Last Updated on February 13, 2023
Medicine is one of the most prestigious studies in the world. Generally, doctors from different parts of the world earn good salaries every month. How much does a doctor earn in South Africa? Salaries vary by area of expertise and experience.
Table of Contents
Who Is A Doctor?
A physician, medical practitioner, medical doctor, or simply doctor, is a health professional who practices medicine, which is concerned with promoting, maintaining, or restoring health through the study, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of disease, injury, and other physical and mental impairments.
How To Become A Medical Doctor In South Africa
Being a medical doctor requires a person with direct responsibility for the life and welfare of the patient, alongside key skills which include commitment, time management, teamwork, excellent listening skills, empathy, good communication skills as well as proficiency with special medical tools.
Therefore, anyone training to practice in the field of medicine must not only be competent, capable, and intelligent but must also ensure that their level of training is exceptionally thorough.
Step For Becoming A Doctor In South Africa
1. Education
The first step to becoming a doctor starts right from college days. As a doctor in view, you are expected to perform and have good grades in O’level examination. Having A’s, B’s or at least C grades in Mathematics, Biology, Physics and Chemistry, is a sure way of getting admission in the University to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery(MBChb) which takes six years.
Asides the O’level entry method, a Diploma with a credit pass or higher in the relevant field from a reputable institution is also allowed. A pass in diploma can only be considered if those applying have a minimum of two years of relevant experience after graduation.
2. Residential Doctors Training
This is the second step for becoming a doctor. Once you graduate, you are required to participate in a one-year residency training program at a public or private hospital. During this time you will be supervised to ensure you master what is expected of you.
3. License Acquisition
This is the most important step for becoming a medical doctor. Without a license, the long years in school are null and void. It is evidence to prove you’re qualified to practice. The license is issued by South Africa Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board and this is issued after passing the necessary professional examinations.
4. Join Medical Association
South African doctors have an association called the South African Medical Association. This promotes the interests and rights of doctors. Joining such an association will give you the opportunity to network, get exposure and job opportunities.
For those whose wish to become specialists, at least, 4-8 years of specialty training and study is required.
Top 10 Medical Schools In South Africa
In no particular order, the top 10 medical schools in South Africa are:
- University of Cape Town
- University of Witwatersrand
- Stellenbosch University
- University of KwaZulu Natal
- University of Pretoria
- University of the Free State
- University of Limpopo
- Walter Sisulu University
- University of Western Cape
- Nelson Mandela University
Doctors Salary In South Africa Per Month
The Impracticability of having a randomly fixed Salary structure for Medical Doctors in South Africa makes it impossible for us to determine the exact Salary which a Doctor in South Africa earns. However, for easier reference I deemed it fit to consider the Salary of Doctors in South Africa with respect to their area of Specialization.
The Areas of Specialization to be considered are:
10. Nephrologist – R177,875 pm/ R2,134,500 pa
Many people wonder how much a doctor’s salary in South Africa is. A nephrologist is a medic who diagnoses, treats, and manages acute and chronic kidney problems and diseases.
This expert has an average monthly pay of R177,875 or R2,134,500 per annum. The demand for nephrologists in SA is high because the number of people dealing with kidney-related complications is on the rise.
9. Dermatologist – R187,588 pm/ R2,251,062 pa
Did you know a dermatologist is a medical doctor who specialises in conditions affecting the skin, hair, and nails? This is another specialist in high demand because many people want flawless skin.
Besides, skin conditions are frequent in the country. A dermatologist takes home an average of R187,588 monthly or R2,251,062 annually.
8. Trauma surgeon – R213,573 pm/ R2,562,885 pa
Trauma surgeons are also called critical care or acute care surgeons. These are specialists who perform emergency surgeries on people who have had critical injuries or illnesses. They have an income of R213,573 monthly or R2,562,885 annually.
7. Cardiologist – R216,048 pm/ R2,592,582 pa
A cardiologist’s salary in South Africa varies depending on their contract and experience. The average pay is R216,048 monthly or R2,592,582 per year. Cardiologists are experts in the care of heart and blood vessels.
6. Anaesthesiologist – R218,400 pm/ R2,620,794 pa
An anaesthesiologist earns an average of R218,400 per month or R2,620,794 per annum in SA. An anesthesiologist is a specialist who gives a patient medication to block pain when they are undergoing surgery.
They also conduct assessments in critical care units, deal with emergency situations, and give advice about pain management.
5. Paediatric surgeon – R239,002 pm/ R2,868,025 pa
Pediatric surgeons are experts who treat children. They are trained to perform operations on infants, children, and young adults. They have an income of R239,002 per month or R2,868,025 per year.
4. Plastic surgeon – R246,240 pm/ R2,954,890 pa
Many people believe plastic surgeons only perform cosmetic procedures because of the rise in the number of people doing voluntary body modification procedures.
These experts also repair injuries and congenital defects that affect function or appearance. They earn an average of R246,240 per month or R2,954,890 per year.
3. Transplant surgeon – R253,665 pm/ R3,043,982 pa
A transplant surgeon is a specialist with special training in transplantation procedures. They replace a patient’s organ with an organ from another person. These experts earn an average of R253,665 per month or R3,043,982 per year.
2. Orthopaedic surgeon – R262,822 pm/ R3,153,863 pa
Orthopedic surgeons are actively involved in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases and disorders of the bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, and muscles.
Some are generalists, while others specialize in certain areas of the body. These specialists have an average pay of R262,822 per month or R3,153,863 per year.
1. Chief of Surgery – R323,639 pm/ R3,883,676 pa
The Chief of Surgery is a doctor who works in the surgical department. They direct other members of staff and oversee programs in this department.
They must work closely with hospital staff, department directors, and other physicians to ensure the highest standards of quality and service are observed and maintained. A Chief of Surgery has an average pay of R323,639 per month or R3,883,676 annually.
Other highly-paying medical jobs
Other well-paid medical professionals are listed below.
- Neurologist – R1,990,467 per annum
- Oral and maxillofacial surgeon – R1,933,300 per annum
- Specialist in internal medicine – R1,827,132 per annum
- Internist – R1,827,132 per annum
Who is the richest doctor in South Africa?
Patrick Soon-Shiong, a Chinese-South African transplant surgeon and businessman, is the richest doctor in South Africa. He is the inventor of Abraxane, an effective drug against pancreatic cancer. He is worth a whopping $6.9 billion in 2023.
How much is a neurologist’s salary in South Africa?
A neurologist earns an average of R1,990,467 per annum or R165,872 monthly.
Which doctor gets paid the most in South Africa?
Chiefs of Surgery are arguably the highest-paid doctors in South Africa in 2023. They have an average pay of R323,639 per month or R3,883,676 annually.
How much do intern doctors earn in South Africa?
The average intern doctor pay in SA is R299,288 per year or R24,940 per month.
How much do doctors earn in South Africa? The amount they earn depends on their education level, experience, and area of specialization. Generally, medical experts have impressive salaries.
Conclusion
Doctors in South Africa make a decent salary every month not to mention the extra money they make as allowances. It is important to know that if you want to increase your income as a doctor in South Africa you should consider specializing in one sector, gaining more years of experience, or simply increasing your level of education by studying in your field even more.