10 Highest Paid Doctors in South Africa
The 10 Highest Paid Doctors in South Africa revealed.
We tested them side by side and verified their annual salaries.
This is a complete guide to the highest paid doctors in South Africa.
In this in-depth guide you’ll learn:
- What is a specialist doctor?
- When do doctors get paid in South Africa?
- What do government doctors get paid in South Africa?
- Which specialists get paid the most?
- Which doctors are in high demand in South Africa?
- How much do doctors earn in South Africa?
So if you’re ready to go “all in” with the highest paid doctors in South Africa, this guide is for you.
Let’s dive right in…
10 Highest Paid Doctors in South Africa Summary
How much can one expect to make working as a doctor in South Africa?
Studying medicine is often ranked as one of the most prestigious professions in the world. In general, medical professionals in various parts of the world make respectable pay on a monthly basis.
There is typically a significant range of variation in salaries between different fields of specialisation and levels of experience.
The compensation packages that are provided to medical practitioners in South Africa are determined by a variety of elements, such as the level of experience, education level, and area of expertise that the practitioner possesses. For instance, in South Africa, the compensation for a general practitioner is distinct from that of a renal specialist.
It is common knowledge that doctors in South Africa take home hefty incomes on a regular basis. How much can one expect to make working as a doctor in South Africa? The health care system in South Africa is widely regarded as the best developed on the African continent, thanks to the country’s many important contributions to the field of medicine.
In the United States of America it is also common knowledge that medicine is a lucrative business; nevertheless, even within the industry itself, incomes can range widely from one medical subspecialty to the next. There the yearly median wage for all physicians is greater than $208,000 and the typical annual salary for specialists is $284,000.
Our list of the top 10 medical specialties that pay the most money digs into several of these rankings to show you which specialisations actually pay the most money – as well as what you can anticipate encountering while working in those areas.
The following is a list of 10 categories of doctors that are in high demand in South Africa in 2025, along with the average annual salary for each. Take into account that these are only estimates; actual earnings may vary for different people employed by different instances.
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1. Chief of Surgery
One of the surgeons who works in the surgical department is given the title of Chief of Surgery. They are in charge of directing other members of this department’s workforce as well as supervising the various programmes.
They are obligated to collaborate closely with the employees at the hospital, the directors of the various departments, and other physicians in order to guarantee the highest possible standards of quality and service are met and kept.
The salary of a Chief of Surgery in South Africa can vary depending on several factors, including experience, location, and the specific hospital or healthcare facility. However, based on available data, the average gross salary for a Chief of Surgery in South Africa ranges from approximately ZAR 2,212,014 to ZAR 5,899,963 per year.
Here’s a breakdown of the average salary range based on experience:
- Entry-level (1-3 years of experience): ZAR 2,212,014 per year (R184 334 per month)
- Senior-level (8+ years of experience): ZAR 5,899,963 per year (R491 663 per month)
It’s important to note that these figures are estimates and may not reflect the actual salary of every Chief of Surgery in South Africa. Additionally, many Chiefs of Surgery also receive bonuses, which can significantly increase their overall compensation.
2. Orthopaedic surgeon
Orthopaedic surgeons have an active role in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases and conditions that affect the bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, and muscles. Some are generalists, while others focus on a particular part of the body as their area of expertise.
The average gross salary for an Orthopedic Surgeon in South Africa ranges from approximately ZAR 1,974,551 to ZAR 4,414,441 per year.
Here’s a breakdown of the average salary range based on experience:
- Entry-level (1-3 years of experience): ZAR 1,974,551 per year (R164 545 per month)
- Senior-level (8+ years of experience): ZAR 4,414,441 per year (R367 870 per month)
It’s important to note that these figures are estimates and may not reflect the actual salary of every Orthopedic Surgeon in South Africa. Additionally, many Orthopedic Surgeons also receive bonuses, which can significantly increase their overall compensation.
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3. Transplant surgeon
A transplant surgeon is a specialist who has received further training in the procedures involved in transplantation. They take an organ from one person and transplant it into another person who needs it.
The average gross salary for a Transplant Surgeon in South Africa ranges from approximately ZAR 1,843,890 to ZAR 4,353,380 per year.
Here’s a breakdown of the average salary range based on experience:
- Entry-level (1-3 years of experience): ZAR 1,843,890 per year
- Senior-level (8+ years of experience): ZAR 4,353,380 per year
It’s important to note that these figures are estimates and may not reflect the actual salary of every Transplant Surgeon in South Africa. Additionally, many Transplant Surgeons also receive bonuses, which can significantly increase their overall compensation.
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4. Plastic surgeon
As a result of the increasing number of people who choose to voluntarily alter their bodies, there is a widespread misconception that plastic surgeons only undertake treatments that are purely cosmetic in nature.
These professionals also treat injuries and congenital problems that impact function or aesthetics and offer repair services for both.
The average gross salary for a Plastic Surgeon in South Africa ranges from approximately ZAR 2,073,714 to ZAR 4,208,043 per year.
