Dentist vs Pharmacist salary
In South Africa, a dentist earns about 44% more than a pharmacist — $73,994 vs $51,429 per year.
Showing amounts in USD (USD default; source data is ZAR). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Dentist | Pharmacist |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $50,689 | $39,859 |
| 25th | $62,338 | $45,644 |
| Median | $73,994 | $51,429 |
| 75th | $88,236 | $58,498 |
| Senior (90th) | $102,484 | $65,573 |
National South Africa figures in ZAR. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Healthcare comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a dentist or pharmacist earn more in South Africa?
- A dentist earns more, at about R 1 210 000 per year vs R 841 000 for a pharmacist — roughly 44% (R 369 000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in South Africa?
- A dentist typically earns R 828 900–R 1 675 900, while a pharmacist earns R 651 800–R 1 072 300 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in South Africa?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a dentist averages about R 100 800 and a pharmacist about R 70 100.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in South Africa, a dentist earns about R 828 900 while a pharmacist earns about R 651 800 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in South Africa, a dentist earns about R 1 675 900 while a pharmacist earns about R 1 072 300 per year.
- Are dentist and pharmacist similar careers?
- Both roles sit in the Healthcare category on Pay by Role, which is why we compare them head-to-head. Day-to-day work still differs — review each job page for skills and outlook.