TZS 300,000 – 600,000 - Transport (dala dala/bus): TZS 50,000 – 100,000 - Transport (personal car, fuel): TZS 200,000 – 400,000 - Utilities: TZS 100,000 – 250,000 - Internet: TZS 50,000 – 150,000
A comfortable lifestyle in Dar es Salaam for a single professional typically requires TZS 1,200,000 – 2,500,000/month minimum.