Here’s a breakdown of the average salary range based on experience:
- Entry-level (1-3 years of experience): ZAR 2,073,714 per year
- Senior-level (8+ years of experience): ZAR 4,208,043 per year
It’s important to note that these figures are estimates and may not reflect the actual salary of every Plastic Surgeon in South Africa. Additionally, many Plastic Surgeons also receive bonuses, which can significantly increase their overall compensation.
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5. Paediatric surgeon
Surgeons who specialise in paediatrics are those who treat children. They have received the necessary training to undertake surgical procedures on new-borns, children, and young adults.
The average gross salary for a Paediatric Surgeon in South Africa ranges from approximately ZAR 2,534,792 to ZAR 5,374,551 per year.
Here’s a breakdown of the average salary range based on experience:
- Entry-level (1-3 years of experience): ZAR 2,534,792 per year
- Senior-level (8+ years of experience): ZAR 5,374,551 per year
It’s important to note that these figures are estimates and may not reflect the actual salary of every Paediatric Surgeon in South Africa. Additionally, many Paediatric Surgeons also receive bonuses, which can significantly increase their overall compensation.
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6. Anaesthesiologist
An anaesthesiologist is a medical practitioner that administers drugs to patients in order to alleviate their discomfort prior to, during, and after surgical procedures. In addition to this, they are responsible for performing assessments within critical care units, responding to emergency situations, and providing guidance for pain management.
The average gross salary for an Anesthesiologist in South Africa ranges from approximately ZAR 1,808,026 to ZAR 4,700,640 per year.
Here’s a breakdown of the average salary range based on experience:
- Entry-level (1-3 years of experience): ZAR 1,808,026 per year
- Senior-level (8+ years of experience): ZAR 4,700,640 per year
It’s important to note that these figures are estimates and may not reflect the actual salary of every Anesthesiologist in South Africa. Additionally, many Anesthesiologists also receive bonuses, which can significantly increase their overall compensation.
7. Cardiologist
Cardiologists are medical professionals that specialise in the treatment of heart and blood vascular conditions.
The amount of money that a cardiologist can make in South Africa is contingent on their employment contract as well as their level of expertise.
The average gross salary for a Cardiologist in South Africa ranges from approximately ZAR 2,276,578 to ZAR 4,640,851 per year.
Here’s a breakdown of the average salary range based on experience:
- Entry-level (1-3 years of experience): ZAR 2,276,578 per year
- Senior-level (8+ years of experience): ZAR 4,640,851 per year
8. Trauma surgeon
Trauma surgeons are also called critical care or acute care surgeons. These are the specialists who are qualified to do emergency surgery on patients who have suffered from life-threatening illnesses or injuries.
The average gross salary for a Trauma Surgeon in South Africa ranges from approximately ZAR 2,291,257 to ZAR 4,858,180 per year.
Here’s a breakdown of the average salary range based on experience:
- Entry-level (1-3 years of experience): ZAR 2,291,257 per year
- Senior-level (8+ years of experience): ZAR 4,858,180 per year
9. Dermatologist
A medical doctor who specialises in conditions that affect the skin, hair, and nails is called a dermatologist. Dermatologists treat a wide variety of dermatological conditions – another expert who is in high demand since so many people strive for beautiful skin. In addition, many people in the country suffer from skin disorders.
The average gross salary for a Dermatologist in South Africa ranges from approximately ZAR 2,028,754 to ZAR 4,063,722 per year.
Here’s a breakdown of the average salary range based on experience:
- Entry-level (1-3 years of experience): ZAR 2,028,754 per year
- Senior-level (8+ years of experience): ZAR 4,063,722 per year
10. Nephrologist
Nephrologists are medical professionals that specialise in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of acute and chronic kidney conditions and disorders. Because an increasing number of individuals in SA are suffering with kidney-related issues, there is a strong demand for nephrologists to treat patients.
The average gross salary for a Nephrologist in South Africa ranges from approximately ZAR 1,843,233 to ZAR 3,610,831 per year.
Here’s a breakdown of the average salary range based on experience:
- Entry-level (1-3 years of experience): ZAR 1,843,233 per year
- Senior-level (8+ years of experience): ZAR 3,610,831 per year
FAQ
Which doctor gets paid the most in South Africa?
Chiefs of Surgery seems to be the highest-paid doctors in South Africa in 2025. They get an average paycheque of more than R323,000 per month or R3,883,600 annually.
What is a General surgeon?
A general surgeon is a doctor whose work involves a broad range of conditions affecting most areas of the body. It is a versatile specialty that offers training in many conditions and types of procedures.
What determines a doctor’s salary in South Africa?
The amount a doctor can earn in South Africa depends on their education level, experience, and area of specialisation.
How much do intern doctors earn in South Africa?
The average intern doctor in South Africa earns around R299,000 per year or R24,900 per month.
In which country do doctors pay most?
Luxembourg, a small country in Western Europe with population around 632 000, is considered the country where doctors pay most. Luxembourg is among the top 10 countries around the world where the quality of life is the highest, though.
What doctor gets paid the least?
Paediatricians are among the doctors that have the lowest annual salary; however, they usually work fewer hours than most specialties. The biggest draw for doctors to specialise in paediatrics is because they want to work with children.
