While comparing salaries from different time periods has its challenges, it is worth noting that some scientists earned far more than others, as well as a divide between the wages of men and women. In Einstein’s case, he had the added advantage of already being famous by the time he arrived at Princeton University in 1933. They had suggested a salary of $3,000, but the university didn’t want other scholars being paid more than Einstein, and increased the salary to $10,000.

Some of them certainly deserved a raise. Marie’s research on radium was conducted without a salary, but in 1904, as Chief of Work in Physics at the University of Paris, she was given a salary of 2,400 old Francs. Within two years she was promoted to Chief of Research Work and earning 10,000 old Francs.

Regardless of the time and career differences, this insight is a bright highlight to the fact that knowledge and skills are not the only factors impacting salary level in any part of the world, including South Africa.