Occupational Therapist vs Registered Nurse salary
In South Africa, a occupational therapist earns about 8% more than a registered nurse — $34,367 vs $31,799 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
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Healthcare
Occupational Therapist$34,367/yr
- Monthly
- $2,862
- Hourly
- $17
- Range
- $25,708–$44,953
- 10-yr outlook
- +12%
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Occupational Therapist | Registered Nurse |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $25,708 | $23,213 |
| 25th | $30,038 | $27,506 |
| Median | $34,367 | $31,799 |
| 75th | $39,657 | $37,046 |
| Senior (90th) | $44,953 | $42,293 |
National South Africa figures in ZAR. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Healthcare comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a occupational therapist or registered nurse earn more in South Africa?
- A occupational therapist earns more, at about R 562 000 per year vs R 520 000 for a registered nurse — roughly 8% (R 42 000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in South Africa?
- A occupational therapist typically earns R 420 400–R 735 100, while a registered nurse earns R 379 600–R 691 600 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in South Africa?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a occupational therapist averages about R 46 800 and a registered nurse about R 43 300.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in South Africa, a occupational therapist earns about R 420 400 while a registered nurse earns about R 379 600 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in South Africa, a occupational therapist earns about R 735 100 while a registered nurse earns about R 691 600 per year.
- Are occupational therapist and registered nurse 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.